Tito Sotto has taken a subtle jab at those he accuses of “relying on old showbiz gimmicks to make money,” sparking intrigue among fans. The remark coincides with his brother Vic Sotto’s legal conflict with filmmaker Darryl Yap over a controversial teaser for a film about the late actress Pepsi Paloma.
Tito’s Cryptic Post
Through his X (formerly Twitter) page on January 9, Tito wrote:
“When you rely on an old showbiz gimmick to make money and got your facts all wrong, you will falter, for sure!”
While Tito did not elaborate, the timing of his statement aligns with Vic’s recent legal actions against Yap.
Vic Sotto’s Legal Moves
Vic Sotto filed 19 counts of cyberlibel against Yap before the Muntinlupa Prosecutor’s Office, seeking ₱20 million in moral damages and ₱15 million in exemplary damages. The case stems from Yap’s mention of Vic as one of the alleged rapists of Paloma in a teaser for his upcoming film.
In addition to the cyberlibel complaints, Vic also filed a petition for a writ of habeas data, demanding the removal of any information linking him to the incident used in promoting the film.
Yap’s Defense
In response, Darryl Yap defended the teaser, claiming it was based on “published reports, deleted videos, and old newspapers.” Yap’s legal team has also filed an urgent motion for a gag order to prevent Vic’s camp from publicly discussing the project.
A Brewing Controversy
The dispute has reignited discussions about the controversial case surrounding Pepsi Paloma, a 1980s actress whose death remains a topic of speculation. While Vic has consistently denied any involvement in the allegations linked to Paloma’s death, the teaser has thrust the issue back into the spotlight.
As the legal proceedings unfold, Tito’s pointed remarks add another layer of intrigue to the already high-profile case, drawing attention to the ethics of revisiting unresolved and sensitive stories for creative projects.