Veteran actor Vic Sotto has filed 19 counts of cyber libel against controversial director Darryl Yap at the Muntinlupa Regional Trial Court. Accompanied by his wife, Pauleen Luna, and legal counsel, Atty. Enrique “Buko” dela Cruz, Sotto initiated the case in response to the teaser of Yap’s upcoming film, “The Rapists of Pepsi Paloma“, which allegedly mentions Sotto in a defamatory manner.
In the contentious teaser, a character portraying the late actress Pepsi Paloma is asked if she was raped by Vic Sotto, to which she responds affirmatively. The portrayal has sparked outrage, prompting Sotto to allege that Yap’s film teaser, along with related social media posts, has caused reputational harm.
According to Atty. Dela Cruz, the 19 counts are based on separate social media posts by Yap that allegedly contain defamatory statements against Sotto. “Labing siyam na beses po na nagpahayag o nagpost ng mapanirang imputation ‘yung respondent kaya po 19 counts,” Dela Cruz explained. He emphasized that each post constitutes an independent count of cyber libel.
Addressing the issue of individuals who shared Yap’s posts, Dela Cruz clarified that separate legal actions are being pursued. “May hiwalay na kaso para doon, ‘yon po ‘yung Writ of Habeas Data na nauna na naming na-ifile. Hinihintay na lang namin ang utos ng korte kung ito ay kinakatigan o hindi,” he said. However, Dela Cruz clarified that Yap is the sole respondent in the criminal case.
Sotto had previously filed a petition for a writ of habeas data to remove any personal information used without his consent in the promotional materials for the film. The Muntinlupa court granted the writ and instructed Yap to respond within five days.
The Rapists of Pepsi Paloma revisits the allegations made by Pepsi Paloma in the 1980s, where she accused Sotto and his colleagues of assault. Yap has defended the film, stating that it focuses on Paloma’s life and not on the trio Tito Sotto, Vic Sotto, and Joey de Leon, commonly referred to as TVJ.
Nagbigay ng detalye ang legal counsel ni Vic Sotto na si Atty. Buko dela Cruz tungkol sa kasong isinampa nila laban kay Darryl Yap. #News5 pic.twitter.com/dUi9BaXMYi
— News5 (@News5PH) January 9, 2025
The legal action underscores the lasting sensitivity surrounding the Pepsi Paloma case. The outcome could set a precedent for addressing historical allegations and balancing artistic expression with personal rights.