Rapper accuses Apollo Quiboloy of copyright infringement

Hip-hop artist Omar Baliw has filed a copyright infringement complaint against Apollo Quiboloy, leader of the Kingdom of Jesus Christ, and Dr. Marlon Rosete, head of Quiboloy's political movement. The complaint was submitted to the Pasig Regional Trial Court on March 24. Baliw, whose real name is Omar Harry B. Manzano, claims that his song "K&B" was used without permission for Quiboloy's senatorial campaign jingle. He says this violates the Intellectual Property Code of the Philippines. The code states that copyright infringement can lead to imprisonment and fines. In his affidavit, Baliw stated that Quiboloy and Rosete used his song during a campaign event on February 11, 2025, without securing a license. He mentioned that the song was altered for the campaign and performed publicly. Since then, modified versions of "K&B" have been played at various events across the Philippines. Baliw had previously sent a cease-and-desist letter to Quiboloy and Rosete, but they did not stop using his song. He expressed the importance of copyright protection for artists like him, stating, “This is our art. It matters." Baliw’s lawyer emphasized that the complaint aims to protect the rights of Filipino artists rather than seek financial damages. The original version of "K&B," released in 2019, has become popular, with its music video receiving nearly six million views, and a performance of the song going viral with over 69 million views.