Vic Sotto. Photo: Republika News / Izel Abanilla

MANILA, Philippines – “Ito na po ‘yung reaction ko.” 

Comedian Vic Sotto’s reaction towards director Darryl Yap was 19 counts of cyber libel in connection to the “defamatory” mention of his name in the controversial film teaser of “The Rapists of Pepsi Paloma.” 

Sotto on Thursday (January 9) showed up at the Muntinlupa Regional Trial Court accompanied by his lawyer and wife Pauleen Luna-Sotto to file his petition.  

“Kami po ay nag file ng cyber libel case. Marami pong nagtatanong kung ano pong reaction ko since lumabas itong issue na ito. Ako’y nanahimik wala akong sinasagot,” Sotto said. 

“Sabi ko nga eh, ito ay walang personalan ito, I just trust in our justice system, ako’y laban sa mga iresponsableng tao lalo na pagdating sa social media,” he said. 

The release of the trailer on New Year’s Day shocked the online community but Sotto somewhat already expected it since he has been hearing about a movie with such plot in the works is being promoted since last year. 

“Hindi naman [ako nagulat], parang last year pa pino-promote,” he said. 

‘Nobody asked for my side’ 

According to the comedian, Yap, or anybody from the production, never sought for his side of the story. 

“Wala, walang kumonsulta, walang nagpaalam, walang consent,” he said. 

While determined to seek justice for his name, Sotto does not hold grudges against the actors who agreed to do the movie. 

“Wala trabaho lang ‘yun,” he said. 

In the trailer, Gina Alajar played the role of Charito Solis while Rhed Bustamante played Pepsi Paloma. 

Finding sufficient form and substance to Sotto’s petition, the Muntinlupa RTC issued a writ of habeas data ordering Yap to submit a verified return of the writ within five days from receipt. 

Summary hearing is set on January 15 at 8:30 a.m.