Zubiri not seeking higher office in 2022

By Dolly Yasa

 

BACOLOD City – Senate Majority Leader Juan Miguel Zubiri said over the weekend that he has no interest in seeking higher office in the 2022 presidential elections.

Zubiri was here Saturday for the groundbreaking of the P260-million Bacolod museum on a lot donated by the Yanson family together with Bacolod Mayor Evelio Leonardia.

In a press conference held at the Chalet of the L’Fisher Hotel, Zubiri said he will instead seek re-election in the upcoming polls.

The senator said he wants to specifically help the province of Negros Occidental and Bacolod City where he traces his roots.

“No plans for higher office, just a return to the senate. I have no ambition, ambitions cloud judgement,” Zubiri said.

Based on an online survey for potential 2022 senatorial candidates conducted by WR Numero Research last month, Zubiri is in the “Magic 12” with a 49.8 percent rating.

The survey also cited Sorsogon Francis Escudero as the top choice among potential senatoriables with a 73.2 percent rating, followed by Senator Sherwin Gatchalian with 54.9 percent.

Previous ratings earlier in the year, however, placed Zubiri in the 5th spot in the senatorial race.

Zubiri said his current survey ranking is already good for him and he wants to maintain it.

In the same press conference, Zubiri urged the public to observe basic health protocol such as wearing of mask, observe social distancing and frequent washing of hands to beat the coronavirus disease 2019 or COVID-19.

He urged everyone not to take a chance especially now that it is Christmas when people tend to hold parties to celebrate.

“Do not take a chance, sayang gid, you have been alive for ten months now and then you make one mistake, do not let this virus beat you, let us beat COVID-19,” said Zubiri, who was among the first top officials who contracted the virus.

He said wearing of the mask can help a lot.

He cited Senator Ronald de la Rosa who also contracted the virus. All senators and staff who were in contact with him tested negative as they were all wearing masks, while members of his household tested positive.

Meanwhile Zubiri said that aside from the museum, he has other projects in store for Bacolod.

Zubiri sponsored the Senate Bill for the establishment of the Bacolod museum and for the allocation of funds for the same.

He and Leonardia thanked the Yanson family for the donation of the 8.8-hectare lot for the museum.

Department of Public Works and Highways regional director Leah Delfinado said the DPWH has issued the notice to proceed to the contractor of the project which is estimated to be completed by next year.

Zubiri also said that the Bill for the establishment of the Bacolod Hospital is still with the Committee on Health chaired by Senator Bong Go.

He said that he will make representation with Senator Go to work on the remaining procedures so that the bill will be approved by the Senate.

The counterpart bill approved by   the House of Representatives was sponsored by Bacolod Line District Rep. Greg Gasataya.