Cyber Libel Charges Filed Against Darryl Yap in Muntinlupa
DARRYL YAP – The controversial film director is facing two cyber libel charges filed by the Muntinlupa Regional Trial Court over his upcoming movie, The Rap*sts of Pepsi Paloma.
The charges stem from a teaser released on January 1, where a character played by Gina Alajar asks the lead actress, portraying Pepsi Paloma, if actor and TV host Vic Sotto had rap*d her. The character responds, “yes.”
Vic Sotto later filed a complaint, arguing that the teaser misrepresented him and damaged his reputation. The Muntinlupa City Prosecutor’s Office ruled that the scene falsely accused Sotto of a crime, harming his reputation and exposing him to public criticism.
In a resolution dated March 17, the prosecutor found enough evidence to charge Yap under Articles 353 and 355 of the Revised Penal Code, in relation to the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012 (RA 10175). According to the prosecutor, the teaser was posted on Yap’s personal Facebook page and his official content page, VinCentiments. These posts triggered a wave of negative reactions against Sotto, with many online users making insulting and hateful comments about him. The city prosecutor noted that such reactions were expected due to social media’s wide influence.
The court has set bail at ₱10,000 for each charge. However, a separate complaint regarding posts made on December 31, 2024, was dismissed.
Yap’s film explores the controversial case of Pepsi Paloma, a young actress who accused three actors—including Sotto—of rap* in the 1980s. However, the case was later settled, and the accusations were withdrawn.
Now, Yap faces legal challenges over how his film portrays real-life events, reigniting debates on the balance between artistic freedom and responsible storytelling.
Related Post: Vic Sotto Files 19 Counts of Cyber Libel Against Darryl Yap, Seeks ₱35 Million in Damages