Witness names Benguet congressman in infra payola
By: Rimaliza A. Opina
What used to be discussed in whispers for lack of concrete evidence, has been named at the Senate probe.
As the Blue-Ribbon Committee continues its probe into allegations of massive corruption in the implementation of infrastructure projects in the country, the former security consultant of Ako Bicol Partylist Rep. Zaldy Co identified Benguet Rep. Eric Yap as allegedly one of those who delivered luggages of money to Co’s house.
In his affidavit, which he also read during the committee’s hearing, security consultant Orly Guteza said since he was hired, he has been delivering “basura” or luggages of money to the residences of Co.
Apart from him, he identified Yap as one of those who allegedly delivered suitcases full of money to Co.
In one instance, Guteza said Yap, who was then representative of ACT-CIS delivered 46 bags containing money at one of Co’s residences.
Guteza further said in his affidavit that contents of the suitcases were also delivered to Rep. Martin Romualdez.
Yap said he was disheartened to hear that he was involved in the delivery of alleged payola during the Blue-Ribbon committee hearing.
In a statement, Yap said he never accepted, nor authorized the delivery of money in connection with flood control projects.
Nonetheless, he welcomes the chance to face those who implicated him, but wants it at the proper forum and under proceedings where his rights are respected.
It may be recalled that the date mentioned in Guteza’s affidavit was when Yap was chair of the House Committee on Appropriations and caretaker of Benguet.
Yap, whose registered address is at the exclusive Alphaland in Itogon, Benguet has often shown that he travels to and from the province using a helicopter.
He is also often photographed wearing luxury clothes and footwear.
