The Sandiganbayan on Tuesday, March 3, approved precautionary hold departure orders (PHDOs) against Benguet Rep. Eric Yap and his brother, former ACT-CIS Rep. Edvic Yap, directing the Bureau of Immigration to prevent them from leaving the country amid a graft and corruption investigation.
The motion for the PHDOs was filed by the Office of the Special Prosecutor, the prosecuting arm of the Office of the Ombudsman, on Monday, March 2.
It stemmed from criminal complaints lodged by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) on October 23, 2025, related to alleged irregularities in flood control projects.
Assistant Ombudsman Atty. Mico Clavano explained that a PHDO is precautionary in nature and is sought during the preliminary investigation stage to ensure that respondents, who may be considered flight risks, remain within the court’s jurisdiction.
Earlier, DPWH Secretary Vince Dizon named Rep. Eric Yap a “person of interest” after evidence reportedly linked him as the beneficial owner of Silverwolves Construction Corp.
Some of this information was provided by Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong, a former member of the ICI.
In addition to the Yap brothers, twelve officials of the DPWH Benguet district engineering office were named as co-respondents in the case.
The DPWH is seeking their indictment for alleged violations of Republic Act No. 3019, or the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act, as well as malversation of public funds with falsification of public documents.
Under Philippine law, the case is considered non-bailable if the amount involved exceeds the threshold of ₱8.8 million.