COVID-19 frontliner song beyond politics – DepEd

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Education has condemned the use of one of its program songs meant for COVID-19 frontliners by a group of doctors in Nueva Ecija who are campaigning for Vice President Leni Robredo.

It cited that the song “Dakila Ka, Bayani Ka” was used in the group’s campaign video. DepEd claimed that its use in the video “bastardized” the message of the song that was meant to rally support for frontliners and set aside political colors and partisanship.

“We are also taking offense that a mellow song about heroism was used to forward political messages of one party when it is clearly meant for all COVID-19 responders, regardless of political affiliations,” the statement read.

DepEd said it would seek to take legal action as the video producers did not secure permission from the song artists.

“Dakila Ka, Bayani Ka” was composed by Arnie Mendaros and arranged by Alert Tamayo for a project spearheaded by Education Undersecretary Alain Pascua. However, it was used for a promotional video performed by the “Nueva Ecija Doctors for Leni for Free.” Their performance was uploaded on social media but has since been taken down.

“While we respect the political choice of the medical personnel featured in the video, we are appalled that the people behind the production of the said video did not even practice due diligence in securing permission first from the artists who graciously lent their time and talent for the song,” DepEd said.

It also urged the group to take down the video and reminded the public to be more careful in using non-political materials.

“We shall seek legal actions on this negligence from the erring production team as we remind the public to keep non-political materials away from the messy side of the election campaign season,” it added.