A Senate panel is set to issue a subpoena against "independent contractors" Jojo Nones and Richard Cruz who are implicated in the complaint filed by actor Sandro Muhlach at the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI).

Senate President Pro Tempore Jinggoy Estrada made the motion during the Senate Committee on Public Information and Mass Media hearing on Wednesday, August 7, after he found their reason not to appear before the Senate "unacceptable".

"I just would like to give a piece of advice to these two gentlemen. Alam niyo, kapag inimbita kayo sa Senado, huwag niyong i-preempt yung aming mga tanong (You know, when the Senate invites, you should preempt our questions). So Mr. Chair, I think this letter is totally unacceptable and I move that we subpoena them," Estrada said.

His motion was immediately seconded by Senator Ramon "Bong" Revilla, Jr.

Estrada initially also wanted to issue a subpoena against Muhlach for his absence and asked for a medical certificate to prove that he is not in a mental and emotional state to be attending a hearing.

According to Atty. Marie Catherine Nolasco-Illescas of the NBI, while their behavioral science division (BSD) has found that Muhlach was mentally fit to provide them with a statement, he was advised to cease using his social media accounts and limit his public exposure as it may exacerbate his symptoms.

"Nililimit po yung pagsasalita niya sa publiko (He was advised to limit speaking in public)," she added.

She also explained that relaying the incidents would affect him, which is why, as much as possible, they're limiting his exposure regarding presenting what happened. They would also have to refer to the BSD if he could attend the next hearing since his mental evaluation is still ongoing.

Estrada then withdrew his motion to issue a subpoena against Muhlach.

Padilla then asked the NBI to assist them so that Nones and Cruz could appear in the next hearing.

"Sana hindi po tayo pahirapan ng dalawang tao na inirereklamo ninyo at sila makadalo dito para makausap natin sila, marinig natin (I hope we won't have a hard time with these two individuals who are subject of the complaint and they can appear so that we can talk to them and hear them)," Padilla said.

"At huwag sila mangamba dahil katulad po ng sinabi kanina ni Senator Bong Revilla, 'pag pinag-usapan ang tungkol sa kaganapan na inirereklamo ni Sir Niño Muhlach at legal counsel...ito po ay isasailalim sa executive session. Di natin irerekomenda na ito ay pag-usapan sa public dahil lagi natin iniisip ang mental health ng nagrereklamo at karapatan ng inirereklamo (They don't need to be afraid but like what Senator Bong Revilla said, when we discuss the events of what happened that's the subject of Niño Muhlach's complaint and his legal counsel...it will be under an executive session. We will not recommnend that it be discussed in public since we're always thinking of the mental health of the complainant and the ones being complained)," he added.

A tearful Muhlach appeared in the hearing and lamented how such abuse could happen to his family.

“It’s truly disheartening. If they can do this to a family that has made significant contributions to the entertainment industry, what more could they do to others, especially newcomers?" he said.