Senator Erwin Tulfo Calls on Eric Yap to Address Flood Control Corruption Allegations

During the latest session of the Blue Ribbon Committee probe on Thursday, Eric Yap was implicated in a controversy involving the delivery of cash bribes related to flood control projects. Master Sergeant Orly Regala Guteza, a former Marine and security consultant for businessman Zaldy Co, testified that Yap allegedly facilitated the transfer of 46 Rimowa suitcases containing P48 million to Co’s residence in Valle Verde. These funds were purportedly intended for Co and House Speaker Martin Romualdez.

Following these revelations, Senator Erwin Tulfo expressed his surprise and called on Yap to respond publicly. In an ambush interview after the hearing, Tulfo recounted contacting Yap, who assured him that he would face any investigation and answer allegations in court. Tulfo stated, "I called Eric Yap and he said he would just answer it in court. I told him he must answer there. He said he is ready for any inquiry and that he will submit himself, so we will leave it at that."

Tulfo acknowledged his shock, noting that Yap was his former party-list colleague in ACT-CIS, although Yap now serves as the representative of Benguet’s lone congressional district. "We were a bit surprised. Last year, when it was said ACT-CIS was involved, Eric was already in Benguet. I wanted to ask him again but ran out of time," Tulfo remarked.

He added that Yap told him not to worry about the matter, saying, "I will take care of it."

In response to the allegations, Yap released a statement strongly denying any involvement in the corruption scandal. He described the accusations as "painful, not only for myself but also for the people I have pledged to serve with integrity."