PEP: Rivermaya's Mark Escueta defends ‘Gibo’ camp on ‘Posible’ controversy

Rivermaya drummer Mark Escueta feels that it's not fair to blame the camp of administration party presidential bet Gilbert "Gibo" Teodoro, Jr. on the controversy surrounding the use of the song "Posible" in his latest campaign advertisement. The issue started after ex-Rivermaya singer-songwriter Rico Blanco lashed out at Teodoro's team for allegedly failing to seek permission from him before utilizing the material. Blanco is claiming ownership of the song, which served as the official theme song of the 2005 Southeast Asian Games held here in Manila. "This use of 'Posible' is unauthorized. Rico Blanco is the composer and reserved all intellectual property rights to it. He has not licensed the use of the composition to any political ad campaign, nor has he assigned any of his rights to another party or to a music publisher. Rico at this time has not endorsed any political candidate, whether for President or any other elective position, and is not affiliated with any political party. Nor have his services as a composer or performer been retained by any national political campaign," said the official statement released by Rico and his current music label, Warner Music Philippines. Dennis Garcia, who was commissioned by Teodoro's team to score the campaign ad, however, defended that they have all the proper documents to prove that there was no breach of copyright or licensing laws committed. The song "Posible," according to Garcia, is registered under the name of Rivermaya's former manager Lizza Nakpil. "I had the paperwork prepared, the details spelled out... and paid the agreed-upon license fees," Garcia stated. GIVING WHAT IS DUE. The present members of Rivermaya are currently involved in a legal battle against Nakpil concerning the ownership of the band's name and royalty fees allegedly left unpaid. "I think Mr. Blanco and Warner should clear Gibo's name from the controversy," Mark rationalized, singling out Nakpil and the band's messy business affairs in the past as the culprit behind the problem. "Though I'm not on speaking terms with Mr. Blanco, I do believe he should get what's due him. And If Ms. Nakpil cannot prove her legal and rightful ownership of the publishing rights to 'Posible,' then she should also get what's due her," Mark told PEP (Philippine Entertainment Portal). He added, "If it's true that Mr. Blanco did not assign publishing rights to Nakpil or anyone, then I hope that he, or his manager Mr. Jim Baluyut of Warner Music Philippines, does something concrete about it soon before further damage is caused to innocent people like Gibo. At sayang din naman yung mga ibang kanta niya [Rico], baka mabenta ng maling tao, sa maling paraan." Rico Blanco left Rivermaya in 2007 to pursue a successful solo career. Rivermaya's present lineup is composed of Jayson Fernandez (vocals), Japs Sergio (bass), Mike Elgar (guitar) and Mark Escueta, the only remaining original member of the 17-year-old hitmaking band. - Bong Godinez, PEP