Vic Sotto and Darryl Yap. Photos:  Republika News/Izel Abanilla  

MANILA, Philippines – Comedian Vic Sotto and filmmaker Darryl Yap finally faced each other for the first time on Friday (January 17) at the Muntinlupa Regional Trial Court (RTC) during the first summary hearing of the cyber libel cases and Writ of Habeas Data filed by the “Eat Bulaga” host against the young director. 

Both camps were mum about the case as per the effect of a gag order issued to the both of them. 

Sotto, accompanied by his wife Pauleen Luna, shunned interviews said, “Hindi ako pwedeng magsalita eh.” 

While not revealing information about the case, Yap said he is bent on the belief that the movie had to be pushed despite ongoing legal battle with Sotto. 

“Dapat, it should be,” said Yap about the movie pushing its theatrical release. 

Yap said he is doing well and is still finishing the movie. 

On January 9, Sotto filed a 19 counts of  cyber libel cases against Yap following the mention of his name in the teaser of the Pepsi Paloma film as the late ‘80s bold starlet’s alleged attacker. 

Earlier, he filed for a Writ of Habeas Data petition aiming to suppress the teaser and all material bearing the comedian’s sensitive personal information, take down what was already posted and compel Yap to produce all information collected, processed and shared without the actor’s consent. 

Sotto earlier said he is against those who “irresponsibly use social media” whereas Yap’s camp insisted there was no intent to malign the character of the famous actor. 

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