Manila, Philippines – The tragic case of late actress Pepsi Paloma has been thrust back into the public eye following the release of a controversial film teaser by director Darryl Yap. Yap's upcoming film, The Rapists of Pepsi Paloma, sparked outrage and legal action at the start of 2025 with its 26-second teaser reviving allegations surrounding Paloma's alleged gang-rape in 1982.
The teaser implicated comedian Vic Sotto, brother of former Senate President Vicente “Tito” Sotto III, in the decades-old case. The allegations center around Paloma being drugged and assaulted in a hotel room, with Tito Sotto allegedly pressuring Paloma to sign an affidavit of desistance, effectively silencing her.
Vic Sotto swiftly responded by filing a cyber libel complaint against Yap, seeking P35 million in damages. A Muntinlupa court further sided with Sotto, granting a writ of habeas data and ordering Yap to remove the teaser from all online platforms.
Despite the court order, Yap subsequently released a longer, one-minute trailer on January 21, 2025. However, the director later announced that the film's February 5th release date would be postponed indefinitely.
This controversy unfolds against the backdrop of Tito Sotto's bid for a Senate comeback in the upcoming 2025 midterm elections. The timing of the film's release and its sensitive subject matter have fueled intense debate and speculation regarding its potential impact on Sotto's political aspirations. The case highlights the enduring complexities of the original incident and the ongoing struggle for justice and accountability. The public awaits further developments in both the legal battle and Sotto's political campaign.
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Vic Sotto Files Cyber Libel Complaint Against Darryl Yap Over "Pepsi Paloma" Teaser
Manila, Philippines – Comedian Vic Sotto filed a cyber libel complaint against filmmaker Darryl Yap on Thursday, January 9, 2025, following the release of a controversial teaser for Yap's upcoming movie, The Rapists of Pepsi Paloma. The complaint, filed before the Office of the Prosecutor in Muntinlupa City, alleges nineteen counts of violating Section 4 of Republic Act 10175, the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2022. Sotto is seeking P35 million in moral and exemplary damages.
The 26-second teaser, posted on January 1, 2025, on VinCentiments' Facebook page, features a scene where a character portraying actress Charito Solis questions Pepsi Paloma about whether Vic Sotto raped her, with Paloma's character responding affirmatively.
Speaking to reporters after filing the complaint, Sotto stated, “A lot of people have been asking me what’s my reaction, this is it — filing a complaint. This is my reaction. As I said, this is nothing personal. I just trust in our justice system. I’m against irresponsible people, especially on social media.” He emphasized that his action was not personal but rather a stand against irresponsible behavior online.
In response to Sotto's legal action, the 38-year-old Yap took to his own Facebook page, asserting that anyone is free to file a case, stating that "the truth is the only defense against all questions." The clash highlights the ongoing tension surrounding the film and its sensitive portrayal of the decades-old case involving the late actress Pepsi Paloma. The legal battle promises to be a significant development in the controversy surrounding Yap's film and its implications.