The Muntinlupa Regional Trial Court Branch 205 has partially granted TV host and actor Vic Sotto’s petition for a writ of habeas data against director Darryl Yap over the teaser of the latter’s latest film, The Rapists of Pepsi Paloma.
“The Petition for a Writ of Habeas Data filed by Petitioner Marvic ‘Vic’ Castelo Sotto is hereby partially granted,” the court ruled.
The court ordered Yap to remove the teaser video for the controversial film from all online platforms.
“Respondent Darryl Ray Spyke B. Yap and any person or entity acting on his behalf, including the production team of Vin Centiments, are ordered to delete, take down, and remove the 26-second teaser video from online platforms, social media, or any other medium for having misused the collected data/information by presenting a conversation between two deceased individuals, which cannot be verified as having actually occurred,” it added.
However, in its ruling, the court allowed Yap to proceed with the production and eventual release of the film.
Sotto’s lawyer, Attorney Enrique Dela Cruz Jr., expressed gratitude for the court’s decision, saying they are pleased with the ruling to take down the teaser video.
The Eat Bulaga host initially filed the writ seeking to have the materials related to the film removed, arguing that the teaser falsely implicated him as an alleged perpetrator in the case of former actress Pepsi Paloma. Following the teaser’s release, Sotto also filed a criminal complaint against Yap for 19 counts of cyber libel.
Meanwhile, the filmmaker took to his Facebook account to express his gratitude to those who continued supporting the controversial movie.
“I still cannot provide a direct statement on the legal matter, but I would like to express my gratitude to those who have voiced their support and are praying for the well-being of the film,” he wrote, revealing the next plan for the film is for MTRCB to review the film.
“Because of your prayers and support, we consider it important news that we have obtained legal permission to release our film. Our next step is to submit for review to the MTRCB; we will adhere to the standards, no matter how meticulous they may be. Let us just wait,” Yap continued.
The film is set to be released in February.
