VETERAN actor and television host Vic “Bossing” Sotto has filed a cyber libel complaint against filmmaker Darryl Yap over the controversial trailer for a film about late ’80s star Pepsi Paloma. The complaint, citing 19 counts of cyber libel, was filed before the Muntinlupa Regional Trial Court on Thursday.
Sotto and his legal team are seeking moral damages of P20 million and exemplary damages of P15 million.
“Labing-siyam na beses po nagpahayag o nagpost ng mapanirang imputation yung respondent kaya 19 counts. Bawat post po na mapanira ay isang count,” said Sotto’s lawyer, Enrique Dela Cruz Jr.
The case names Yap as the sole respondent, alleging he caused the publication of malicious and defamatory statements through the teaser of the film, titled The Rapists of Pepsi Paloma. The trailer was posted online on January 1, 2025.
Sotto stated he was unaware of the film until his wife, Pauleen Luna, informed him. “Walang kumonsulta, walang nagpaalam, walang consent,” Sotto said.
The actor clarified that his response to the issue is not politically motivated, despite his son, Pasig City Mayor Vico Sotto, seeking re-election. “This is a non-political issue for me,” Sotto stressed.
Privacy and Legal Concerns
Sotto’s camp also filed a petition for a Writ of Habeas Data, which was granted by the Muntinlupa Regional Trial Court Branch 205. The writ aims to protect Sotto’s right to privacy by prohibiting further publication or sharing of the teaser and related materials.
“Lahat po ng paglabag sa privacy ng aming kliyente ay nais naming ipatigil,” Dela Cruz said, warning against reposting or sharing the teaser.
The lawyer emphasized that Yap failed to seek Sotto’s consent, which violated his client’s privacy and exposed his family to potential threats.
Sotto Responds to Public Reaction
When asked about the public’s reaction to the teaser, Sotto said, “Demokrasya tayo. Kanya-kanyang paniwala yan. Basta ako naniniwala sa sistema ng ating hustisya.”
Pauleen Luna also shared the emotional toll the issue has taken on their family. “As parents and as his wife, naaapektuhan po kami. But ito po yung tamang sagot sa lahat ng ito,” she said.
Yap’s Defense
In response, Yap maintained that the materials he released were based on documented events from the 1980s and not fabricated to defame anyone. “Wala pong personalan, naglalahad lamang po ako ng nangyari sa nakaraan na makikita sa mga nailathala noong 1980s,” Yap said.
He added that the film’s teaser acknowledged Pepsi Paloma’s withdrawal of her rape complaint. “Wala po akong sinabing si Vic Sotto ang pinatutungkulan ng title ng pelikula—sila lang po ang nagsabi niyan,” Yap asserted, urging critics to watch the entire film before drawing conclusions.
The film, which revisits Paloma’s alleged rape case and subsequent death in 1985, features Rhed Bustamante as Paloma, Mon Confiado as talent manager Dr. Rey Dela Cruz, and Shamaine Buencamino as Paloma’s mother. A release date has not yet been announced.
Ongoing Legal Battle
As the legal battle unfolds, Sotto’s camp continues to advocate for his rights, warning against the misuse of creative license. “Walang proteksyon na binibigay ang batas sa libel. Malaya tayo magpahayag, pero huwag kang gagawa ng libelous statements,” Dela Cruz said.
Yap stated he would cooperate with legal proceedings and respond accordingly. “Kalayaan ng kahit sino ang magsampa ng reklamo. Sa huli, katotohanan lang ang depensa sa lahat ng katanungan,” he concluded.