Comelec urges artists to file complaints over unauthorized song use in campaigns

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) urged artists and musicians to file formal complaints if their songs are used without permission in campaign jingles during the 2025 midterm elections.

This came after OPM band Lola Amour expressed concern over unauthorized use of their hit song 'Raining in Manila' for political campaigning, stating that all such uses were made without consent.

Comelec Chairperson George Garcia emphasized the importance of artists filing formal complaints to serve as a basis for action against intellectual property violations and unfair practices towards Filipino artists.

A memorandum of agreement between Comelec and the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL) was signed to address these issues, establishing a mechanism for monitoring and enforcing intellectual property rights during election periods.

Recently, rapper Omar Baliw also took to social media to call out senatorial candidate Apollo Quiboloy for using his popular song 'K&B' without permission, leading Manzano to file a copyright infringement complaint against the KOJC leader and SMNI President Marlon Rosete before the Pasig Regional Trial Court.

Comelec Chairperson Garcia reiterated that candidates must ask for permission when using other artists' songs in their campaign jingles, stressing the importance of accountability under both election laws and intellectual property regulations.