ACT-CIS Representative Edvic Yap Steps Down Amid Flood Control Scandal Probe
In a significant development in Philippine politics, ACT-CIS partylist Representative Edvic Yap has officially resigned from his seat in the House of Representatives. The resignation, announced during a plenary session on February 4, 2026, comes as Yap faces intense scrutiny over his alleged involvement in irregularities related to flood control projects, particularly in La Union.
House Announcement and Immediate Actions
During the House plenary session on Wednesday, House Deputy Majority Leader Anna Victoria Veloso-Tuazon formally declared Yap's resignation. Following this announcement, the presiding officer directed that Yap's name be removed from the roll of members, effectively ending his tenure in Congress. This move underscores the seriousness of the allegations and the ongoing investigations into the flood control contracts.
Background of the Flood Control Irregularities
The resignation is linked to a broader scandal involving anomalous flood control projects, with a focus on the controversial La Union contracts. Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla has identified Edvic Yap's brother, Benguet Lone District Representative Eric Yap, as a person of interest in this case. The investigation centers on fully paid but unfinished flood control works handled by Silverwolves Construction Corporation, a firm with reported business connections to the Yap family.
Further complicating matters, Ombudsman Remulla revealed that Edvic Yap received money through bank transfers from the Discaya couple, who are also allegedly implicated in the anomaly, between 2019 and 2020. These financial transactions have raised questions about potential conflicts of interest and misuse of public funds.
Legal and Financial Repercussions
In a decisive legal action, the Court of Appeals froze the personal accounts and assets of both Eric and Edvic Yap in December. This measure was implemented as part of the government's efforts to safeguard suspected ill-gotten funds associated with the flood control projects. Despite these actions, the Yap brothers have consistently denied any involvement in the scandal, maintaining their innocence throughout the proceedings.
Context and Precedents
This incident is not isolated within the Philippine political landscape. Last year, Ako Bicol partylist Representative Zaldy Co also resigned from the House of Representatives due to his implication in the same flood control scandal. These resignations highlight ongoing challenges in ensuring accountability and transparency in government-funded infrastructure projects, particularly those aimed at disaster mitigation like flood control systems.
The case continues to unfold, with investigations expected to delve deeper into the contractual agreements and financial flows related to the La Union projects. As the political and legal ramifications develop, this scandal serves as a critical reminder of the importance of oversight in public spending and the need for robust anti-corruption measures in the Philippines.
