Vic Sotto: 'I have a clean conscience'

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MANILA, Philippines — Comedian and TV host Vic Sotto on Tuesday stood firm in his innocence when asked by the media about his ongoing legal battle with controversial filmmaker Darryl Yap.

"Because I have a clean conscience. Malinis ang pakiramdam ko, wala naman dapat ika-worry. Maiistress ka lang kapag iniisip mo. So relax lang (Because I have a clean conscience. I feel at peace, and there's nothing to worry about. You'll only get stressed if you overthink things. So I'm just relaxed)," Sotto shared on the sidelines of his launch as the newest endorser of powdered drink brand Santé Barley.

Sotto, on Jan. 9, 2024 filed 19 counts of cyber libel against Yap, who is behind the upcoming film "The Rapists of Pepsi Paloma." The case stems from the film's promotional materials, which allegedly suggest Sotto's involvement in the decades-old controversy surrounding the late actress Pepsi Paloma. For the case, the veteran actor is seeking P35 million in damages.

Comedian and TV host Vic Sotto

Despite this, Sotto appeared calm and collected.

"I'm good. Relax, just going with the flow. Basta ako naman ay I trusted God. (I'm good. Relax, just going with the flow. As for me, I trust God)," he said.

Sotto then commended his wife, Pauleen Luna, and their children who have been his pillars of strength.

"Ramdam na ramdam ko pa rin yung suporta. I really appreciate my family, my wife, my children, aking mga kaibigan. Maraming salamat kasi sila yung nagbibigay ng lakas ng loob sa akin. (I can really feel the support. I truly appreciate my family, my wife, my children, and my friends. Thank you so much because they're the ones who give me strength)," Sotto said.

"[With Pauleen], Okay lang. I take the lead. Of course chill din siya. Yung mga anak ko naman chill lang din, yun ang natutunan nila sa akin (It's all good. I take the lead. Of course, she's calm too. Even my kids are relaxed — they've learned that from me)," he added.

His longtime colleagues and friends from longtime running noontime show "Eat Bulaga," Tito Sotto and Joey de Leon, have also expressed their full support to him.

He shared, "Of course they're all out support. Kahit anong mangyari sama-sama kami. Ako talaga kasi relax lang, hindi ko masyadong pinoproblema ang mga problema dahil hindi tayo bibigay ng problema ng panginoon na hindi kayang ayusin. (Of course, they're all out in their support. No matter what happens, we're in this together. As for me, I stay relaxed; I don't overthink problems because God wouldn't give us challenges we can't handle)."

Finally when asked if there was a possibility for an out-of-court settlement, he mentioned, "I cannot talk about that. I'm sorry."

The Muntinlupa Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 205 on Monday issued a gag order prohibiting public disclosure or discussion of proceedings in the cyber libel case against Yap.

The court directed all parties to maintain strict confidentiality under the sub judice rule, ensuring proceedings remain undisclosed until resolution. It also clarified that it has not yet ruled on Sotto's habeas data petition, which seeks the removal of materials related to the contested film.

The Jan. 15 hearing has then been rescheduled to Jan. 17. Sotto was also instructed to respond to Yap's motion to consolidate the case with cyber libel complaints filed with the Muntinlupa Office of the Prosecutor.