Comelec encourages musicians to take legal action against unauthorized use of their songs in election campaigns.

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has urged musicians and artists to file formal complaints against candidates who use their songs in election campaigns without permission.

This statement follows a Facebook post by OPM band Lola Amour, who revealed that multiple candidates had used their song in campaign jingles without their consent.

Comelec Chairman George Erwin Garcia encouraged the band to file an official complaint, stating that it would serve as a basis for the commission’s action. He emphasized that unauthorized use of music is unfair to Filipino artists, as it violates their intellectual property rights. Comelec also plans to coordinate with the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines if a complaint is filed.

Garcia has consistently reminded candidates to seek permission before using artists' songs in campaign materials.

Recently, Filipino rapper Omar Baliw (Omar Manzano) publicly criticized senatorial candidate Apollo Quiboloy for using his song “K&B” at a political event. Manzano has since filed a copyright infringement case against Quiboloy and SMNI President Marlon Rosete in the Pasig Regional Trial Court.

Source:https://mb.com.ph/2025/3/31/comelec-urges-bands-to-file-charges-on-unauthorized-use-of-songs-in-campaigning