Zubiri eyes cyber libel suit vs detractors

SEN. Juan Miguel Zubiri on Monday bared plans to file cyber libel complaints against some personalities for spreading black propaganda to tarnish his «good name.»

He said that the black propaganda, which came in the form of videos spreading rumors posted on social media, was «perfectly timed» to coincide with his ouster as Senate president on May 20.

«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 said.

SEN. Juan Miguel “Migz” F. Zubiri. Senate Social Media Unit

He said he noted the «impeccable timing» of the videos that 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,» Zubiri said in a statement.

«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.

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Apparently, the videos questioned Zubiri's ownership of a house in Forbes Park [village], as well as private airplanes, jets and helicopters, which suggested that he acquired all of these through corruption.

«That's not true,» said Zubiri. The senator said if his critics can find a house in his name in Forbes, they can have it. «It's yours,» he said.

Zubiri said he bought his current house, which is not in Forbes, in 2009, and it is declared in his Statement of Assets, Liabilities, and Net Worth (SALN).

As for the private aircraft, he said 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.

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The rumors also mentioned Zubiri building a resort in Camiguin, which the senator admitted to. «This is not a private hideaway, and you can find the property in my SALN,» he said.

He went on to explain that as an entrepreneur, «may