The scheduled theatrical release of Darryl Yap’s “The Rapists of Pepsi Paloma” has been “postponed” due to incomplete documentary requirements.
This was confirmed by the director himself in a Facebook post, where he wrote that the film’s producers were unable to immediately secure the necessary documents requested by the Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB). The movie was supposed to hit cinemas last Feb. 5.
“Natanggal man ang tansan, nananatili ang iyong ispirito,” he captioned his post.
“Ipinaaabot ko po sa lahat ng nakasubaybay na bigo po ang panig ng inyong lingkod na agarang makumpleto ang mga dokumentong hinihingi ng pamunuan ng MTRCB. Kaya’t imposible pong maipalabas sa mga sinehan ang ating pelikula sa February 5,” Yap wrote.
Among the required documents is a certificate or clearance stating that there are no pending criminal, civil, or administrative cases from the the Department of Justice, and the Office of the City Prosecutor.
The film has been surrounded by controversy, particularly after Vic Sotto’s camp filed 19 counts of cyber libel against Yap which stemmed from the film’s teaser, where his name was explicitly mentioned in a dialogue between lead actresses Gina Alajar and Rhed Bustamante, who portray Charito Solis and Pepsi Paloma, respectively.
With this delay, Yap is now considering alternative options for the film’s release, including international screenings or a shift to streaming platforms.
He added, “Pinag-iisipan na rin ang posibilidad na maunang maipalabas ito sa labas ng bansa o ipagpaliban na ang pagpapalabas sa sinehan at magpokus na lamang sa streaming platforms. Kung anu’t anuman ay agad itong malalaman ng publiko.”
He also acknowledged in the comment section of his post that securing a new playdate for a commercial theater release might be difficult, given that February and March are already packed with scheduled film screenings.
Sotto’s legal team previously secured a writ of habeas data from the Muntinlupa court, a ruling that his wife, Pauleen Luna, described as a “victory” for their family.
Yap had initially planned for The Rapists of Pepsi Paloma to premiere on the 40th death anniversary of Pepsi, whom he considers a fellow native of Olongapo.
