The battle between Philippines’ TV host, Vic Sotto, and the filmmakers behind "The Rapists of Pepsi Paloma", written and directed by Darryl Yap, intensifies this week, with opposing sides scheduled to present their cases before a judge on Wednesday (15 Jan).

The trailer for the biopic, starring Rhed Bustamante as 1980s Filipina actress Delia Dueñas Smith (aka Pepsi Paloma), includes a scene where Paloma alleges she was raped by Sotto. 

The scene resurfaces a scandal that broke out in the early 1980s when the actress was 14 years old and was allegedly raped by three celebrities. Paloma died by suicide in 1985.  

Meanwhile, the high-profile battle, which erupted last week as the film’s publicity campaign kicked off, is dominating domestic headlines. 

Sotto, who has filed a petition to take down the film’s trailer and stop the promotional campaign, has also lodged a Ps35-million/US$597,000 suit for cyber libel and related damages. 

Yap, previously known for Maid in Malacañang, is gathering his own forces to fight Sotto’s objection. 

In a Facebook post on Friday, Yap said: “Truth is the only defence to all the questions... Delia, Pepsi, we’re going back to court.” The post had 15,000 responses (including more than 5,600 heart emojis, 2,000 comments and 650 shares as of Sunday evening).

Local media platforms have pointed out the possibility of political motives behind the new movie, which coincides with the campaigns of Sotto’s son, Vico, for Pasig mayor, and brother Tito for senator.

Yap has denied allegations of political interference or support from Sotto’s political rivals.  

The film is supposed to be released in February.