Deputy Speaker and Zambales Rep. Jay Khonghun has urged public officials to exercise discipline and responsibility in their public statements, warning that disinformation could distort public understanding of the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Z. Duterte.
Khonghun issued the statement after Sen. Imee Marcos claimed that a constituent assembly was allegedly being prepared to extend the terms of incumbent lawmakers, prolong President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s term until 2031, cancel the 2028 elections, or raise the presidential age requirement to prevent Duterte from running for president.
Khonghun said such claims should not be treated as fact without evidence, especially as the country enters a crucial stage in the impeachment process.
The Senate convened as an impeachment court on May 18, while the Office of the Vice President received the writ of summons on May 20. Sen. Erwin Tulfo earlier said the trial is expected to begin on July 6.
“Bawal ang chismis sa usaping pambansa. Kapag mabigat ang paratang, dapat may ebidensya, hindi puro pahaging para guluhin ang isip ng publiko,” Khonghun said.
He warned that the no-election narrative is dangerous because it plays on the public’s long-standing fear of term extension.
Instead of helping Filipinos understand the impeachment case, Khonghun said the allegation shifts public attention away from the evidence and toward a politically explosive but unsubstantiated claim.
“Walang katotohanan ang no-election scare na iyan. Ginagamit lang ang takot ng tao sa term extension para sirain ang tiwala sa gobyerno at ilihis ang usapan mula sa ebidensya,” he said.
The Zambales lawmaker said the central issue is not an alleged Charter change plot, but Duterte’s obligation to answer the Articles of Impeachment before the Senate impeachment court.
The case involves allegations of misuse of public funds, unexplained wealth, bribery, and threats against top government officials. Duterte has denied the accusations.
“This is a textbook deflection. Kapag hindi na kayang sagutin ang ebidensya, gagawa ng ibang kuwento para ang administrasyon naman ang pagdudahan,” Khonghun said.
Khonghun urged public officials to avoid fueling suspicion unless they can present documents, credible witnesses, or verifiable proof.
He said accusations with serious national implications should not be casually floated in interviews while constitutional institutions are carrying out their duties.
“Public officials must raise the level of public debate. Serious accusations require facts, records, and witnesses, not rumor packaged as political analysis,” he said.
Khonghun added that the House of Representatives had already performed its constitutional role when it voted 257-25-9 to impeach Duterte and transmit the Articles of Impeachment to the Senate.
At this stage, he said, public attention should remain on the impeachment court, the evidence, and Duterte’s formal answer.
Khonghun also warned that fake news and disinformation are increasingly being used to weaken accountability before the trial even begins.
“Fake news is the main saboteur of truth and justice. It poisons public judgment, confuses the facts, and protects those who should be answering before the proper forum,” he said.
He called on the public to reject narratives meant to create fear instead of promoting understanding.
“Kung may ebidensya, ilabas. Kung wala, tigilan ang pananakot. Hindi dapat gawing panangga ang fake news laban sa pananagutan,” Khonghun said.