Deputy Speaker and Zambales Rep. Jefferson “Jay” Khonghun pledged to push for a congressional investigation into reported remittances totaling over P319 million from China and Hong Kong to a company linked to the husband of Vice President Sara Duterte.
Khonghun made the commitment after receiving an appeal from small-scale fisherfolk in Zambales who expressed concern over their livelihoods and the country’s sovereign rights in the West Philippine Sea.
Khonghun underscored the necessity of a House inquiry into the reported transactions to establish the facts and determine whether foreign or private interests had compromised national rights or local fishing access.
The Deputy Speaker made the pledge after he and Zambales Rep. Doris “Bing” Maniquiz accepted a manifesto from fishermen representing Sta. Cruz, Masinloc, Palauig, Iba, and San Narciso.
“Hindi ko ipagpapalit ang kabuhayan ng ating mga mangingisda o ang karapatan ng Pilipinas sa West Philippine Sea para sa pansariling interes ng sinuman. We will conduct a congressional investigation on this matter,” Khonghun said.
Khonghun also pressed Duterte to address the reported transactions involving the firm linked to her husband.
“VP Sara, bakit ka tumanggap ng pera galing China? Ang ating mga mangingisda ay itinataboy palayo sa ating sariling karagatan. Mas malaki ang nagagastos nila sa gasolina, mas kaunti ang huli, at nahihirapan silang pakainin ang kanilang pamilya. Ngayon ay nalaman nila na daan-daang milyon ang nanggaling sa China at Hong Kong patungo sa mga interes na may kaugnayan sa pamilya ng Vice President. Karapat-dapat ang sambayanang Pilipino sa malinaw at tuwirang sagot,” Khonghun also said.
The reported remittances, which emerged during ongoing impeachment proceedings against Duterte, raised questions among the fishermen regarding the purpose and nature of the transfers.
In their petition, titled “Panawagan ng mga Mangingisda ng Zambales,” the fisherfolk noted that they were not asserting that illegal acts or exchanges of favors had been proven, but demanded a thorough examination to identify the senders, recipients, and purpose of the funds.
The fishermen also called on the Senate impeachment court to determine whether any public official had favored foreign interests over Philippine rights in the West Philippine Sea, emphasizing that if evidence proves no compromise took place, that outcome should be made clear to the public.
Local fisherfolk reported that Chinese actions in the West Philippine Sea continue to limit access to traditional fishing grounds, forcing them to travel farther, spend more on fuel, and return with minimal catches.
Khonghun affirmed that the concerns raised by local communities highlight the need to verify the facts surrounding the remittances while ensuring state protection for maritime livelihoods.
“These fishermen are not asking for special treatment. They are simply asking that their livelihood and the country’s rights not be traded away. I stand with them. The truth must come out, and anyone who sold out the Filipino people must be held accountable,” Khonghun added.
In addition to the proposed probe, Khonghun urged stronger government measures to safeguard Filipino fishermen in traditional fishing zones.
For their part, the fisherfolk requested livelihood assistance and protection, emphasizing that their petition seeks peaceful fishing conditions, livelihood security, and transparency rather than political conflict or warfare with China.