Darryl Yap/Facebook 

MANILA, Philippines – Filmmaker Darryl Yap’s camp insists that he sent a copy of the script of “The Rapists of Pepsi Paloma” movie to comedian Vic Sotto ahead of the teaser’s release contrary to the latter’s statement that no one sought for his side when the film was being made. 

This was the response of Yap’s lawyer Raymund Fortun who represents Yap in his case against Sotto. 

“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,” he said on GMA’s “24 Oras. 

Sotto, on Thursday (January 9), filed 19 counts of cyber libel charges against Yap at the Muntinlupa Regional Trial Court (RTC) after following the deliberate mention of his name in the teaser of the movie. During the interview, Sotto said no one has ever sought for his side, nor asked for his permission to be mentioned in the movie. 

It also aims to block the premiere of the movie which has a scheduled theatrical release in February. 

Fortun also said that they will submit a verified return of the Writ of Habeas Data filed by Sotto against Yap which aims to take down posts and stop publication of promotional materials including teaser videos and any content relating the name of Sotto to the case. 

Enrique dela Cruz, Sotto’s legal counsel explained that the issuance of the Writ of Habeas Data is a preliminary step where the court enumerates certain acts covered in the writ prayed for by their camp. 

The legal remedy however is only temporary. 

Hearing will follow on January 15 when both sides will be presenting their evidence to discuss the merits of the petition. If the court sees that the petition is meritorious, the court will make the writ permanent, Dela Cruz said. 

Four major prayers are indicated in the writ:

1. Suppression of the film teaser and any and all material bearing Sotto’s sensitive personal information;
2. Take down or remove everything already posted; 
3. Prevent reposting and resharing of the teaser video and other related material and 
4. Compel Yap to produce and submit to them all sensitive personal information involving Sotto that he was able to collect, process and share to others without the actor’s consent. 

Summary hearing for the petition is on January 15.