GMA independent contractors Richard Cruz and Jojo Nones appear before the Senate hearing  on the Policies of Television Networks and Artist Management Agencies in relation to Complaints of Abuse and Harassment in Pasay City on August 12, 2024. The two contractors deny claims against them of sexually harassing artist Sandro Muhlach. Mark Demayo, ABS-CBN News MANILA -- A Pasay court has denied the motion to quash the rape through sexual assault case filed by actor Sandro Muhlach against GMA independent contractors Jojo Nones and Richard Cruz. 

Atty. Maggie Abraham-Garduque, legal counsel for Nones and Cruz, confirmed that they received the resolution from Pasay RTC Branch 114 on Tuesday.

DOJ files charges vs Sandro Muhlach's alleged abusers 

"We opted not to file motion for reconsideration anymore. We decided to fight the case on the merits, thus, we informed the court that we are ready for arraignment and pre-trial today," said Abraham-Garduque in a text message to ABS-CBN. 

She added that her clients entered a “not guilty” plea during the arraignment. 

"Under the rules, the burden of proof is on the prosecution to prove beyond reasonable doubt that our client is guilty of the offense charged. Hence, the hearing for the initial presentation of prosecution’s evidence is set on March 19," she said.

Court dismisses acts of lasciviousness cases vs GMA contractors accused of raping Sandro Muhlach

Pasay City court Brand 46 recently dismissed two counts of acts of lasciviousness cases of Cruz and Nones involving actor Sandro Muhlach. It said these are "absorbed" or are part of a separate rape case against them.

In their motions to quash, Cruz and Nones told a court that a rape through sexual assault case is pending against them before the Pasay City Regional Trial Court Branch 114.