Veteran TV host Vic Sotto and filmmaker Darryl Yap appeared before the Muntinlupa Regional Trial Court on Friday, January 17, for the first hearing of Sotto’s petition for a writ of habeas data.
Both parties greeted members of the press but refrained from commenting on the legal proceedings due to a court-issued gag order.
Background on the Case
Sotto’s petition aims to remove any mention of his name in promotional materials for Yap’s controversial upcoming film, The Rapists of Pepsi Paloma. The movie teaser previously named Sotto as one of the alleged perpetrators in the case of the late actress Pepsi Paloma, prompting the host to file 19 counts of cyberlibel against Yap.
Yap defended his work, stating he is “finishing the movie” and emphasizing that the film has yet to be released.
Court Proceedings
The court granted Yap’s motion for a gag order, barring both parties from publicly discussing details of the case or the movie. The filmmaker also sought to consolidate the habeas data petition with the cyberlibel complaints, but the court denied the motion, citing the distinct nature of the two cases.
In its ruling, the court highlighted that the legal actions have different purposes, jurisdictions, and procedures, requiring them to proceed independently.
What’s Next?
The habeas data petition and cyberlibel complaints will continue separately in their respective legal forums. Both camps are expected to comply with the gag order as the cases progress.