RTC issues gag order in Vic Sotto cyber libel case vs Darryl Yap

The Muntinlupa Regional Trial Court Branch 205 issued a gag order in the cyber libel case filed by Vic Sotto against filmmaker Darryl Yap.

The order prohibits Sotto and his representatives from publicly discussing the contents of his legal filings and any matters learned from the proceedings.

The court also directed both parties to observe strict confidentiality in compliance with the sub judice rule until the case is resolved.

Yap's lawyer filed an urgent motion for the gag order, citing concerns over "irresponsible" statements from Sotto's camp and the potential disclosure of unreleased film materials.

The gag order stemmed from a habeas data petition filed by Sotto against Yap, seeking to have the court order the removal of promotional materials for Yap's upcoming film, "The Rapists of Pepsi Paloma," which mentions Sotto's name.

The court must still assess the merits of Sotto's petition for a writ of habeas data, which is a remedy for violations or threats to the right to privacy in life, liberty, or security.