Actor Niño Muhlach appears before the Senate inquiry in Pasay City on August 7, 2024 on the policies of television networks and artist management agencies in relation to complaints of abuse and harassment. Sandro Muhlach, the son of Niño, has filed a complaint against two independent contractors of GMA Network for being allegedly sexually harassed during an event in July. Mark Demayo, ABS-CBN News

MANILA — Sen. Robinhood Padilla, chair of the Senate Committee on Public Information and Mass Media, said Wednesday that the National Bureau of Investigation should have gotten in touch with the two respondents in a sexual harassment case filed by actor Sandro Muhlach.

Muhlach's sexual harassment case against 2 independent contractors of GMA Network took centerstage during the hearing on Wednesday.

"Nag-sorry yung dalawa. 'Di ba po sa atin parang confession na 'yun? Parang sa batas, ano ba — 'di ba pagka-ganoon, umamin ka? Nag-sorry ka eh. 'Di ba umamin ka na noon?" Padilla said.

(The two apologized. Is that not a confession? Under the law... isn't that a confession? They apologized, isn't that the same as confessing?)

In a statement through their lawyer, Richard Cruz and Jojo Nones have said they were "deeply saddened by the serious allegations hurled against them" and that these "do not mirror the true accounts of the event."

RELATED: GMA independent contractors respond to Sandro Muhlach complaints

Lawyer Marie Catherine Nolasco-Illescas, chief of the NBI's anti-graft division, said that the NBI needs to wait for a formal complaint before it can ask respondents for their side.

The NBI has issued subpoenas to Cruz and Nones.

"Ganoon ba ang normal process? Ewan ko, baka iba po. Siyempre iba po NBI, nag-aral ako ng Criminology at ang rules ng engagement sa [Philippine National Police], pagka may complainant, pupuntahan mo yung nire-reklamo," Padilla said.

(Is that the normal process? Of course, the NBI is different, I studied Criminology, and for the police, when there is a complainant, they have to go to the subject of the complaint)

"Hindi naman po immediately after the commission of the offense, so di po namin sila para arestuhin agad (so we couldn't just arrest them)," Illescas said, referring to the kind of warrantless arrest that is allowed by law.

In most cases, complaints prompt an investigation by the law enforcement agency, which can recommend the filing of charges. Agencies can also file the charges themselves.

The complaints then go through a preliminary investigation by a prosecutor, who will determine if there is probable cause to bring the matter to court.

READ: Niño Muhlach breaks down in tears over son Sandro's ordeal

INCIDENT HAS CAUSED EMOTIONAL, PSYCHOLOGICAL TRAUMA

Muhlach skipped the hearing on Wednesday and has been advised not to attend to avoid putting him under additional strain.

In a letter, Muhlach's lawyer said it would be better for the young actor to avoid stressful situations "to prevent inflicting further damage" on his well-being, adding the NBI had recommended that he skip the hearings "since he is undergoing psychiatric and psychological assessment."

The letter however maintained the Muhlach family's appreciation for the invitation and assurance of their full cooperation in providing information to the panel.

"We are open to explore any means by which this can be achieved without exacerbating Mr. Muhlach's condition," the letter said.

Cruz and Nones, also skipped the hearing citing the pendency of the case.

They also maintained that the allegations are not true.

The Senate panel has issued a subpoena compelling their attendance in the next hearing. — from a report by RG Cruz, ABS-CBN News