House Assistant Majority Leader and Zambales Rep. Jay Khonghun denounced former President Rodrigo Duterte for plotting to use extra-constitutional methods to seat his daughter Vice President Sara Duterte as President.
In a statement on Wednesday, Khonghun warned that such a move, including calls for the military to take action on recent political events, could destabilize the country and undermine democratic institutions.
“This is what the former president seems eager for: his daughter potentially reclaiming his old seat, which could allow him to influence governance once more. This raises concerns about a return to the controversial policies of his administration and unresolved controversies, including issues like the Pharmally scandal,” Khonghun said, referring to the multibillion peso controversy during Duterte’s term.
Khonghun painted a “Sara presidency” as one that “will turn our nation into a haven for illegal Chinese operations.”
Khonghun urged Filipinos to remain vigilant and resist attempts to subvert the electoral process, saying that the nation cannot afford to revert to an era of corruption, impunity, and authoritarian governance.
He called for collective action to protect the country’s democratic institutions and secure its future.
“Duterte’s legacy is one of destruction. But the Filipino people have shown time and again that we are stronger than any tyrant’s ambition. Together, we will safeguard our institutions and secure a future where democracy thrives,” Khonghun said.
