Senator Vicente “Tito” Sotto III has denied claims that he or his camp received a copy of the script for the controversial movie TROPP, directed by Darryl Yap. The film reportedly revolves around the story of Pepsi Paloma, a 1980s actress involved in a widely publicized scandal.
Sotto clarified a Viber message to the Inquirer, addressing allegations raised by Atty. Raymund Fortun. According to Fortun, Yap had forwarded the script to a Sotto sibling who is a senator and followed up afterward but received no feedback. Sotto categorically denied these assertions, stating that the script was not sent to him or his brother, actor Vic Sotto, but rather to Vic del Rosario, the CEO of Viva Entertainment.
“No. They gave a copy to Vic del Rosario, not Vic Sotto, and asked Viva if they could produce it, although at that time they were already shooting the movie,” Sotto explained. He added that Del Rosario had reached out to inform him about the script and asked if he wanted a copy. “I said I’m not interested, but if he will send a copy, I will forward it to my lawyer instead.”
The senator further clarified that Viva Entertainment ultimately declined to produce the film. “Yes. Tinanggihan sila ng Viva (It was rejected by Viva),” Sotto said, quoting Del Rosario. He reiterated that neither he nor his brother had any direct involvement with the script or the production process.
The controversy surrounding TROPP stems from its sensitive portrayal of events linked to Pepsi Paloma, which allegedly implicates public figures from the 1980s. This has led to heightened scrutiny over the film’s narrative and the individuals potentially connected to it.
Sotto’s statement aims to dispel any misunderstandings regarding his involvement, asserting that the claims made by Fortun were unfounded. With the senator distancing himself from the project, questions remain about the movie’s direction and how its producers plan to address its contentious subject matter.
Not true. False. They gave a script to Vic del Rosario, not Vic Sotto. Vic nor I never read their script. https://t.co/6yyQUWjNMO
— Tito Sotto (@sotto_tito) January 13, 2025