The Muntinlupa Regional Trial Court (RTC) has issued a gag order prohibiting Vic Sotto and his representatives from making public statements about the case he filed against director Darryl Yap. The issue stems from the teaser of Yap’s controversial film, The Rapists of Pepsi Paloma.
Why the Gag Order Was Issued
The court’s decision followed a petition from Yap, who argued that maintaining confidentiality is essential to uphold the sub judice rule, which restricts public discussion of ongoing court cases. Yap’s camp emphasized that his freedom of expression as a filmmaker and the integrity of his art must also be protected.
In its three-page ruling, the court stated:
“The petitioner and any person acting on their behalf are enjoined from publicly disclosing or discussing the contents of the verified return to be submitted by the respondent in this case, as well as any matters learned from the proceedings of this case.”
The court also stressed the need for strict confidentiality to ensure the fairness of the legal process.
Vic Sotto’s Petition
Vic Sotto initially requested the court to order Yap to remove promotional materials, teaser videos, and other content related to the film, claiming that these materials falsely linked him to the alleged rape of Pepsi Paloma, a former actress who passed away in 1985.
According to Sotto’s lawyer, Atty. Enrique Dela Cruz, the court had issued a temporary writ of habeas data, which required Yap to explain the inclusion of Vic’s name in the film’s materials. However, the court clarified that the issuance of the writ does not automatically grant Sotto the relief he sought.
Darryl Yap’s Response
Yap filed a motion to consolidate the 19 counts of cyber libel lodged by Sotto at the Muntinlupa Office of the Prosecutor. The court has instructed Sotto’s camp to respond to this motion.
Yap argued that the materials released, including the teaser, were part of his documented creative process and that grouping the cases together would streamline the legal proceedings.
Controversy Over Pepsi Paloma
Pepsi Paloma, born Delia Smith, was a sexy actress in the 1980s. She made headlines when she accused Vic Sotto and two others of raping her. However, she later retracted her accusations in court. Paloma tragically passed away in 1985 at the age of 18, and her case remains a source of debate and speculation.
Next Steps
The court has rescheduled the hearing for January 17, 2025. Both parties are expected to present further arguments, but the gag order ensures that no new public statements will be made about the case until its resolution.
This legal battle continues to draw public attention as it highlights issues of free speech, artistic expression, and the responsibility of filmmakers to handle sensitive topics with care.
