Benguet lawmaker may be first jailed over flood control anomalies

BAGUIO CITY — Benguet Lone District Rep. Eric Go Yap could become the first sitting lawmaker jailed in connection with alleged anomalies in flood control projects if convicted, according to government officials.

Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla said authorities uncovered a “conclusive financial exchange” between Yap and contractors Sarah and Curlee Discaya, which forms the basis of possible charges against the congressman.

Remulla said Yap is among around 20 members of the House of Representatives who could face imprisonment as early as January. While at least 20 lawmakers are currently under investigation, he noted that only about half have direct ties to the Discayas and other contractors involved in the alleged scheme.

He added that two senators are also being monitored for possible involvement.

The government expects the formal filing of charges and potential convictions related to the flood control anomalies to be finalized before June.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. earlier confirmed that investigators are also reviewing assets linked to Silverwolves Construction Corp., a firm associated with several unfinished flood control projects in La Union.

Authorities said investigations showed that Silverwolves Construction Corp. engaged in transactions exceeding P16 billion between 2022 and 2025, largely sourced from Department of Public Works and Highways contracts earmarked for flood control.

In a move aimed at recovering public funds, authorities have frozen about 280 bank accounts, 22 insurance policies, three securities accounts, and eight aircraft, including helicopters and planes linked to Sky Yard Aviation.

Marcos said the freeze order is intended to prevent the sale or transfer of illegally acquired assets, stressing that the goal is to recover public funds and redirect them to communities severely affected by flooding.