Detained pastor Apollo Quiboloy is facing a fresh legal issue after hip-hop artist Omar Manzano, also known as Omar Baliw, filed a criminal complaint for copyright infringement before the Pasig Regional Trial Court on Monday, March 24.
According to Manzano’s legal counsel, Atty. Jeanne Castillo Anarna, the complaint stems from the alleged unauthorized use, reproduction, and modification of the rapper’s song K&B as a political jingle in Quiboloy’s campaign.
The complaint also names SMNI President Dr. Marlon Rosete as a respondent.
Quiboloy’s lawyer, Atty. Israelito Torreon, responded by saying they welcome the case, confident that the court will see Quiboloy had no involvement in the use of the song. He explained that Quiboloy, currently detained, was unaware of how his supporters used the material.
Meanwhile, the Filipino Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (FILSCAP) and the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines reiterated their earlier reminder to candidates to secure proper licenses when using original music in campaigns. Violators may face disqualification or criminal charges under the Intellectual Property Code.
