THE Commission on Elections (Comelec) yesterday advised local band “Lola Amour” to file complaints of violating intellectual property laws against candidates and political parties that are illegally using their songs as their campaign jingles for the May 2025 polls.
“Once a complaint is filed to us, we will quickly take action. We will issue a Notice to those behind these,” Comelec Chairman George Garcia said in a press briefing in Sta Rosa, Laguna.
“We hope they will file a complaint so we can also coordinate with the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL),” he added.
Garcia said candidates and political parties cannot simply disown the illegal use of songs as campaign jingles.
“They are the ones benefiting so we will presume that they are behind it. Therefore, it is on them to rectify,” said Garcia.
Over the weekend, Lola Amour said all campaign jingles that use their songs, including their hit song “Raining in Manila,” do not have their permission.
Last January, the Comelec and the IPOPHL entered into a memorandum of agreement with the aim of ensuring that candidates respect IP rights in developing campaign materials.
