SENATOR Juan Miguel Zubiri said on Monday he will file cyberlibel charges against peddlers of “fake news” against him.
Zubiri claimed he has fallen prey to online disinformation, accusing him of using public funds to purchase luxury properties such as jets and mansions.
“I hope they (fake news peddlers) are ready because I will be filing cases. I will not stop until justice prevails,” the former Senate President said.
Zubiri belied all the black propaganda intended to tarnish the “good name” he has built over many years as a public servant.
He noted that the false information included videos posted on social media that curiously coincided with his recent ouster as Senate President.
“They came out with a first set of videos two months ago, on 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 noted.
“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 pointed out.
The videos alleged the senator’s ownership of a house in Forbes Park, as well as private planes, jets and helicopters, suggesting that the Bukidnon lawmaker acquired all of these through corruption.
“No truth to these claims,” Zubiri declared, even challenging the so-called fake news peddlers that if they can find a house in his name in Forbes Park, they can have it.
“I bought my house, which is not located in Forbes, in 2009. It was in my SALN (Statement of Assets, Liabilities, and Net Worth),” he explained.
With respect to his use of private aircraft, Zubiri said he was sometimes required to borrow planes, so he can attend official functions under a tight schedule, especially during his time as Senate President.
The rumors also mentioned Zubiri has been building a resort in Camiguin. He confirmed this, but said this it was not a private hideaway, adding “you can find the property in my SALN.”
“I built (a) resort there because I believe in the beauty of Camiguin and Northern Mindanao. I want to help them make this a top tourist destination here in the Philippines,” he said.
The Zubiri family is from the province of Bukidnon and has long been involved in sugar milling and pineapple farming, as well as in renewable energy industry in his home province.
“We have our own sources of income and these are all stated in my SALN. We pay all our taxes,” he stressed.
“I always encourage aspiring politicians to have their own sources of income separate from public service,” he added.
Editor’s Note: This is an updated article. Originally posted with the headline Zubiri to file cyberlibel raps vs shady political vloggers spreading lies against him
