Trigger warning: Mentions of rape
MANILA, Philippines — The case of late actress Pepsi Paloma is back in the spotlight after controversial filmmaker Darryl Yap released a teaser for his upcoming film, The Rapists of Pepsi Paloma, at the start of 2025.
The 26-second teaser revives the connection of comedian Vic Sotto in a 1982 case involving Paloma over an alleged gang-rape after drugging her in a hotel room. The case also implicates former Senate president Vicente “Tito” Sotto III, who allegedly coerced Paloma into signing an affidavit of desistance and dropping the case.
Vic Sotto filed a cyber libel complaint against Yap over the release of the film’s teaser, demanding P35 million in moral and exemplary damages. A Muntinlupa court also granted Sotto’s petition for writ of habeas data petition and ordered Yap to delete the teaser from online platforms, social media, or any other medium.
Yap later released the movie’s one-minute trailer on January 21.
The film also comes as Tito Sotto is attempting to stage a comeback in the Senate in the upcoming 2025 midterm elections.
Before the planned release of The Rapists of Pepsi Paloma in Philippine cinemas on February 5, read the latest developments, explainers, and opinion pieces on Rappler.
Updates
- Vic Sotto files complaint vs Darryl Yap for Pepsi Paloma movie trailer
- Gag order issued in Darryl Yap vs Vic Sotto case
- Muntinlupa court orders takedown of Pepsi Paloma film teaser
- Pauleen Luna-Sotto on takedown of Pepsi Paloma film trailer: ‘We won!’
- Darryl Yap releases ‘The Rapists of Pepsi Paloma’ trailer amid legal battle vs Vic Sotto
- MTRCB: Pepsi Paloma film not yet under review
Explainers
- Who is Pepsi Paloma, and why are people talking about her?
- [DECODED] What the Pepsi Paloma movie could mean for Tito Sotto’s Senate bid
- [WATCH] Ano ang writ of habeas data petition ni Vic Sotto laban kay Darryl Yap?
- Vic Sotto’s writ of habeas data win vs Darryl Yap and its effects on free speech
Opinion pieces
– Rappler.com