Rapper sues Quiboloy over copyright infringement

Rapper Omar Manzano, known as Omar Baliw, has filed a copyright infringement lawsuit against detained senatorial candidate Pastor Apollo Quiboloy for using his song without permission during a political rally last month.

In an interview with News 5, Baliw’s legal counsel said the lawsuit was related to the unauthorized use of the song “K&B,” in which the lyrics were altered to promote Quiboloy’s campaign.

“We filed the complaint because there was unauthorized use and adaptation of the song ‘K&B,’ which is why we sent a demand letter to Quiboloy’s camp,” the lawyer said.

He said no positive response was received from Quiboloy’s camp. “We are ready to pursue this to the fullest extent of the law and will exhaust all legal remedies available to our client.”

Baliw also stressed the importance of protecting an artist’s copyright as it is tied to their livelihood and work.

It was reported that on 13 February, Quiboloy’s camp held a separate proclamation rally at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City, separate from the proclamation rally of his fellow Duterte-backed senatorial candidates.

In a Facebook post, Baliw criticized the use of his song, stating, “Not even seated yet, and he’s already stealing. We have nothing to do with this. Can we report this to the barangay?”

The Filipino Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers said that using copyrighted music in political rallies requires the permission of the composer under Section 177.6 of the Intellectual Property Code of the Philippines.