Former Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri on June 3 said he will file cyberlibel cases against those who post “fake news” against him.
“So, to whoever (is) spreading 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. I will not stop until justice prevails.”
He belied all the misinformation intended to tarnish the “good name” he has built over many years as a public servant.
He noted that the fake news on videos posted on social media perfectly coincide with his 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 obviously an attempt to discredit my leadership and taint my name. And they’re funneling huge amounts of money into this campaign — from production to promotion,” Zubiri pointed out.
The videos allege that the Senator owns a house in Forbes Park, as well as private airplanes, jets and helicopters, suggesting that the Bukidnon senator acquired all of these through corruption.
“No truth to these claims,” Zubiri declared, even saying that if they can find a house in his name in Forbes, “It’s yours.”
“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 revealed.
As for the private aircraft, he explained that his obligations as a senator – especially during his time as Senate President – sometimes required him to borrow private aircraft to attend functions on a tight schedule.
The rumors also mentioned Zubiri has been building a resort in Camiguin. He admitted it. But he said, it is not a private hideaway and “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 (be) a top tourist destination,” he explained.
The Zubiri family is from Bukidnon and has long been involved in sugar milling and pineapple farming.
The Senator himself is also a major player in the industrial ice industry in Iloilo and Cagayan de Oro, as well as the renewable energy industry in Bukidnon.
“May income po tayo, at nasa SALN ko po lahat iyan. And we pay all our taxes,” he said.
“I always encourage aspiring politicians to have their own sources of income separate from public service.”
