Zubiri mulls cyberlibel raps vs. black propagandists

Former Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri (File photo: Senate of the Philippines/Facebook)

MANILA – Senator Juan Miguel Zubiri announced on Monday that he is planning to file cyberlibel cases against the makers of social media videos accusing him of corruption.

In a news release, Zubiri said the allegations had “impeccable timing,” circulated online just as he was being replaced as Senate president.

“It’s an obvious attempt to discredit my leadership and taint my name. And they’re funneling huge amounts of money into this campaign — from production to promotion,” he said.

“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,” he said.

The allegations against Zubiri include owning a house in posh Forbes Park in Makati City and private planes, which the senator denied.

He challenged anyone to find such properties under his name.

However, he admitted that he is currently building a resort in Camiguin to promote tourism in Northern Mindanao.

Zubiri emphasized that his family’s businesses and income sources are legitimate, declaring that he has a clean record and has never been involved in scandals involving public funds.

The Zubiri family from Bukidnon is involved in sugar milling and pineapple farming.

The senator is also a major player in the industrial ice industry in Iloilo and Cagayan de Oro City, as well as the renewable energy industry in Bukidnon.