Rep. Juan Miguel “Migz” Zubiri. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines—Rep. Juan Miguel “Migz” Zubiri really threaten to file a bill punishing people who would get infected with the Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS)?
It’s a hoax, said Zubiri, who was roundly ridiculed on social media over the alleged proposal.
“I completely deny the statement on making AIDS illegal,” he said in a statement, a copy of which was also posted on his wife Audrey’s Instagram account.
“I am currently on vacation with my family. I’m out of politics. Please respect my privacy.” Zubiri, who resigned as senator in 2011, following allegations of fraud in his 2007 election. He ran again in the last election and lost.
The United Nationalist Alliance (UNA) likewise disowned the bogus website where the fake statement attributed to Zubiri was first posted.
“We do not want anyone to be deceived by this website providing false and inaccurate information to mock, hurt, malign and embarrass people for the amusement of others,” UNA on Wednesday said in a statement.