THE Muntinlupa regional trial court has issued a gag order on the camp of both petitioner Vic Sotto, and respondent Darryl Yap, in connection with a motion filed by the filmmaker in a bid to stop the actor-host from disclosing information related to the biopic of the late ’80s sexy star Pepsi Paloma.
The motion was filed in the trial court handling Sotto’s habeas data petition. The same court had directed Yap to file a verified reply to Sotto’s petition, at the same time setting the case for hearing.
In a three-page omnibus order, Muntinlupa RTC Branch 205 Judge Liezel Aquiatan directed all the parties to refrain from speaking about the contents of Yap’s verified return, and other matters concerning the case, citing the sub judice rule
“The Petitioner and any person acting for and on behalf of the petitioner are ENJOINED from publicly disclosing or discussing the contents of the verified return to be submitted by the respondent in this case, as well as any matters learned from the proceedings of this case. All parties are DIRECTED to observe strict confidentiality in compliance with the sub judice rule, ensuring that the case proceedings and any related matters remain undisclosed to the public until resolved,” the order stated.
“The Court finds merit in the motion of the respondent. Further, the Court can broaden the scope of the gag order to prohibit all parties and their counsel from making public comments about the merits of the case that could influence the court or the outcome of the case. The lawyers’ statements may cause to misrepresent the Court’s orders and could prejudice public perception. Ultimately, the Court’s priority would be to protect the fair administration of justice and prevent undue influence on the judicial processes,” it further said.
Sought for comment, Sotto’s lawyer Enrique dela Cruz said they will abide by the court’s gag order.
Aside from the habeas data case, Sotto also filed 19 counts of cyberlibel complaint against Yap due to the controversial teaser video of his upcoming movie, “The Rapists of Pepsi Paloma,” wherein the screen veteran’s name was mentioned and seemingly made to be one of the perpetrators in a confrontation scene between its lead star, Rhed Bustamante and actor-director Gina Alajar, as Charito Solis.
Yap’s lawyer Raymond Fortun earlier said that they sought a gag order to prevent the camp of the petitioner from disclosing the content of the yet unreleased movie to the public. (Evangeline Valderrama © Philippine Daily Inquirer)
