Court denies Sotto cyberlibel, habeas data consolidation

A Muntinlupa regional trial court denied director Darryl Yap's motion to consolidate cases filed by actor Vic Sotto over a movie teaser.

The court ruled that the petition for writ of habeas data and the 19 counts of cyberlibel are distinct in nature, purpose, jurisdiction, and procedure, making consolidation inappropriate.

Judge Liezel Aquiatan emphasized that each case must proceed independently as they are governed by separate procedural rules and forums.

Sotto's legal team had sought a show-cause order against Yap over a social media post allegedly violating a gag order; however, the court denied this motion.

The preliminary hearing scheduled for January 15 and the summary hearing set for January 17 will proceed as planned.