The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has filed graft and malversation charges against several individuals, including 20 of its own personnel, over alleged irregularities in flood control projects in the country, some of which were found to be either substandard or “ghost projects.”

DPWH Secretary Vince Dizon expressed frustration during an inspection in Bauang, La Union in September, where a supposedly two-meter drainage pipe attached to a dike was discovered to be less than a foot long and not even connected properly.

“Hindi siya nakakonekta sa kabilang side ng dike. Nakapatong lang siya. Peke eh,” he said.

Dizon said the project, worth nearly P180 million, had already been marked as fully paid even though it was incomplete.

“This was a project that was visited several weeks ago, which was found to be very substandard, but already fully paid, even if it was not yet completed,” he said.

The project contractor, Silverwolves Construction Corporation, has been linked to Benguet Representative Eric Yap, who previously chaired the House Committee on Appropriations.

Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla said Yap remains a “person of interest” in the case.

“Silverwolves Construction Corporation, a person of interest here is Congressman Eric Yap, who is known to be the beneficial owner of the company. He divested from it a few years ago, supposedly, but there is reason to suspect that he is still the beneficial owner of the company,” Remulla said.

Also implicated are Yap’s brother, ACT-CIS Party-list Representative Edvic Yap, and Bulacan Sixth District Representative Salvador Pleyto.

According to the Ombudsman, an Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) report showed that the lawmakers allegedly received at least P70 million from couple Curlee and Sarah Discaya, who are involved reportedly in the project.

“Kasama sila sa pagkilos ng kontrata. Sila’y nakikialam at nakikiisa sa pagkilos ng kontrata. Bakit magbibigay yung kontratista ng P70M papunta sa isang tao kung hindi dahil sa kontrata?” Remulla said.

The Ombudsman is now coordinating with the AMLC to request a freeze order from the Court of Appeals on the properties and bank accounts of the three persons of interest.

As of press time, GMA Regional TV One North Central Luzon is still trying to get the side of the Yap brothers and Representative Pleyto regarding the allegations.