Zubiri mulls cyberlibel charges over 'black propaganda'

Former Senate President Juan Miguel “Migz” Zubiri is mulling cyberlibel charges against individuals behind several social media videos accusing him of corruption.

Zubiri described the alleged black propaganda as an “obvious attempt” to discredit his Senate leadership.

“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,” the senator said.

“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 added.

Several videos alleging that Zubiri acquired a house in Forbes Park, as well as private planes,  jets, and helicopters through corruption circulated online.

He denied the accusations, saying he never resided in the exclusive village and the private planes he used for some events were borrowed.

The legislator, however,  admitted to owning a resort in Camiguin, which he said was on his  Statement of Assets, Liabilities, and Net Worth (SALN).

“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.

“Matagal na ako sa  pulitika, and I take pride in maintaining a clean record. Wala tayong  scandals sa pera ng bayan,” he said.

(I have long been a politician and I  take pride in maintaining a clean record. I never had a scandal over corruption.)

Zubiri is on a three-week vacation with his family in the aftermath of his replacement as the Upper Chamber's leader. He resigned from his post on  May 20 after 15 of his colleagues voted to unseat him and elect Senator  Francis Escudero as his successor. — DVM, GMA Integrated News