Rapper Omar Baliw (left), and Pastor Apollo Quiboloy. Combined images by Jessica Ann Evangelista/ INQUIRER net
Hip-hop artist and composer Omar Baliw, whose real name is Omar Harry B. Manzano, has filed a copyright infringement complaint against Kingdom of Jesus Christ leader Apollo C. Quiboloy and SMNI President Dr. Marlon Rosete before the Pasig Regional Trial Court on Monday, March 24.
The complaint stems from the unauthorized use of the rapper’s song “K&B” for Quiboloy’s campaign jingle for the senatorial bid of the self-proclaimed “Son of God,” in violation of Republic Act 8923, or the Intellectual Property Code.
Under Section 217 of the RA 8923, copyright infringement or abetting such offense is punishable by imprisonment of one year to three years, and a fine ranging from P50,000 to P150,000 for the first offense; three to six years imprisonment and P150,000 to P500,000 for second offense; and, six years and one day to nine years and a fine of P500,000 to P1.5 million for the third and subsequent offenses. In case of insolvency, subsidiary imprisonment will also be meted.
In the affidavit submitted to the Pasig Regional Trial Court, Manzano and his legal counsel Atty. Jeanne Castillo Anarna alleged that the song was used without the rapper’s consent.
“Without my consent or the procurement of any license, Pastor Apollo C. Quiboloy, a senatorial aspirant, and Dr. Marlon Rosete, the convenor of the Pastor Apollo C. Quiboloy for Senator Movement, used the Song—albeit with modifications to the lyrics and melody to fit their political campaign slogans—during the kick-off campaign of Pastor Apollo C. Quiboloy on 11 February 2025 in Pasig City. The Song was publicly reproduced and performed without my authorization during a campaign broadcast,” stated the complaint.
Manzano also revealed that a version of “K&B,” with altered lyrics, was played at multiple “recorida” (live public announcements) events across the Philippines following the Feb. 11 campaign kick-off.
A video featuring parts of the Quiboloy campaign jingle, using the unauthorized song, also remains posted on the YouTube channel of Quiboloy supporter Darwin Salceda.
Prior to the filing of the criminal complaint, Manzano sent a letter demanding that Quiboloy and Rosete, convenor of the pastor’s senatorial campaign, “cease and desist” from using “K&B.” However, his request was not honored.
“Pastor Quiboloy’s and Dr. Rosete’s acts of unauthorized reproduction and public performance, coupled with their deliberate non-compliance even after receipt of a formal cease-and-desist demand, elevate the nature of this infringement to a criminal offense under the provisions governing intellectual property violations. These actions not only result in financial loss but also plague the public domain with an altered version of a work protected under law,” read the affidavit.
In an interview after the filing, Manzano emphasized that it’s important for him to pursue a complaint against Quiboloy.
“Bilang artist sobrang halaga ng copyright para samin. Ito yung art namin. Ito yung ginagawa namin. Di lang para sakin para rin sa mga kapwa artists ko,” he told reporters.
When asked what damages or fines their camp is seeking for, Atty. Anarna stressed that the complaint is more about the rights of her client.
“To be clear po this is not about doon sa damages. This is to protect the copyrights of our Filipino artists… We are ready to pursue this to the full extent of the law and all the remedies available to our client,” she said.
“K&B,” which was released in 2019, has gained popularity among Filipino rap songs. Its official music video on YouTube has garnered nearly six million views, and Manzano’s performance of the song on Wish 107.5 went viral, amassing over 69 million views.