Veteran actor-host Vic Sotto has filed 19 counts of cyber libel against controversial filmmaker Darryl Yap at the Muntinlupa Regional Trial Court Branch 205 on January 9, citing concerns about his family’s safety and reputation.
In an interview with Cristy Ferminute, Sotto’s legal counsel, Atty. Buko Dela Cruz, revealed that Sotto’s daughter, Talitha “Tali” Sotto, has experienced bullying in school following the release of the teaser for Yap’s upcoming film, ‘The Rapists of Pepsi Paloma.’ The teaser, posted on January 1, allegedly mentioned Sotto’s name, which became the basis of the legal complaint.
According to Atty. Dela Cruz, Sotto initially wanted to stay silent but was compelled to act after his wife, Pauleen Luna, and their daughter began receiving threats.
“Ang sabi po niya ay sanay na siya sa mga ganitong pakulo. Mga pakulo ito sa paglalayon na magbenta ang pelikula o programa (ay) normal ito. Kaya lang ang sabi niya (Vic) ang hindi niya matatanggap at kailangan na niyang palagan at umaksyon ay ‘yung kanyang asawa o pamilya ay nadadamay na. May mga threats na natatanggap ‘yung pamilya, lalung-lalo na sina Ms. Pauleen (Luna-Sotto) kung makikita ninyo ang nga comments na may mga threat na ire-rape,” the lawyer explained.
The lawsuit is focused on the content of the teaser video, not the film itself. Atty. Dela Cruz explained that regardless of Yap’s intentions to present the story in a different light, the teaser caused reputational damage.
“Sabi nga po natin ay may karapatan at kalayaan ang bawat isa pero hindi po tayo malayang mag libel o manira ng ibang tao,” he said.
On January 9, the court granted Sotto’s petition for a writ of habeas data, ordering Yap to respond to the petition within five days. The court also issued a directive prohibiting the continued posting and sharing of the teaser video or any related content that could violate Sotto’s privacy.
Atty. Dela Cruz confirmed that the court has scheduled a summary hearing for January 15 to evaluate the petition. The fiscal’s office will determine if there is probable cause to issue a warrant of arrest against Yap.
When asked if the charges could be reduced, Dela Cruz expressed confidence in their case, stating that Yap had publicly acknowledged the teaser.
As of this writing, Yap has not taken down the teaser video or issued a statement regarding the case.
