Darryl Yap charged with cyberlibel in Muntinlupa

Filmmaker Darryl Yap is facing a cyberlibel case in the Muntinlupa Regional Trial Court. This follows complaints from TV host Vic Sotto regarding a teaser for Yap's film, “The Rapists of Pepsi Paloma.” Prosecutors found enough evidence to support charges against Yap. Sotto claims that the teaser suggests he is responsible for the alleged rape of the late actress Pepsi Paloma. He has filed 19 counts of cyberlibel against Yap, seeking damages worth 35 million pesos. The charges accuse Yap of violating laws related to libel and cybercrime. The teaser includes scenes that imply Sotto's involvement in Paloma's death, which Sotto argues damages his reputation. Prosecutors allege that Yap created and published the teaser with malicious intent, intending to tarnish Sotto's image. The cyberlibel charge could lead to a prison sentence of up to six years. Bail for each count is set at 10,000 pesos. The Muntinlupa RTC will assign the case to a branch for further proceedings. Prior to this, Sotto had filed a separate habeas data petition, which partially restricted Yap from using his name in promotional materials for the film. The court has also issued a gag order, preventing both parties from discussing the case publicly.