MANILA, Philippines — Anjo Yllana said he respects the court's decision finding him liable in the defamation case filed by TVJ Productions but believes the P3.5-million damages awarded are excessive.
Speaking in an interview uploaded on Ogie Diaz's YouTube channel on July 6, Yllana acknowledged that his remarks hurt the veteran television personalities Tito Sotto, Vic Sotto and Joey de Leon but said he will appeal the ruling.
"It's too heavy. That's why I'm going to appeal," Yllana said as translated to English.
The actor was reacting to the regional trial court's decision ordering him to pay P3.5 million in damages after TVJ Productions prevailed in its civil complaint for defamation arising from statements he made during a series of livestreams.
Yllana said he would elevate the case to the Court of Appeals, stressing that the decision has yet to become final.
"I respect the court's decision. I don't say the court is wrong. I respect it, but I disagree with it, and that's why I'm exercising my constitutional right to appeal," he said.
He admitted he does not have P3.5 million in cash but said he would first pursue all available legal remedies before worrying about payment.
Questioning the severity of the judgment, Yllana said the penalty did not match his actions.
"I feel like, did I kill someone? Did I steal? Did I violate anyone?" he said.
According to Yllana, he merely expressed his emotions during his livestreams, although he admitted the situation eventually escalated.
"I didn't even use profanity. I was just expressing my emotions. Maybe it's too harsh. The penalty is too heavy. My lawyer and I will meet again, and hopefully we'll be able to appeal before the higher courts," he said.
He also questioned the basis for the damages awarded to TVJ Productions.
"They said there were damages to the company. But when you say there were damages to a company, it means the company suffered losses. TVJ isn't losing money, so that's one of the things I want clarified in the higher courts," he said.
Looking back, the former "Eat Bulaga" host admitted he made a mistake by allowing his emotions to dictate his words.
"I realized later that it was wrong to air my grievances publicly. It's better to remain silent than speak when you're emotional," he said.
Despite the legal dispute, Yllana insisted he never intended to tarnish the reputation of TVJ.
"I have no intention of destroying their image. I love Tito, Vic and Joey. We've spent so many years together," he said.
He described the case as especially painful because of his decades-long friendship with the three television icons, saying he regarded Vic Sotto as "like a brother."
"It's painful because I know they're hurt, and I'm hurt too. The last thing I wanted was for our relationship to end up like this," he said.
"My message to Tito, Vic and Joey is not to ask for forgiveness because I've already apologized before, and I meant it. What I'm asking now is that, if there's still anger in your hearts, I hope it eventually subsides," he continued.
"I'm not asking you to drop the case. The case is about money. What matters more to me is the friendship and brotherhood we shared for more than 20 years.!I'm sorry for everything that happened. I still respect all of you. I wish nothing but good things for you, and I hope one day you can forgive me," he added.
Yllana also revealed that the controversy has affected his livelihood, saying he has been without regular television and film work for more than a year after some projects were put on hold because of the issue.
Still, he said he does not regret standing up for what he believed in, although he acknowledged that he handled the situation poorly.
"I don't regret fighting for what I believed was right. What I regret is the way I expressed myself. I should have handled it with more restraint," he ended.
