No, you can't just use anyone's song as a campaign jingle
(FILES) Barangay Candidates start hanging a tarpaulin campaign in Quezon, on Thursday 19 October 2023 as the 10-day campaign period for the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE) begins. The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has reminded the candidates to follow the rules and regulations, including the right size of billboards, tarpaulins, and individual posters, during the campaign period for the 30 October BSKE.
It's campaign season once again — which means catchy jingles could leave some with last-song syndrome.
But did you know that candidates or political parties cannot just use any song, even if it's trending or widely popular, without the artist's or composer's permission?
The Commission on Elections (Comelec) previously reminded those running in the midterm elections to be mindful of intellectual property (IP) rights in their campaign activities.
In accordance with Resolution No. 11086, the poll body reminded candidates and parties to ensure that IP rights are respected in the production of their campaign jingles.
Violators of IP rights could face both criminal and civil liabilities, according to Comelec.
In January, Comelec signed an agreement with the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL).
During the signing event, Comelec Chairperson George Garcia said that violating IP rights would be treated as an election offense, as they fall under illegal poll propaganda.
According to IPOPHL, there were five cases of illegal use of music for campaign jingles during the 2022 national and local elections.