Director Darryl Yap is facing two counts of cyberlibel filed with the Muntinlupa Regional Trial Court over his controversial biopic about the late actress Pepsi Paloma.
The Muntinlupa City Prosecutor’s Office formally charged Yap under Articles 353 and 355 of the Revised Penal Code, in connection with the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012. The charges stem from a teaser of The Rapists of Pepsi Paloma, released on January 1, where a scene allegedly defamed veteran actor-host Vic Sotto.
In the teaser, Gina Alajar’s character, portraying Charito Solis, asks the lead actress playing Paloma if she was raped by Sotto, to which she responds, “yes.” The city prosecutor ruled that this portrayal falsely accused Sotto of a crime, damaging his reputation and exposing him to public contempt.
Sotto, who initially remained silent about the viral teaser, filed 19 cyberlibel complaints against Yap in January. He now asserts that he is seeking justice, emphasizing his stance against online irresponsibility.
“Walang personalan ito. I just trust in our justice system,” Sotto said in an interview, adding that no one from the film’s production consulted him regarding his alleged involvement.
The recommended bail for each charge has been set at P10,000.
