Television host and actor Vic Sotto has officially filed 19 counts of cyber libel against director Darryl Yap in Muntinlupa Regional Trial Court Branch 205 on January 9. The case stems from a teaser video Yap allegedly released, which includes potentially damaging allegations.
According to Sotto’s legal counsel, Atty. Buko Dela Cruz, the issue became personal due to its impact on Sotto’s family, particularly his daughter, Talitha Maria Luna Sotto, or Tali. In an interview on Cristy Ferminute hosted by Cristy Fermin and Romel Chika on True FM 105.9, Atty. Dela Cruz shared details about the case.
“’Yung bata (Tali) binu-bully sa eskwelahan,” he revealed, explaining that the bullying stemmed from the viral teaser. While Sotto is accustomed to controversies, he drew the line when threats began targeting his family.
Threats and Defamation
Atty. Dela Cruz disclosed that Pauleen Luna, Sotto’s wife, has also received disturbing threats. These include comments containing rape threats and threats to kidnap their child, which Sotto found unacceptable.
“May mga threats na natatanggap ‘yung pamilya, lalung-lalo na sina Ms. Pauleen…may mga threat na ire-rape,” Atty. Dela Cruz stated. The legal action, he clarified, is not just about the film but about the teaser video’s defamatory content.
“Ang kaso kasi ay isinampa hindi dahil sa pelikula. Ang kaso ay isinampa dahil sa teaser video na inilabas nga,” he said, emphasizing that the teaser itself constitutes cyber libel.
Legal Proceedings
The court issued a writ of habeas data on January 9, requiring Yap to explain within five days and temporarily barring further dissemination of the teaser video. The court also ordered that all postings or sharings that may harm Sotto’s privacy rights be stopped immediately.
Atty. Dela Cruz explained the legal process: “Sa criminal case naman ay kaka-file pa lang today. Bibigyan siya ng pagkakataong sumagot at pagkatapos po niyang sumagot ay magde-desisyon na ang Fiscal kung may probable cause.”
Should the case proceed, it will be up to the court to decide whether to issue a warrant of arrest.
Defense and Public Reaction
In defense of the video, Yap has claimed it contains no real allegations but serves a broader purpose in the narrative of his upcoming film. However, Atty. Dela Cruz countered, stating, “Ang pinag-uusapan ngayon ay naglabas ka ba ng teaser video na mapanira sa isang tao, ito ba ay ipinost mo publicly at dahil dito ay napinsala mo ba ang reputasyon ng isang tao? Ang sagot po rito ay oo.”
Fermin, in her interview, noted the malicious intent of the video, highlighting that Sotto’s name was explicitly mentioned.
Future Actions
Atty. Dela Cruz hinted at further legal actions against individuals supporting Yap’s efforts, saying, “Ang layunin po muna ay matigil ‘yung pagkalat (teaser video) at tsaka naming pananagutin kung sino ang nasa likod ng ganitong paninira kay bossing Vic.”
Despite the court’s intervention, the teaser video remains posted on Yap’s social media as of this writing. The unfolding case highlights the growing impact of social media on personal and professional reputations, with legal recourse becoming increasingly common.
Sotto’s determination to protect his family underscores the gravity of the issue, setting a precedent for addressing cyber libel in the Philippines.