Zubiri aims for Senate seat anew despite 2011 scandal

MANILA, Philippines — Former Sen. Juan Miguel "Migs" Zubiri on Wednesday made official his bid for a Senate seat.

Zubiri, who filed his certificate of candidacy on Wednesday at the Commission on Elections main office in Intramuros, Manila, is hoping to return to the Senate after he resigned in 2011 due to questions and allegations of poll fraud.

He said his renewed senatorial bid was encouraged by recent surveys where his name has appeared.

"Muli po akong haharap sa ating kababayan upang hingin muli sa kanila ang suporta't pagtitiwala," Zubiri said.

Former Sen. Miguel Zubiri files COC as an independent candidate urged by senatorial survey results #PiliPINAS2015 pic.twitter.com/0uuq1Hvjik

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The former senator will run independently but noted that he was adopted as a guest candidate by Sens. Grace Poe and Francis "Chiz" Escudero in their slate. Poe and Escudero are expected to run for president and vice president, respectively.

"Sa pagkakataon pong ito ay pinili po nating maging kapartido ay ang pamilyang Pilipino at ang taumbayan," he said.

Zubiri claimed that he will also welcome other parties that will adopt him, but as of moment he is grateful for Poe and Escudero's endorsement.

He, however, clarified that he is not yet endorsing any presidential candidate.

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"I will welcome my adoption to their party but to decide on who's our presidential candidate I will discuss that further down the line," Zubiri said.

According to Zubiri he will campaign around the country with his wife, Audrey Zubiri.

Zubiri resigned from Senate in 2011 after his 2007 senate victory was questioned. He was then replaced by Sen. Aquilino "Koko" Pimentel III.