FILSCAP denies missing P9 million funds

A group engaged in the collection of royalties for the public performance rights of its members on Wednesday denied irregularities in the disbursement of some P9 million in its funds. The Filipino Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers, Inc. (FILSCAP), through its president Mon del Rosario, told GMA News that its funds have been properly accounted for. Del Rosario was denying the allegations made by a group led by folk singer Heber Bartolome that some P8.5 million of FILSCAP’s fund have been missing. “Merong audit report, pero lahat ‘yun na-account ‘yung pondo (There is an audit report, but all funds have been accounted for there)," he said.

Bartolome, singer of the folk song “Tayo’y Mga Pinoy," on Tuesday asked the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) to investigate the allegedly fraudulent disbursements made by FILSCAP officials. Del Rosario denied the allegations, and revealed that Bartolome is currently a suspended member of FILSCAP. The FILSCAP head said the folk singer once accused a recording company of refusing to pay royalties for the use of his song. FILSCAP, however, later found out that the royalties have already been settled, leading to Bartolome’s suspension. Del Rosario said he is not sure whether the irregular disbursement case has something to do with Bartolome’s suspension, but added that the singer’s royalties may be put on hold due to his actions. “He may or may not receive the entitlement immediately. ‘Yung royalties, maaaring on hold (His royalties may be put on hold)," he said. - Andreo Calonzo/KBK, GMANews.TV