Benguet solon may be first jailed in flood scam

BAGUIO CITY — Benguet Lone District Rep. Eric Go Yap could become the first sitting lawmaker arrested over alleged irregularities in flood control projects, government officials said.

Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla revealed that investigators uncovered what he described as a “conclusive financial exchange” between Yap and contractors Sarah and Curlee Discaya, forming the basis for possible charges.

Remulla said Yap is among around 20 members of the House of Representatives who could face jail time as early as January.

While about 20 lawmakers are currently under investigation, Remulla clarified that only roughly half had direct links to the Discayas and other contractors involved in the flood control schemes. 

He also disclosed that two senators were being probed for possible involvement.

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

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. confirmed that the probe includes the scrutiny of assets linked to Silverwolves Construction Corp., a firm tied to Yap and several unfinished flood control projects in La Union. 

Investigators found that the company was involved in transactions worth more than P16 billion from 2022 to 2025, largely funded with Department of Public Works and Highways contracts earmarked for flood control.

In an effort to recover public money, authorities have frozen around 280 bank accounts, 22 insurance policies, three securities accounts, and eight aircraft, including helicopters and planes connected to Sky Yard Aviation, all of which are linked to Yap and his brother, ACT-CIS Rep. Edvic Yap.

Marcos said the freeze order is meant to stop the sale or transfer of assets believed to have been illegally acquired, stressing that the ultimate goal is to recover public funds and redirect them to communities hardest hit by flooding.