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Zubiri tells media: Help us improve the image of the Philippines

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19th CONGRESS LEGACY WALL UNVEILED: Senate President Juan Miguel “Migz” F. Zubiri leads senators in unveiling the 19th Congress Legacy Wall Monday, October 10, 2022. The 19.97 x 3.13-meter mural installed at the Second Floor of the Senate Building in Pasay City, features the members of the 19th Congress Upper Chamber. The activity is part of the month-long celebration of the 106th anniversary of the institution. Zubiri said more than legacy, the wall stands as a testament to the fine institution itself. He expressed optimism that the present Congress is shaping up to be a very productive and efficient one. “I just want to say that this wall reminds us that we must build on the rich legacy of the Senate and all the accomplishments of the legislators who have come before us and have paved the way forward for the country through their landmark legislation… This wall also celebrates the power of the people, people who chose us to work for them and to advocate for them in these halls. Remember, ladies and gentlemen, this is not our Senate, this is your Senate. It is the people’s Senate. When we look at this wall, may we be constantly reminded of our duty to our people,” Zubiri said. Also present were Senate President Pro Tempore Loren Legarda, Majority Leader Joel Villanueva, Sens. Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go, Win Gatchalian, Joseph Victor “JV” Ejercito, Ramon Bong Revilla Jr., Francis “Tol” Tolentino, Robinhood Padilla and Raffy Tulfo. Former Senate President Franklin Drilon and former Sen. Francisco “Kit” Tatad also graced the occasion. (Senate PRIB Photos)

Help us beautify the image of the Philippines, Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri told the media on Monday.

Senate President Juan Miguel “Migz” F. Zubiri during one of the Senate’s plenary sessions. Senate PRIB file photo / Voltaire F. Domingo

MANILA, Philippines — Help us beautify the image of the Philippines, Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri told the media on Monday.

Zubiri made the call after he was asked for his reaction to the United Nations – Human Rights Council’s calling out of the Philippines due to the country’s war on drugs.

“Ano ba ‘yun, ang tagal na ng issue na ‘yan. Lumang tugtugin na yan,” he said.

(That is a long-standing issue. That’s an old tune.)

He then brought up the issue of media killings, including the recent murder case of broadcaster Percival “Percy Lapid” Mabasa, which he said has “the full force of the law.”

Lapid, a broadcaster critical of the administrations of former President Rodrigo Duterte and incumbent President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., was ambushed and killed in Las Piñas City.

“Ang bilis-bilis naresolba nung kaso ni Percy Lapid. It is the fastest that I’ve seen. Within a month’s time, meron na nga silang nahuli na mastermind,” he said.

(The case of Percy Lapid has been solved quickly. It is the fastest that I’ve seen. Within a month’s time, they already caught a mastermind.)

Like Lapid’s case, Zubiri said that the case of former Senator Leila de Lima is moving.

He then appealed to the media to beautify the country’s image as negative news reaches other nations.

“I appeal to the media, tulungan niyo naman kami na pagandahin ang imahe ng Pilipinas,” Zubiri said.

(I appeal to the media, to help us beautify the Philippines’ image.)

“Katulad noong Percy Lapid na iyan, nahuli na nga iyong bumaril at mahuhuli na nga iyong mastermind. Tumulong naman kayo i-announce ‘yan sa buong mundo,” he said in a press conference.

(Like that Percy Lapid case, the gunman has been arrested and the mastermind will soon be caught. Help us announce that to the whole world.)

Noting the country’s “free media,” Zubiri said that news containing the people’s complaints can be aired in the Philippines. However, he cited Malaysia and Vietnam as nations where bad things against the government cannot be aired.

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