Veteran actor and TV host Vic Sotto has filed 19 counts of cyberlibel against director Darryl Yap at the Muntinlupa Regional Trial Court Branch 205 on January 9, 2025.
The case was prompted by the controversial teaser of Yap’s upcoming movie, ‘The Rapists of Pepsi Paloma’, which allegedly mentioned Sotto’s name multiple times.
Following the filing, Sotto spoke to the media outside the courthouse, clarifying his decision to take legal action.
“Marami pong nagtatanong kung ano ang reaksyon ko. Ito na po ‘yun—nag-file kami ng kaso. Walang personalan ito. I trust our justice system and I stand against irresponsible use of social media,” Sotto said.
When asked about his reaction to the teaser’s release, Sotto said he was not surprised.
“Narinig ko na ‘yan last year. Expected ko na ito,” he added.
Sotto also shared that his wife, Pauleen Luna, and their family are standing firmly by his side.
“Full support sila—my wife, my children, and my friends. Karamihan ng mga kababayan natin, e, kasama ko rin sa laban na ito,” he stated.
Sotto revealed that neither Yap nor anyone from the production team reached out to him for permission or consultation before the film was produced.
“Wala namang lumapit o nagpaalam,” Sotto remarked.
Addressing speculations that the controversy may be politically motivated, Sotto dismissed such notions.
“This is not a political issue for me. Ewan ko sa ibang tao,” he said.
The actor also acknowledged that his son, Pasig City Mayor Vico Sotto, and his brother, Tito Sotto, who is running for senator, are currently involved in political campaigns, but he emphasized that the case is unrelated.
Despite the public outcry and online discussions, Sotto maintained a calm demeanor during the press conference, assuring reporters that he remains unfazed.
“I’m okay. You know me—I’m a private person. Ayoko ng kuda ng kuda,” Sotto said with a smile.
Sotto’s legal counsel, Atty. Buko Dela Cruz, confirmed that the petition for a summary hearing is scheduled for January 15, 2025. The presiding judge, Liezel A. Aquiatan, signed the hearing order.
When asked if Sotto expects an apology from Yap, he responded: “Ginawa lang namin ang nararapat. Kung anuman ang mangyayari sa susunod, ‘yun po ang aabangan natin.”
Despite the ongoing legal case, Sotto concluded the interview with a brief but meaningful message: “Happy New Year! Kanya-kanyang pananaw, pero ako, naniniwala ako sa hustisya.”
