Darryl Yap Enters Not Guilty Plea Over Cyberlibel Case Involving Vic Sotto

Director Darryl Yap, known for his bold and often controversial takes, has formally pleaded not guilty to cyberlibel charges connected to his yet-to-be-released film, The Rapists of Pepsi Paloma. The case was filed by no less than veteran actor and host Vic Sotto, who was mentioned in a teaser for the film that circulated earlier this year.

During his arraignment on June 3 at the Muntinlupa Regional Trial Court Branch 203, Yap stood before the judge and denied the accusations. His lawyer, Atty. Raymond Fortun, later confirmed that a mandatory mediation session will be held before the case pushes through with its first official hearing, set for August 19.

The issue began when Yap uploaded a teaser for the film on Facebook last January 1. In the clip, actress Gina Alajar, playing Charito Solis, asks Pepsi Paloma’s character, played by Rhed Bustamante, if Vic Sotto had raped her. The character answered “yes,” which immediately drew backlash online and prompted Sotto to take legal action.

By March, the Muntinlupa City Prosecutor’s Office found grounds to pursue charges. They cited libel and cyberlibel violations under the Revised Penal Code and the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012. An arrest warrant was issued for Yap, but he was able to avoid detention by posting a ₱20,000 bail.

Sotto’s legal team, led by Atty. Enrique Dela Cruz, has made it clear that they prefer to see the case go to trial. According to Dela Cruz, Vic Sotto believes in letting the courts decide and has no intention of settling behind closed doors.

When reporters caught up with Sotto during a separate event, he kept his comments brief. “O, di good,” he said lightly when informed of Yap’s plea. He followed with a more serious tone, saying he trusts the justice system and will let it run its course.

Meanwhile, the court has ordered Yap to take down the controversial teaser from his social media accounts. This was based on a writ of habeas data granted in favor of Sotto. As of now, The Rapists of Pepsi Paloma remains unreleased and is awaiting review by the Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB).

While the case is still ongoing, it’s already stirred strong opinions about freedom of expression, artistic responsibility, and the boundaries of storytelling, especially when real-life figures are involved.