By Junex Doronio
MANILA — House Assistant Majority Leader and Zambales Representative Jay Khonghun has strongly criticized former President Rodrigo Duterte, pointing out his plot to use extra-constitutional methods to pave the way for Vice President Sara Duterte to ascend to the presidency.
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 described the alleged plan as a direct attack on the country’s democratic processes and a threat to its sovereignty.
“In the sick man’s calculus, a Sara presidency will turn our nation into a haven for illegal Chinese operations. It will embolden him to carry out an unfulfilled wish: to jetski to the West Philippine Sea, not to defend our sovereignty but to act as a harbor pilot for Chinese gunboats robbing us of our territory,” he declared.
The congressman accused Duterte of using undemocratic methods to push his daughter into power, warning that this would destroy the nation’s democratic framework.
“Hindi ito hahayaan ng mamamayan. Sapagkat alam nila na ang tunay na durugista ng kalayaan ay si Duterte. Dudurugin niya ang demokrasya, dudurugin niya ang ating kinabukasan,” Khonghun emphasized.
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.
“The people will not only reject but resist such a brazen plan. We will not allow a return to an era where fear, corruption, and impunity ruled over hope, justice, and progress,” he said.
He concluded with a call 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.
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