Metro Manila, Philippines – The anti-graft court barred Benguet Rep. Eric Yap and former ACT-CIS Rep. Edvic Yap from leaving the country amid their alleged involvement in the multibillion-peso flood control scam.
“Let a precautionary hold departure order be issued against respondents Eric Go Yap and Edvic Go Yap pursuant to the Rule VIII Section 3 of the 2018 revised internal rules of Sandiganbayan,” a portion of the order of the Sandiganbayan second division read.
Assistant Ombudsman Mico Clavano said the order was requested “to ensure that the respondents, who are considered flight risks, do not leave the jurisdiction.”
The Sandiganbayan said the precautionary order is a mechanism to address the interval between preliminary investigation and the issuance of the arrest warrant.
State prosecutors filed the request in relation to their possible involvement in the malversation of public funds, anchored on the complaint by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).
In October, the DPWH filed a complaint against the Yap brothers and other agency officials over two incomplete flood control projects in Bauang, La Union, which cost over P89 million each. Both projects were fully paid, according to the government.
The project was contracted by Silverwolves Construction Corp., supposedly tied to the lawmakers.
The ombudsman has yet to file a case against Yaps with the Sandiganbayan.
In February, Edvic resigned as a member of the House of Representatives amid the allegations he’s facing in the flood control mess.
