Filmmaker Darryl Yap has been charged with two counts of cyberlibel in relation to his upcoming biopic on Pepsi Paloma, following a complaint from actor-host Vic Sotto.
Charges Filed
In an information dated March 17, the Muntinlupa City Prosecutor’s Office accused Yap of libel under Articles 353 and 355 of the Revised Penal Code, in connection with the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012 (RA 10175).
The charges stemmed from a teaser of Yap’s film, “The Rapists of Pepsi Paloma,” released on January 1. In the teaser, actress Gina Alajar, playing Charito Solis, asks the character portraying Pepsi Paloma whether she was raped by Vic Sotto. The character responds with a “yes.”
Vic Sotto Takes Legal Action
The city prosecutor ruled that the scene was defamatory to Sotto, stating:
“Thus, attributing or ascribing to the latter the commission of the crime against deceased actress Pepsi Paloma, or that said complainant was a rapist, thereby exposing the latter to public contempt, hatred, dishonor or ridicule or causing the latter’s reputation to be tarnished, to the damage and prejudice of said Marvic ‘Vic’ Sotto y Castelo.”
Sotto initially filed 19 counts of cyberlibel complaints against Yap in January 2025 but only two counts have so far been formally filed in court. The recommended bail for each count is P10,000.
Sotto: “This Is My Response”
In an interview, Sotto explained his decision to pursue legal action, saying:
“A lot of people have been asking me, ‘What’s your reaction?’ Here it is. Just like what I’ve said, I don’t want to take it personally, I just trust in our justice system. I’m against irresponsible people, especially those on social media.”
Sotto also revealed that no one from Yap’s production team sought his permission or consultation regarding the film’s content, stating:
“Walang kumunsulta, walang nagpaalam, walang consent.”
(“There was no consultation, no permission, and no consent asked.”)
Legal Teams Respond
Sotto’s lawyer, Enrique Dela Cruz, welcomed the charges, stating:
“Sa huli, kami ay umaasang mabibigyan ng karampatang parusa ang ginawang malisyosong pagsira sa pangalan ni Mr. Vic Sotto.”
(“In the end, we hope that the malicious act of tarnishing Mr. Vic Sotto’s name will be rightfully punished.”)
Meanwhile, Yap’s lawyer, Raymund Fortun, has yet to issue a statement on the latest development.
