Former Senate President Juan Miguel “Migz” F. Zubiri (Mark Pimentel/Senate PRIB)
MANILA, Philippines — Former Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri said he would file cyber libel cases against individuals tainting his name by spreading black propaganda over social media.
In a statement on Monday, Zubiri said the propaganda came from videos posted on various social media networks, claiming that he acquired his possessions through corruption.
Some of these videos alleged that the former Senate chief owns a house in Forbes Park and private airplanes and helicopters, all of which the senator denied.
“They came out with [the] first set of videos two months ago [in] the first attempt to unseat me. When that failed, they produced a part-two video, which was released during the week of the second attempt. The timing is impeccable,” Zubiri said.
He labeled this an “obvious attempt” to discredit his leadership.
He likewise noted that the individuals behind the black propaganda are “funneling huge amounts of money.”
“So to whoever’s spreading these lies to make it look like I’m pocketing government money to buy mansions and jets, these are totally false. I hope they’re ready because I will be filing cases and will not stop until justice prevails,” said Zubiri.
The rumors also mention Zubiri building a resort in Camiguin, which the senator admits.
He, however, emphasized that it is not a “private hideaway,” as it is clearly indicated in his Statement of Assets, Liabilities, and Net Worth.
“Matagal na ako sa pulitika, and I take pride in maintaining a clean record. Wala tayong scandals sa pera ng bayan. Kasama ba tayo sa Napoles scandal? Hindi. Dahil hindi tayo sumang-ayon sa paglagay ng pera ng bayan sa mga private foundations,” he said.
(I’ve been in politics for a while now and take pride in maintaining a clean record. I have no scandals involving public funds. Am I included in the Napoles scandal? No. Because we don’t conform to putting public money in private foundations.)