Controversial filmmaker Darryl Yap said he remains determined to fight for his film ‘The Rapists of Pepsi Paloma’ despite the ongoing cyberlibel case filed against him by Vic Sotto.
The legal battle stemmed from the teaser trailer of the movie, which directly mentioned Vic’s name. The Muntinlupa City Prosecutor’s Office filed two counts of cyberlibel against Yap based on a resolution released on March 17.
Yap spoke to select members of the media, including LionhearTV, during the press conference of his upcoming film ‘Love, Ngo’ on May 7.
“To be very honest, medyo personal din kasi siya, kasi yung mga boss natin sa Viva are friends with those people,” Yap said when asked about the ongoing case.
Despite the controversy, the director clarified that the lawsuit has not significantly affected his career.
“I can’t say naman na affected career-wise, because all of my works naman have contracts, e. Whether I want to get out of bed or I have to go to work. So, hindi naman po apektado,” he explained.
“Yun nga lang, I’m from Mandaluyong going to…so, abala siya,” he added, referring to attending court hearings.
Asked if an amicable settlement remains possible, Yap said discussions regarding legal matters are being handled by his lawyer, Raymund Fortun.
“Well, at the beginning of the chaos naman, I think it’s a requirement for every court to seek possible settlement,” he said.
“But I leave it to my lawyer, to Atty. Fortun kung ano ang nakikita niyang magandang kahihinatnan. But he’s pursuing, e,” he added, referring to Vic’s camp.
Yap also reiterated that he has no plans to remove or alter controversial scenes from the film.
“I want to show my film to the Filipino people. I don’t think I’ll be persuaded to keep it hidden,” he stated.
“My film is the extension of my humanity and my values. If I delete certain portions just because hindi na convenient sa akin it will speak about my character. So I don’t think I am bound to delete anything,” he continued.
The filmmaker admitted he does not want to look back someday with regrets over backing down from his creative decisions.
“I’m only 39 and sooner or later kapag nag-look back ako tapos meron akong mga bagay na hindi pinanindigan, I don’t want to grow old with regrets. So, I want to fight for the film,” Yap said.
He also confirmed that he has already encountered Vic and Pauleen Luna during court proceedings.
“I’ve seen Sir Vic and Ms. Pauleen. Parang si Ms. Pauleen twice and Sir Vic…we don’t talk. Parang it’s inevitable not to see each other pero kapag nandoon naman kami tamang court proceedings lang, wala pong malapit na encounter or anything,” he shared.
Meanwhile, Yap’s latest film, ‘Love, Ngo,’ is also drawing attention for its subject matter. The movie stars Jerald Napoles as a man with a cleft lip and features Gina Alajar, Candy Pangilinan, Malupiton, and Jack Argota.
The film is scheduled to open in cinemas nationwide on June 3.
