Darryl Yap posts bail for cyber libel charges in connection with Pepsi Paloma film
Controversial director Darryl Yap posted bail for his cyber libel cases in connection with his Pepsi Paloma film, leading to a Muntinlupa court recalling the warrant of arrest against him.
The Philippine STAR reported that Judge Myra Quiambao of Muntinlupa Regional Trial Court Branch 203 ordered Yap’s arrest for two counts of cyberlibel related to the teaser of his movie The Rapists of Pepsi Paloma.
But Yap posted a P20,000 bail for two counts of cyber libel. Quiambao then recalled the arrest warrant.
Yap is set to be arraigned on March 26.
Section 6 of the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012 states that crimes committed through information and communication technologies shall be one degree higher than that provided for by the Revised Penal Code. Under the RPC, as amended by Republic Act No. 10951, the penalty for traditional libel is prision correcional (six month- to six year-imprisonment) and/or a fine ranging from PhP40,000 to PhP1.2 million.
Yap's movie is about Pepsi Paloma, born Delia Dueña Smith, a rising star in the '80s who reportedly took her own life in 1985. She was 18. Her body was found in her home in Quezon City.
The already-controversial subject for a movie stirred controversy further as a 26-second teaser showed Pepsi (Rhed Bustamante) responding in the affirmative to Charito Solis (Gina Alajar)'s question on whether Vic Sotto had raped her.
The text, "Nagsampa ng kasong rape si Pepsi Paloma laban kay Vic Sotto noong August 17, 1982," also flashed on the screen.
Sotto, at the time, filed a writ of habeas data against Yap, asking to take down promotional materials, teaser videos, and other material related to the film, saying the movie mentions sensitive personal information. He originally filed 19 counts of cyber libel against Yap, seeking P35 million in moral and exemplary damages.
Sotto said he wasn't consulted about the movie and only found out through his loved ones.
Yap, meanwhile, said "there was an attempt to consult," claiming to have sent Sotto a copy of the script before production.
The movie had its premiere scheduled on Feb. 5, but two days before that, Yap said it would no longer push through.
It came after the Movie and Television Review and Classification Board said Yap has yet to submit the necessary documentation, particularly the Certificate or Clearance of No Pending Criminal, Civil, or Administrative Case from the Regional Trial Court, the Department of Justice, and the Office of the City Prosecutor. It also debunked Yap's previous claim that the movie was already under review.
Yap said they're looking to distribute the movie on streaming platforms.
