Photo from Sandro Muhlach's Instagram account

MANILA — Sandro Muhlach is on the road to healing while staying firm in his decision to fight his legal battle, according to his father, actor Niño Muhlach.

“Bilang tatay, support lang ako. Pag sinabi patatawarin, OK. Pero gusto niya ilaban eh, siyempre sa kanya nangyari. Kasi parang hirap parang binenta mo ginawa sa kanya if mag-settle,” he said in an interview in Quezon City, Saturday afternoon.

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According to Niño, Sandro has gradually been recovering, though the impact remains.

“Dati from three times a week therapy, once na lang. Nakaka-taping na. Dati ayaw lumabas sa maraming tao. Lagi nagkukulong sa kwarto, kahit kami ayaw harapin,” he shared.

A significant source of strength for Sandro has been his girlfriend, Shanelle Agustin.

“Hindi siya kumakain, ang laking bagay ni Shanelle. Hindi siya pinabayaan, kumbaga naging sandigan niya. Believe ako sa bata. Di niya pinabayaan, pinatunayan mahal niya,” he said.

Niño emphasized his unwavering support for his son since he reached out.

“Ever since, I was always behind him during the fight. Never ko pinabayaan, I got the best lawyers. Talagang full support,” he said.

Niño admitted he was initially reluctant to make the issue public fearing it would further hurt his son. He, however,  soon realized it was necessary.

“Noong kinukwento niya sakin nangyari, talagang nadurog puso ko at galit. Hindi niya mahawakan telepono. Talagang nagagalit. Una niya sinabihan brother niya. Tas kwinento ng bunso ko, si Alonzo. Sinabihan siya ng kuya niya, ‘sana di mangyari sayo nangyari sakin.’ Si Alonzo una nagsumbong. Natatakot kasi Sandro magsabi sakin,” he recalled.

“Talagang di ko alam gagawin. Ayoko ilabas kasi naawa ako sa anak ko baka kumalat. Pero there is no other way. Kaya niya nagagawa kasi wala pumapalag. Iniisip ko, Sandro kailangan mangyari sa’yo para lumaban, para tumigil. Baka kung sa ibang baguhan, di matigil e,” he added.

That same night, Niño sought the help of Sen. Bong Revilla and GMA executive Annette Gozon.

“Gabi after. Noong night din na yun nagpunta kami kay Senator Bong. Tinawagan namin Annette, nag-cooperate naman. Gusto talaga niya ilaban,” he said.

As Sandro continues to regain his footing, his father remains steadfast in his support, ensuring that justice is served while helping him move forward.

“Nagharap kami, unang-una nag-sorry sila sa akin,” he recalled.

“Itutuloy niya case. Siyempre sa kanya nangyare. Kung makipag-areglo, ayaw daw niya. I am supportive all the way,” he added.

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