Jay Khonghun

Jefferson "Jay" Ferrer Khonghun (born June 26, 1977) is a Filipino politician and civil engineer serving as the representative of the 1st District of Zambales 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.

Early life and education Khonghun was born on June 26, 1977, in Olongapo, Zambales. He graduated from the Mapúa Institute of Technology (now Mapúa University) in 2000 where he obtained a civil engineering degree.

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.

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. The Khonghuns denied links to illegal drugs. His girlfriend and actress, Aiko Melendez also defended Khonghun questioning the timing of the allegations.

Despite this, Khonghun was elected vice governor of Zambales ganering more votes than incumbent Angel Magsaysay-Cheng.

He won and assumed office on June 30, 2022. He emerged as part of the "Young Guns" bloc during the 19th Congress making critical statement on former president Rodrigo Duterte and Vice President Sara Duterte. The bloc is aligned to House Speaker Martin Romualdez and President Bongbong Marcos' administration. He ran in the 2025 election under Lakas–CMD.

Personal life 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.

He was married to Eloisa Lopez Recella with whom he had a son. Khonghun and Melendez broke up in 2025. In January 2026, Khonghun was reported to be romantically linked to Manila Vice Mayor Chi Atienza.

Prior to starting his political career, Khonghun was manager of NDK Builders Aningway.

Electoral history