Zubiri seeks reelection bid in 2022 polls
MANILA, Philippines —- Senate Majority Leader Juan Miguel Zubiri filed his certificate of candidacy on Wednesday, seeking a reelection bid in next year's polls.
Zubiri said he is running as an independent bet, but has been adopted by the slate of Senate President Vicente Sotto III and Sen. Panfilo Lacson.
He added he is also supported by the faction of the PDP-Laban led by Sen. Manny Pacquiao.
"The public is not at a disadvantage in my service of six years in the 17th and 18th Congress," Zubiri said in Filipino after filing his COC. "We have no issue of corruption..we have not been absent."
Zubiri first came to the Senate in 2007 but resigned in 2011 amid allegations of electoral fraud.
Before that, he served three terms as congressman of Bukidnon, succeeding his father Jose Maria Zubiri Jr., who is now governor of the province.
In 2016, Zubiri won a new term in the Senate and was elected the chamber's majority leader two years later.
Among his priorities should he win another term would be the passage of the third coronavirus financial aid or the Bayanihan 3.
Zubiri said the assistance package would focus on workers hardest hit by the pandemic, including farmers, those in the tourism industry, as well as small businesses.
Follow this thread for updates on the aspirants for local and national posts in the May 2022 elections. — Main photo by The STAR/Boy Santos
Former senator Bongbong Marcos, with 56%, maintains his lead in the Pulse Asia pre-election survey conducted from April 16 to 21.
Vice President Leni Robredo ranks second with 23% followed by Sen. Manny Pacquiao with 7%.
Manila Mayor Isko Moreno ranks fourth with 4% and Sen. Ping Lacson is in fifth place with 2%.
The latest Pulse Asia pre-election survey shows that former senator Bongbong Marcos remains the top choice of 60% of Filipinos for president.
Vice President Leni Robredo ranks second with 16%, followed by boxer-turned-senator Manny Pacquiao and Manila Mayor Isko Moreno with 8% each.
Sen. Ping Lacson is in the fifth place with 4%. The poll was conducted from January 19 to 24 using face-to-face interviews.
Larry Gadon, a candidate for senator, is accused of violating Republic Act 11313 or the Safe Spaces Act after he was seen in a viral video cursing at a journalist, according to a report by ABS-CBN.
The complaints, which include libel and cyberlibel charges, were filed by freelance investigative journalist Raissa Robles. Gadon had accused her of spreading fake news in a separate video.
The Supreme Court last month suspended Gadon for profanities he hurled at Robles in the earlier video.
Vice President Leni Robredo and Sen. Kiko Pangilinan will hold their proclamation rally in Naga City, Camarines Sur on February 8, campaign manager Erin Tanada says.
Tanada adds that the opposition camp will also hold proclamation rallies in different areas in Bicol region on from February 8 to 9.
All 12 senatorial bets endorsed by Robredo are also invited to the event.
Makabayan coalition holds press briefing on their endorsement of the tandem of Vice President Leni Robredo and Sen. Kiko Pangilinan. — Xave Gregorio
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