Jefferson "Jay" Ferrer Khonghun (born June 26, 1977) is a Filipino politician who is currently serving as the representative of the 1st District of Zambales in the House of Representatives of the Philippines since 2022. He previously served as vice governor of Zambales from 2019 to 2022 and as mayor of Subic, Zambales for three consecutive terms from 2010 to 2019.[1]
Khonghun was born on June 26, 1977, in Olongapo, Zambales.[2] He graduated from the Mapúa Institute of Technology (now Mapúa University) in 2000 where he obtained a civil engineering degree.[3]
Political career
Khonghun began his political career as a member of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Zambales, serving two consecutive terms in the provincial legislature from July 2004 to June 2010.[3]
In 2010, he was elected mayor of Subic, Zambales, a position he held for three consecutive terms until 2019.[4][5]
Running for the position of vice governor of Zambales for the 2019 election, Khonghun noted rumors of his family being involved in the illegal drug trade is being spread. He alleged this comes from his political rivals. As anticipated by Khonghun, his and his father's name was among those included in President Rodrigo Duterte's "narco-list"; a list of personalities alleged to be involved in the illegal drug trade. Duterte is waging a deadly national war on drugs at the time.[6] The Khonghuns denied links to illegal drugs.[7] His girlfriend and actress, Aiko Melendez also defended Khonghun questioning the timing of the allegations.[8]
Despite of this, Khonghun was elected vice governor of Zambales ganering more votes than incumbent Angel Magsaysay-Cheng.[7] He served under the provincial government until 2022.[4]
Jay Khonghun is part of a political family with his father, brother, and sister having contested in local elections in Zambales. His brother Jonathan has served as mayor of the town of Subic.[13]
He was married to Eloisa Lopez Recella with whom he had a son.[3] In October 2017, Khonghun started a romantic relationship with actress Aiko Melendez. Melendez insist that Khonghun has already annulled his marriage with his first wife.[14][15] Khonghun has also established close relationship to Melendez's two children.[15][16]
Prior to starting his political career, Khonghun was manager of NDK Builders Aningway.[3]
1 2 3 4 Gabinete, Jojo (April 1, 2018). "Sino si Jay Khonghun?"[Who is Jay Khonghun?]. PEP.ph (in Filipino). Philippine Entertainment Portal, Inc. Retrieved September 7, 2025.
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