Controversial filmmaker Darryl Yap is now facing two counts of cyberlibel in connection with his upcoming film, ‘The Rapists of Pepsi Paloma’, following a complaint filed by veteran TV host and actor Vic Sotto.
The Muntinlupa Regional Trial Court (RTC) released a three-page document dated March 17, 2025, stating that Yap was charged under Articles 353 and 355 of the Revised Penal Code, in relation to Section 4 (c) (4) of the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012 (RA 10175).
The cyberlibel charges stemmed from the teaser of Yap’s film, which was posted on social media last January 1. In the clip, actress Gina Alajar, portraying Charito Solis, asked the character of Pepsi Paloma, played by Rhed Bustamante, if she was raped by Vic Sotto. The character allegedly replied “Yes.”
The city prosecutor ruled that the scene falsely implicated Sotto in a crime and had malicious intent to damage his reputation.
“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,” the resolution stated.
The court recommended a bail of P10,000 for each count of cyberlibel.
Sotto initially filed 19 counts of cyberlibel against Yap in January 2025, but only two cases have proceeded to court so far.
In a statement, Vic Sotto expressed disappointment over the film, stating that the production did not consult him before releasing such damaging claims.
“Walang kumunsulta, walang nagpaalam, walang consent,” Sotto said in an interview.
He also defended his decision to take legal action, saying: “A lot of people have been asking me, ‘Ano reaction mo?’ Ito na po ‘yun. Ito na po ‘yung reaction ko. Sabi ko nga, ito’y walang personalan, I just trust in our justice system. Ako’y laban sa mga irresponsableng tao, lalo na pagdating sa social media.”
As of writing, Darryl Yap has not yet issued an official statement regarding the charges. When asked by the media about the issue, he simply said: “Can’t comment anything.”
Yap, known for his bold and controversial films, has remained a polarizing figure in the entertainment industry.
‘The Rapists of Pepsi Paloma’ was originally slated for release on February 5, 2025, but has faced delays due to legal challenges.
