Veteran journalist and broadcaster Arnold Clavio expressed strong opinions about the teaser for Darryl Yap’s controversial film ‘The Rapists of Pepsi Paloma’, questioning its approval by the Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB).
The teaser features Rhed Bustamante as Pepsi Paloma and Gina Alajar as the late Charito Solis, sparking heated debates online. Many netizens criticized the film for its portrayal of the 1980s scandal, while others accused the director of using the project to stir political controversy ahead of the 2025 elections.
Clavio took to Instagram to share his thoughts, reposting the teaser with a detailed caption.
“Puwedeng magtago sa artistic freedom ang direktor pero hindi sa mga umiiral na batas,” Clavio said, raising questions about the legal basis of the film’s portrayal of Vic Sotto as a “rapist.” He added that unless there is an official court record backing the allegations, the film’s claims may be problematic.
Clavio recalled an interview between journalist Julius Babao and Coca Nicolas, a close friend of Pepsi Paloma, who stated that the rape accusations were allegedly fabricated by the late manager Dr. Rey Dela Cruz as a publicity stunt.
Clavio noted the political context of the film’s release, pointing out that two members of the Sotto family—former Senate President Tito Sotto and Pasig City Mayor Vico Sotto—are running for public office in 2025.
“Nagpapa-kontrobersya ang nasa likod ng pelikula at ang pag-iingay na ito ay malinaw na paghingi ng simpatiya,” Clavio wrote, implying that the film could influence public perception during the election season.
Clavio also raised concerns about potential biases in the review process, as MTRCB Chairperson Lala Sotto-Antonio is the daughter of Tito Sotto and niece of Vic Sotto. He questioned whether the film, which contains sensitive and potentially defamatory content, would pass regulatory scrutiny.
“Dahil malabo itong mapayagan ng Movie Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB) na may hayagang paninirang puri o defamation,” he said.
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The broadcaster emphasized the importance of maintaining respect and adhering to ethical standards in storytelling, regardless of creative freedom:
“Tandaan, sa mundong ginagalawan natin hindi dapat mawala ang respeto sa kapwa at pagiging disente. May mga norms at ethics na dapat sundan,” Clavio concluded.
As of now, neither Darryl Yap nor the MTRCB has issued a statement regarding Clavio’s remarks. The teaser continues to generate significant attention online, with discussions about the film’s intent and the potential repercussions of revisiting a decades-old controversy.
