It is a win for the camp of ‘Eat Bulaga’ host Vic Sotto.
In a 20-page decision on Monday, January 27, the Muntinlupa Regional Trial Court (RTC) ordered respondent, filmmaker Darryl Yap, to take down the trailer for the ‘Pepsi Paloma’ film that was released on New Year’s Day.
This effectively meant that the court sided with ‘Eat Bulaga’ host Vic Sotto’s petition of writ of habeas data.
“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,” part of the decision read.
The part in question was the one where actress Gina Alajar, who portrayed Charito Solis, confronted Pepsi Paloma, acted by former child star Rhed Bustamante, to ask whether the TV host-actor Vic Sotto raped her.
However, it also clarified that while it has ordered the removal of the erring teaser trailer, the court “allowed” the production and eventual release of the film.
Meanwhile, Pauleen Luna-Sotto, Vic Sotto’s wife, has shared a lengthy statement on her Instagram account following their win.
Luna-Sotto wrote, “We give thanks to the Lord for this court decision.”
“The results are in and the outcome is in our favor, confirming that the material released was malicious in nature. We won this case,” she added.
She also described the victory being for their children and family, and humbly lifted their gratitude to Almighty God.
“Let this be a reminder that our words and actions have great power, and that kindness and integrity should always guide us,” the ‘Eat Bulaga’ co-host included in her message.
“Please, let us all be mindful and responsible about posting/sharing malicious content about people. We urge everyone to act with kindness, integrity, and respect, striving to uplift one another instead of causing harm,” she ended the post.