MANILA, Philippines (UPDATED) — Former senator Juan Miguel “Migz” Zubiri on Wednesday, October 11, filed his certificate of candidacy (COC) for senator as an independent candidate.

“Sabi ng aking idolo sa kanyang pelikula: ‘Negosyo o kalayaan? Bayan o sarili?’ ‘Yan ang artikulo uno ni Migz Zubiri,” the former senator said, referring to the recent popular movie Heneral Luna. (As my idol in his movie said: “Business or freedom? Country or self?” That is the First Article of Migz Zubiri.)

Zubiri told reporters he is running as a guest candidate of Senator Grace Poe, the front runner in the presidential race, and Senator Francis Escudero. 

He is now running as an independent candidate under a party he calls “Pamilyang Pilipino at Taumbayan” (The Filipino Family and Countrymen).

He said he is running in May 2016 because he’s always in the Top 12 in senatorial surveys.

He added he was never implicated in corruption scandals, such as the Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF) scam. 

Zubiri resigned as senator in August 2011 as he faced allegations that he benefited from election fraud in the 2007 elections.

He ran again in the 2013 elections but lost. (READ: This time, Zubiri wants untainted victory) – Rappler.com