Prosecutors file cyber libel case vs Darryl Yap
MANILA, Philippines – Controversial filmmaker Darryl Yap is being accused of cyber libel by the Muntinlupa prosecutor’s office over the teaser of his upcoming film, The Rapists of Pepsi Paloma.
Prosecutors filed Monday, March 17, with the Muntinlupa City Regional Trial Court (RTC) cyber libel charges against filmmaker Darryl Yap for the teaser of his upcoming film, The Rapists of Pepsi Paloma.
Muntinlupa prosecutors accused Yap of violating Articles 353 and 355 of the Revised Penal Code, in relation to violating Section 4 of R.A. 10175, otherwise known as the Cybercrime Prevention Act.
Yap was deemed to have “deliberately and [maliciously]” intended to tarnish the reputation of actor Vic Sotto, whose name was explicitly mentioned in the teaser. The prosecutors said he “willfully, unlawfully, and feloniously” wrote and posted online the controversial teaser video, where the character of Charito Solis asks the character of Pepsi Paloma if it’s true that Vic Sotto raped her. Paloma’s character said yes.
The prosecutor added that the teaser video painted Sotto as a rapist, which could make him the subject of public ridicule.
Yap could face a penalty of up to six years in prison, which does not yet include any possible fines he may be asked to pay, if found guilty. Recommended bail is at P10,000 for each charge.
A gag order was previously issued by the Muntinlupa RTC for the case, prohibiting both Yap and Sotto’s respective camps from making any comments on the issue until it is resolved to affect public perception.
On January 19, Sotto filed 19 counts of violation of Section 4 of R.A. 10175 against Yap. The complaint includes a prayer of P35 million moral and exemplary damages.
Sotto’s petition for a writ of habeas data was granted on January 24. Yap was then ordered to take down the teaser, which had been posted on Facebook.
In 1982, Paloma accused comedians Vic Sotto, Joey de Leon, and Richie D’Horsie of rape, but later dropped the charges. Three years later, Paloma was found dead in an alleged suicide. She was 18. – Rappler.com