Darryl Yap Posts Bail After Vic Sotto’s Cyberlibel Case
DARRYL YAP – Director Darryl Yap has posted bail after being charged in a cyberlibel case filed by veteran actor Vic Sotto.
Controversial filmmaker Darryl Yap has posted bail amounting to ₱20,000 following an arrest warrant issued against him for two counts of cyberlibel. The case, filed by veteran host-actor Vic Sotto, stemmed from the teaser release of the film “The R^pists of Pepsi Paloma”, in which Sotto’s name was mentioned.
On March 19, 2025, the Muntinlupa Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 203, under Presiding Judge Myra Quiambao, issued an arrest warrant against Yap for alleged violations of Articles 353 and 355 of the Revised Penal Code in relation to Republic Act No. 10175, also known as the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012. However, the warrant was immediately lifted after Yap posted bail.
According to court records, Yap paid a cash bond of ₱10,000 for each count of the cyberlibel complaint. The court order stated that after reviewing the evidence from the preliminary investigation, probable cause was found to issue the arrest warrant. The order also confirmed that Yap voluntarily appeared before the court and posted the required bail amount, securing his temporary release.
With the arrest warrant lifted, Yap remains free while awaiting the legal proceedings. The arraignment and pre-trial conference for the case have been scheduled for March 26, 2025, where the legal teams of both Yap and Sotto will meet once again in court.
“The herein accused Darryl Ray Spyke Yap y Balingit having voluntarily appeared before this Court and posted cash bond in the amount of Ten Thousand Pesos (₱10,000.00) under Official Receipt No. 9801245 dated March 19, 2025, for his provisional liberty and finding the same to be sufficient and in accordance with law, the same is hereby approved.”
The legal dispute began when Yap released a teaser for “The R^pists of Pepsi Paloma”, in which Sotto’s name was mentioned. In response, Sotto filed 19 counts of cyberlibel against Yap with the Muntinlupa Prosecutor’s Office, seeking ₱35 million in damages, claiming that the film teaser had tarnished his reputation.
Following his release on bail, Yap has refrained from making further comments on the case, stating, “bawal na po akong mag-comment” to avoid any additional legal complications.
As the case unfolds, the controversy between the Eat Bulaga host and the outspoken filmmaker continues to generate buzz in showbiz and social media circles.
Darryl Yap is known for his provocative films and online content. He is the creator of VinCentiments, a social media platform producing short films and viral videos that often tackle social, political, and life issues.
Meanwhile, the Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB) has denied claims that Yap’s controversial film “Pepsi Paloma” is currently under review.