Team DailyPedia
Controversial director Darryl Yap remains undeterred amid the cyberlibel case filed against him by actor and TV host Vic Sotto.
Yap took to Facebook on January 11 to release the official poster of his upcoming film, The Rapists of Pepsi Paloma, which delves into the life and death of the late actress.
The post, captioned “Ang Balita. Ang Intriga. Ang Kontrobersya. Ang Hubad na Katotohanan,” reignited public discussion and online backlash as netizens speculated about the political implications of the film’s release.
In an open letter, Yap addressed accusations that influential figures are behind the film. He firmly denied receiving support from any political personalities, including Senator Imee Marcos.
“Dear Trolls, Sa mga nagtatanong sino ang nasa likod ko bakit ako matapang—hindi si Imee. Ang mga kaibigan ko, wala sa likod ko. katabi ko. Ayaw nya nga gumawa ako ng pelikula dahil di ako makagawa ng series para sa kampanya nya—di sila magkaaway ng mga binabanggit nyo,” Yap wrote.
He also dismissed allegations involving other prominent names: “Hindi si Jalosjos…gagawa ba ako ng pelikula na may insidente ng rape tapos ang magpoproduce may rape case.”
“Hindi si Discaya…hindi ko nga kilala yan, wala naman akong pinagawa sa construction nila—hindi porket mayaman, kaibigan ko na.”
Yap clarified that the film’s scheduled release in 2025 coincides with Pepsi Paloma’s 40th death anniversary and is not timed for political reasons.
He emphasized the late actress’s significance to the residents of Olongapo, where she grew up.
“Hindi nyo maiintindihan kasi ‘di naman kayo taga-Olongapo, hindi kayo Artist na Taga-Olongapo. May lugar sa amin na ang tawag ay Pepsi. May sariling hand sign para alam ng jeep na doon ka bababa! Gano’n kahalaga,” Yap explained.
On January 9, Vic Sotto officially filed 19 counts of cyberlibel against Yap at the Muntinlupa Regional Trial Court after the film’s teaser referenced Sotto’s name.
Sotto’s legal counsel, Atty. Enrique Dela Cruz, confirmed the filing of the case, stating that they seek accountability for the implications of the teaser.
In defense, Yap’s lawyer, Atty. Raymond Fortun, revealed that his client shared a copy of the film’s script with Sotto before the teaser’s release to request his input.
“The purpose was really for them to give comments dun sa script, so wala naman po. Ilang beses po na nag-follow-up si Direk Darryl na tungkol dun until finally na shoot na lahat ng mga scenes, so hindi na namin kasalanan ‘yun,” Fortun said in an interview.
Yap’s Facebook post has drawn mixed responses from netizens. However, some critics accused Yap of exploiting Pepsi Paloma’s story for publicity.
Despite the controversy, Yap stood his ground, stating: “Mali ang tanong na SINO ANG NASA LIKOD KO, BAKIT AKO MATAPANG, KUNDI ANO. Walang iba kundi ang buong katotohanan.”
