The Siakol–Repakol–Noel Palomo Feud: A Deep Dive into the Battle for Songs, Rights, and Legacy

 

The Filipino rock scene, particularly the '90s era of Original Pilipino Music (OPM) bands, has seen its fair share of controversies, but few have been as drawn-out and emotionally charged as the feud between Siakol, its splinter group Repakol, and former lead vocalist and chief songwriter Noel Palomo.

Siakol was formed in the mid-1990s and quickly rose to prominence with their raw, relatable lyrics and catchy melodies. The band was known for its street-smart takes on everyday Filipino life, often delivered with humor and grit. Key hits like “Lakas Tama,” “Gabay,” “Tropa,” “Inuman Na,” and “Bakit Ba Ganyan” cemented their status as a staple in the OPM rock canon.

The creative nucleus of Siakol revolved around Noel Palomo, the group's charismatic frontman and principal songwriter. While breakups in bands are not uncommon, what followed was a contentious fallout that continues to reverberate in the OPM community. The most significant point of contention? The continued use of Noel Palomo’s original compositions—including Siakol’s biggest hits—by the band that he left.

Noel Palomo claims that Siakol never properly credited or compensated him for the ongoing public performances of his compositions. Many of the songs that have become anthems for a generation of Filipino rock fans were written by him—lyrics, melodies, and all.

Some people close to Noel Palomo suggested that Alpha Records, the band’s former record company, had resolved the issue by announcing that Noel Palomo was the composer and held sole rights to all of Siakol’s songs and compositions.

Siakol, on the other hand, continued performing these songs, claiming that the band had every right to do so, especially since the name and brand of Siakol remained intact with the remaining members.

Legal Gray Area: Who Owns the Songs?

In the Philippines, copyright law generally grants the composer or lyricist the rights to their musical works, unless there is an explicit agreement assigning those rights to another party, such as the band or a music label. This means that if Noel Palomo wrote the lyrics and music to Siakol’s songs, he likely retains the copyright, unless he had legally waived or assigned those rights.

Noel Palomo has publicly stated in interviews and social media posts that he never gave permission for Siakol to continue using his songs after his exit. The issue is further complicated by the fact that many of Siakol’s hits were not correctly registered with the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL) or with performing rights organizations, such as FILSCAP (Filipino Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers), making enforcement of ownership a challenge.

The dispute escalated into a public spectacle, with both sides airing their grievances in interviews, vlogs, and social media posts. Noel accused Siakol of disrespect and exploitation, while Siakol fired back, accusing Noel of abandoning the group and riding on the fame they had built together.

Fans became divided—some stood with Noel, believing the voice and soul of Siakol left with him. Others supported the remaining band members, arguing that no one person made the group.

In 2022, tensions peaked when Repakol began performing Siakol songs, often claiming them as “Noel Palomo Originals.” Meanwhile, Siakol continued to tour and perform the exact hits, leading to confusion at gigs, online debates, and even altercations among fans.

 

Cultural and Industry Implications

This feud has broader implications for the Filipino music industry. It highlights the importance of copyright awareness among musicians, particularly in bands where multiple individuals contribute to a single identity. Many OPM artists from the 1990s and early 2000s are now facing the consequences of inadequate legal protections and informal agreements.

It also raises questions about band identity vs. individual authorship. Who owns the right to perform a song—the group that made it famous or the individual who wrote it?

Current Status: Two Bands, One Legacy

As of 2025, the situation remains unresolved. Both Siakol (without Noel) and Repakol (Noel’s band) continue to perform, and both use the same catalog of songs originally written by Noel. Although there has been no official court ruling on the matter, rumors suggest that Noel may pursue legal action to reclaim his performance rights and demand royalties.

Meanwhile, Siakol has attempted to introduce new material with a different lead singer, but none have achieved the success of their earlier hits. Repakol, on the other hand, heavily banks on nostalgia, frequently performing classic Siakol songs at gigs and festivals, introducing them as “the real voice behind Siakol.”

The Siakol–Repakol–Noel Palomo feud is more than just band drama. It's a cautionary tale for all musicians and artists about the importance of protecting creative rights, clearly defining ownership, and establishing legal safeguards from the outset.

For fans, the situation is bittersweet. While they still get to hear the songs they love, the ongoing dispute taints the legacy of a band that once stood for unity, brotherhood, and honest storytelling.

Overall, whether you're team Noel, team Siakol, or just a fan of great Filipino rock, the real tragedy is that a band that once gave a voice to the ordinary Filipino is now divided by the very songs that brought them together.