Vic Sotto's camp is awaiting the submission of the film "The Rapists of Pepsi Paloma" before deciding whether to file another case against filmmaker Darryl Yap.
Earlier, the Muntinlupa Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 205 partially granted the writ of habeas data filed by television host and actor Vic Sotto, ordering the immediate removal of the teaser video for the film, which mentioned Sotto's name.
However, the court permitted Yap to continue with the production and eventual release of the film.
In an exclusive interview with DZRH's Dos Por Dos on Tuesday, Sotto's legal counsel, Atty. Enrique Dela Cruz, stated that they are waiting for the film to be submitted to the MTRCB or other relevant agencies before deciding on their next course of action.
He further mentioned that they have no grounds to file another case against Yap, as the film has not yet been released to the public.
"Pero kung ito’y isusubmit na, ‘yung kabuuan, kasi wala pang nakakapanood, so mahirap pigilan ang isang bagay na hindi pa naman natin nakikita kung ano ang laman. Prior restraint ‘yan, censorship," Dela Cruz explained.
"Kaya ang gagawin namin, ‘pag siya ay nagsumite ng kopya ng kanyang pelikula sa MTRCB halimbawa, ay magf-file kami ng opposition kung mayroong bahagi dito na lumalabag sa karapatan ng aming kliyente [Vic Sotto]," he added.
Dela Cruz noted that review bodies like the MTRCB have their own standards and guidelines, which means there are certain elements that are not allowed and will be given the appropriate classification if violated.
Sotto's lawyer noted that even if the final outcome of the film is that "Sotto is not at fault," if it still contains elements of defamation or uses sensitive personal information without consent, there would still be a violation.
He mentioned that Yap could have made the film without compromising the rights of any individual.
"Sundin na lang natin ‘yung batas. Iwasan na lang natin makapanakit ng ibang tao para lamang makapagbenta ng pelikula," said Dela Cruz.
Dela Cruz then clarified that they do not oppose the release of the film, but they strongly object to the parts of the film that defame Sotto, not the entire movie.
"Wala naman po kaming layunin na pigilan na gamitin niya ang kanyang malayang pagpapahayag o ang kanyang artistic rights bilang isang director. Ang tinututulan lang po namin ay ‘yung pamamaraan nung kanyang paggamit ng kanyang karapatan na nakakapanira sa aming kliyente," he added.
Currently, Yap faces 19 pending cyber libel charges after uploading several promotional materials on social media that explicitly referenced Sotto.
Sotto's legal counsel also clarified that the television host and actor chose to file charges against Yap because he believes Yap is the source of the defamatory statements.
"I think mayroon sila within this week na panahon para magsumite ng kanilang sagot dahil nagkaroon muna ng attempt at mediation, mandatory na kasi ngayon ‘yan sa rules ng City Prosecutor’s Office na susubukang pagayusin ang magkabilang-panig," Dela Cruz explained.
"Wala pong naging pag-aayos kaya tuloy na ang kaso at hinihintay na lang namin ang kanilang sagot," he added.
In the controversial teaser video, it showed a confrontation scene—between the actress portraying Pepsi and another actress—showing the former confirming that Sotto raped her.
