CONTROVERSIAL Filmmaker Darryl Yap on Tuesday, June 3, entered a plea of “not guilty” to cyberlibel charges filed against him by actor-TV host Vic Sotto before the Muntinlupa Regional Trial Court.
The charges are in connection with the trailer of a film reportedly involving the late ’80s actress Pepsi Paloma.
Yap’s legal counsel, Atty. Raymond Fortun, confirmed the arraignment and described the proceedings as routine.
“Arraignment and then pre-trial,” Fortun said. “During pre-trial, we try to agree on certain facts then there will be disclosure of ‘yung mga evidences that are going to be presented.”
The first hearing is scheduled on August 19, 2025. Prior to this, however, a mandatory mediation conference will be held.
“Sa batas natin, at ito ang hindi alam ng karamihan, ninanais pa natin ang husgado na magkaroon ng maayos na kaayusan ng mga partido,” Fortun explained. “Merong tinatawag na mediation proceedings. Mandatory po ito at during the mediation ay sisikapin nung isang duly authorized and experienced na mediator na magkasundo ‘yung mga parties.”
On the possibility of a settlement, Fortun said: “There’s always room for settlement. There’s always room for parties to reconcile at ang important naman dun ay ‘yung willingness ng bawat isa na manumbalik ‘yung mga bagay na dati naman ay tahimik.”
Atty. Enrique dela Cruz, legal counsel for Sotto, confirmed the arraignment and pre-trial proceedings.
“Nagkaroon lang ng arraignment and pre-trial, binasahan ng habla si Mr. Darryl Yap at nag-usap ‘yung magkabilang panig sa harapan ng hukom kung ano-anong mga dokumento ang mamarkahan, ano-anong mga issues, anong mga bagay ang inaamin ng magkabilang panig,” he said.
Asked whether Sotto is open to an out-of-court settlement, Dela Cruz said, “Bago mag-umpisa ‘yung trial, ‘laban tayo’ eh. ‘Yun ang instruction niya sa ‘min. Hindi pa namin siya uli nakakausap kung open siya sa amicable settlement kaya binuksan ‘yung pagkakataon. Mandatory ‘yung pre-trial… ‘yung mediation, so nagtakda ng mediation. We’ll ask him (Sotto) again.”
Dela Cruz added that Sotto is expected to appear during the hearing as he will be presented as a witness.
“Matibay naman ‘yung aming ebidensya. In fact, dumaan ito sa preliminary investigation at sinabi naman ng fiscal na sapat ‘yung aming ebidensya para ito ay mag-proceed sa trial. Naniniwala naman kami na ganun din ang kahihinatnan ng paglilitis,” he said.
He reiterated Sotto’s most recent instructions: “The last time na nagkausap kami, ang sabi niya (Sotto), ‘proceed tayo to trial. Let the courts decide.’”
