Filipino artists sue over song misuse in election campaigns

Filipino rapper Omar Baliw and band Lola Amour have filed complaints against political campaigns using their songs without permission ahead of the 2025 elections.

Baliw accused senatorial candidate Apollo Quiboloy's campaign team of using his song 'K&B' during a February event in Pasig City, while Lola Amour noted that their hit 'Raining In Manila' was being used as jingles without consent.

In October 2023, Lola Amour faced similar issues when their songs were utilized for Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections without permission.

The Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL) has partnered with the Commission on Elections (Comelec) to address IP violations during campaigns through a Memorandum of Agreement.

Artists can file complaints with Comelec's Election Information Department, highlighting the need for stricter enforcement of intellectual property laws and raising awareness about their importance.