FILSCAP reminds candidates to secure license first before using music in campaign

An official from the Filipino Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers, Inc. (FILSCAP) on Thursday urged candidates and their managers to secure license first before using music as jingles for their campaign.

“Sana po ay makipag-ugnayan kayo sa FILSCAP or alamin niyo kung sino yung right holder. Makipag-ugnayan kayo para kumuha ng lisensya,” FILSCAP general manager Mark Thursday Alciso said in an interview on Dobol B sa News TV.

Like materials such as lights and stage set-up that were being paid for when used in campaigns, Alciso reminded candidates that intellectual properties such as music should also receive the same treatment.

Alciso said candidates should secure license first before using the tune of a copyrighted music as their campaign jingle.

License is also required for candidates who will play copyrighted music for a performance piece or as background music during their campaigns, he added.

“For example, meron kang singer para ma-entertain yung audience mo, para mag-attract, yun kailangan naman ng ibang lisensya,” Alciso said, adding public playing of music in campaigns is being administered by FILSCAP.

But for music that will be used for campaign jingles, Alciso said candidates should ask permission directly to its composer or publisher.

According to Alciso, FILSCAP made the rate for music use license affordable so that candidates will be able to pay the fee. He said they just want candidates to show respect to intellectual property rights.

“Sinadya naming mababa lang 'yung license fee kasi ang gusto lang namin sa pulitiko ay compliance,” the FILSCAP general manager said.

Alciso said that they have already reached out to political parties informing them about the legal use of music in campaign, but, according to him, none of them responded yet.

He also revealed that only three candidates sought license. FILSCAP received reports that some candidates did not just use music without license but also used them as accompaniment for campaign videos.

“We’ve received so far 24 reports na mayroong accompanying video, may ebidensya,” he said. —Joviland Rita/KBK, GMA News