Zubiri to sue vloggers for spreading 'black propaganda' ahead of his ouster

MANILA, Philippines — Sen. Juan Miguel Zubiri on Monday vowed to file cyber libel complaints against social media users who spread "black propaganda" videos to allegedly discredit him before his anticipated ouster from the Senate leadership last month.

The former Senate president said the information campaign, which he believes to be well-funded but did not say by whom, was an attempt to tarnish his name amid moves in the upper chamber to unseat him.

"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 in a press release.

"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 added.

The senator pointed to a series of videos circulating on social media that alleged he acquired luxury properties and private aircraft through corrupt means.

He said the claims were "totally false."

Zubiri denied owning a house in Forbes Park, saying that if anyone finds a house in the exclusive subdivision under his name, "they can have it."

The senator said his current residence, purchased in 2009, is listed in his Statement of Assets, Liabilities, and Net Worth (SALN).

He also addressed allegations about his use of private aircraft, explaining that he occasionally borrows these to fulfill his duties as a senator. 

However, the senator admitted to building a private resort in Camiguin, which he said was fully declared in his SALN and was not a "private hideaway."

"I'm building a small resort there because I believe in the beauty of Camiguin and Northern Mindanao, and I want to help make it a top tourist destination in the Philippines," Zubiri said in Filipino.

Zubiri also said in his press release that he considers himself a "major player in the industrial ice industry in Iloilo and Cagayan de Oro, as well as the renewable energy industry in Bukidnon."

All of his sources of income are in his SALN, Zubiri said.

"I always encourage aspiring politicians to have their own sources