Photo via Tito Sotto (@helenstito) / Instagram
The controversy surrounding the film “The Rapists of Pepsi Paloma” has taken another turn. Tito Sotto, a former senator and prominent TV host, has denied claims that he received or read the film’s script before production began.
Atty. Raymond Fortun, the legal counsel for director Darryl Yap, previously alleged that the script was sent to a “Sotto sibling who’s a senator.” According to Fortun, Yap’s team reached out twice to follow up after sending the script in December 2024.
Tito Sotto Refutes Claims
However, Tito Sotto strongly refuted this. He clarified, “The script was given to Vic del Rosario of Viva Films, not to me or Vic Sotto.”
Tito Sotto explained that Yap’s team initially approached Viva Films to produce the movie. Del Rosario, Viva’s CEO, confirmed this interaction. Tito added that while del Rosario offered to share the script with him, he declined, stating he wasn’t interested.
“No one from our side read the script,” Tito reiterated in a statement on January 13, 2025.
The Muntinlupa Regional Trial Court (RTC) has issued a gag order on all parties involved. This order restricts public commentary on the case to ensure compliance with the sub judice rule.
The court emphasized that it hasn’t yet ruled on Vic Sotto’s petition to remove online materials related to the film. Instead, it clarified that the issuance of a writ of habeas data only directs the respondents to submit a verified return.
The film explores allegations involving Pepsi Paloma, a 1980s starlet whose name became tied to sensitive issues in Philippine showbiz. Vic Sotto, Tito’s brother, recently filed 19 counts of cyber libel against Darryl Yap. The case seeks ₱35 million in damages, claiming defamation from the film’s promotional materials.
This legal battle continues to spark public interest, drawing attention to the boundaries between art and historical interpretation.
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