MANILA, Philippines – Director Darryl Yap proceeded to release the trailer of contentious film The Rapists of Pepsi Paloma on Tuesday, January 21, amid his ongoing legal battle against actor-host Vic Sotto.

The trailer features excerpts from Paloma’s mother Lydia Duena Whitley and brother Zaldy as the film tackles the late actress’ rape case and subsequent death.

Yap managed to release the trailer as the court has yet to decide on the writ of habeas data petitioned by Sotto against the filmmaker. If granted, the petition would compel Yap to destroy or delete the concerned data.

Sotto also filed 19 counts of cyber libel against Yap after the teaser of the film showed the character of Paloma, portrayed by former child actress Rhed Bustamante, answering in the affirmative when she was asked by the character of late actress Charito Solis, played by Gina Alajar, if she was raped by Sotto.

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Yap and Sotto faced off on January 17 at the Muntinlupa Regional Trial Court, although the two were tight-lipped as the court issued a gag order in their case.

In 1982, a then-15-year-old Paloma accused Sotto and his fellow comedians Joey de Leon and Richie D’Horsie of rape. She filed a case against the Eat Bulaga hosts with the assistance of her manager, the late Rey dela Cruz, and lawyer Rene Cayetano, but later dropped the charges.

At the age of 18, Paloma was found dead in her Quezon City apartment in 1985 following an apparent suicide.

The Rapists of Pepsi Paloma also stars Mon Confiado as Dela Cruz and Shamaine Buencamino as Duena Whitley. – Rappler.com