Eric Yap
{{Use mdy dates|date=October 2022}}
{{short description|Filipino politician (born 1979)}}
{{Philippine name|Go|Yap}}
{{Infobox officeholder
| honorific_prefix = The Honorable
| name = Eric Yap
| honorific_suffix =
| image = Rep. Eric Yap (19th Congress).jpg
| image_size =
| image_upright =
| smallimage =
| alt =
| caption = Official portrait of Yap during the 19th Congress
| order =
| office = Member of the Philippine House of Representatives from Benguet
| term_start = June 30, 2022
{{small|Caretaker: January 20, 2020 – June 30, 2022}}
| term_end =
| predecessor = Nestor B. Fongwan
| successor =
| office1 = Member of the
Philippine House of Representatives
for ACT-CIS party-list
| status1 =
| term_start1 = June 30, 2019
| term_end1 = June 30, 2024
| alongside1 = Jocelyn Pua-Tulfo and Niña Taduran
{{Collapsed infobox section begin|div=yes| House committee chairmanships}}
| office2 = Chair of the House Committee on Appropriations
| term_start2 = March 2, 2020
| term_end2 =
| predecessor2 = Isidro Ungab
| office3 = Chair of the
House Committee on Games and Amusements
| term_start3 = July 22, 2019
| term_end3 = March 2, 2020
| predecessor4 = Gustavo Tambunting
| successor4 = Joseph Bernos
{{Collapsed infobox section end}}
| birth_name = Eric Go Yap
| birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1979|5|11|mf=y}}
| birth_place = Santa Cruz, Manila, Philippineshttps://comelec.gov.ph/php-tpls-attachments/2025NLE/COC_2025NLE/COC_Local/COC_Local_CAR/BENGUET/_OPES_BENGUET/HOR_YAP_ERIC_G_COC.pdf
| death_date =
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| Children =
| birthname =
| nationality = Filipino
| party = Lakas–CMD (2024–present){{cite press release|url=https://www.congress.gov.ph/media/press-releases/view/?content=9016&title=Lakas-CMD+membership+reaches+103%2C+one-third+of+total+House+members|title=Lakas-CMD membership reaches 103, one-third of total House members|accessdate=August 7, 2024|date=August 7, 2024|website=House of Representatives}}
United Benguet Party
| otherparty = {{Cite news |last=Cruz |first=RG |date=August 1, 2019 |title=Paolo Duterte adopted in National Unity Party |work=ABS-CBN News |url=https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/08/01/19/paolo-duterte-adopted-in-national-unity-party |access-date=July 24, 2020}}
ACT-CIS (2018–2022)
| relations =
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| children =
| residence =
| alma_mater = University of Santo Tomas (BS)
| profession =
}}
Eric Go Yap (born May 11, 1979) is a Filipino politician serving as the Representative for Benguet's lone congressional district since 2022, and was the district's legislative caretaker from January 2020 until he was elected in his own right. He was a party-list representative for ACT-CIS from 2019 to 2022, and is the chairman of the House Committee on Appropriations since March 2020.
Yap is among the principal authors of House Bill No. 5477 which was signed into law as Republic Act No. 11463 in December 2019 as an act to establish the Malasakit Centers—a one-stop shop for government medical and financial assistance{{Cite news |last=Ranada |first=Pia |title=Duterte signs Go's Malasakit Center law in Malacañang ceremony |language=en |work=Rappler |url=http://www.rappler.com/nation/246340-duterte-signs-bong-go-malasakit-center-law-december-2019 |access-date=February 10, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201124100707if_/https://www.rappler.com/nation/duterte-signs-bong-go-malasakit-center-law-december-2019 |archive-date=November 24, 2020}} and among the main proponents of House Bill 7778 or the establishment of the Autonomous Region of the Cordillera.{{cite news |title=Benguet Caretaker files Cordillera autonomy bill |url=https://car.neda.gov.ph/benguet-caretaker-files-cordillera-autonomy-bill/ |accessdate=January 20, 2021|agency=NEDA CAR|date= October 5, 2020}}
Yap spearheaded various programs in Benguet such as Mobile Tulong,{{Cite news |date=February 28, 2021 |title=Congressman Yap assures continuity of mobile ‘tulong’ program |work=Herald Express |url=https://www.baguioheraldexpressonline.com/congressman-yap-assures-continuity-of-mobile-tulong-program/}} Mobile Oxygen,{{Cite news |date=October 31, 2021 |title=Benguet hospital receives oxygen tanks |work=Zigzag Weekly |url=https://www.zigzagweekly.net/benguet-hospitals-receive-oxygen-tanks/}} Youth Assistance Program,{{Cite news |date=May 16, 2021 |title=P25 million set aside for Youth Assistance Program in Benguet |work=Herald Express |url=https://www.baguioheraldexpressonline.com/p25-million-set-aside-for-youth-assistance-program-in-benguet/}} and infrastructure projects.{{Cite news |date=September 16, 2020 |title=More infra projects in Benguet |work=SunStar Baguio |url=https://www.sunstar.com.ph/article/1870416/baguio/local-news/more-infra-projects-in-benguet}}
Early life and education
Yap was born on May 11, 1979 in Quezon City.{{Cite web |last=Dumlao |first=Artemio |title=Caretaker no more: Party-list rep Yap gets Benguet House seat |url=https://www.philstar.com/nation/2022/05/11/2180377/caretaker-no-more-party-list-rep-yap-gets-benguet-house-seat |access-date=2023-11-14 |website=Philstar.com}} His father was Engracio Yap{{Cite web |date=2023-03-24 |title=Egay Yap comforted by friends, supporters amid dad's passing |url=https://metromanila.politics.com.ph/2023/03/24/egay-yap-comforted-by-friends-supporters-amid-dads-passing/social-snitch/ |access-date=2023-11-14 |website=metromanila.politics.com.ph |language=en-US}} and his siblings include Edvic Yap, a member of the House of Representatives for ACT-CIS Partylist, and Egay Yap, a member of the Quezon City Council.{{Cite web |title=Keeping up with the Yaps: Egay, Edvic, and Eric |url=https://mb.com.ph/2022/7/4/keeping-up-with-the-yaps-egay-edvic-and-eric |access-date=2023-11-14 |website=Manila Bulletin |language=en}}
He studied in the University of Santo Tomas from 1997 to 2002, where he graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Architecture degree.{{cite news |last1=Antonio |first1=Raymund |title=Keeping up with the Yaps: Egay, Edvic, and Eric |url=https://mb.com.ph/2022/07/04/keeping-up-with-the-yaps-egay-edvic-and-eric/ |access-date=October 26, 2022 |work=Manila Bulletin |date=July 4, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220704125255/https://mb.com.ph/2022/07/04/keeping-up-with-the-yaps-egay-edvic-and-eric/ |archive-date=July 4, 2022}}
Political career
=House of Representatives=
==Representative of ACT-CIS party-list==
Yap, along with Jocelyn Pua-Tulfo and Rowena Niña Taduran, were elected as party-list representatives for ACT-CIS in the 2019 elections.{{cite news |title=51 groups proclaimed as party-list winners |url=https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2019/05/22/1919741/51-groups-proclaimed-party-list-winners |access-date=December 30, 2020 |work=The Philippine Star |date=May 22, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191024180144/https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2019/05/22/1919741/51-groups-proclaimed-party-list-winners |archive-date=October 24, 2019}}{{cite news |last1=Gavilan |first1=Jodesz |title=Neophyte party-list reps include businessmen, political clans, former gov't officials |url=https://www.rappler.com/newsbreak/iq/list-new-party-list-representatives-businessmen-political-clans-former-government-officials |access-date=December 30, 2020 |work=Rappler |date=May 23, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201111215410if_/https://www.rappler.com/newsbreak/iq/list-new-party-list-representatives-businessmen-political-clans-former-government-officials |archive-date=November 11, 2020}} Garnering 2.6 million votes (9.45% of the turnout), ACT-CIS topped the party-list election and won the maximum three seats.{{Cite news |last=Delizo |first=Michael Joe |date=May 22, 2019 |title=Backdoor to power: Rise of Duterte-allied party-list seen to boost admin's hold |work=ABS-CBN News |url=https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/05/22/19/backdoor-to-power-rise-of-duterte-allied-party-list-seen-to-boost-admins-hold |access-date=December 30, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200827203946/https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/05/22/19/backdoor-to-power-rise-of-duterte-allied-party-list-seen-to-boost-admins-hold |archive-date=August 27, 2020}} On the commencement of the 18th congress, Yap was appointed as chairman of the Games and Amusements Committee.{{cite news |last1=Cepeda |first1=Mara |title=LIST: House committee chairmanships for 18th Congress |url=https://www.rappler.com/nation/list-house-committee-chairmanships-18th-congress |access-date=December 30, 2020 |work=Rappler |date=July 22, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201230125652if_/https://www.rappler.com/nation/list-house-committee-chairmanships-18th-congress |archive-date=December 30, 2020}}{{cite news |last1=Porcalla |first1=Delon |title=Cayetano opponents lose key House posts |url=https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2020/03/03/1997666/cayetano-opponents-lose-key-house-posts |accessdate=July 9, 2020 |work=The Philippine Star |date=March 3, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200711055039/https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2020/03/03/1997666/cayetano-opponents-lose-key-house-posts |archive-date=July 11, 2020}}
Yap was one of the principal authors of House Bill No. 5477 which was signed into law as Republic Act No. 11463 by President Duterte in December 2019 which institutionalizes the Malasakit Centers—a one-stop shop for government medical and financial assistance.{{Cite news |last=Ranada |first=Pia |title=Duterte signs Go's Malasakit Center law in Malacañang ceremony |language=en |work=Rappler |url=http://www.rappler.com/nation/246340-duterte-signs-bong-go-malasakit-center-law-december-2019 |access-date=February 10, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201124100707if_/https://www.rappler.com/nation/duterte-signs-bong-go-malasakit-center-law-december-2019 |archive-date=November 24, 2020}}
On March 2, 2020, Yap was appointed as chairman of the Appropriations Committee replacing Isidro Ungab (Davao City–3rd). Yap is the first neophyte congressman and first party-list representative to lead the Committee on Appropriations.
In June 2020, Yap along with Paolo Duterte and Lord Allan Velasco, filed House Bill No. 7031 which aims to rename Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) to Paliparang Pandaigdig ng Pilipinas. Yap explained that they were "not discrediting the heroic contributions of late Senator Aquino...we just deem it more appropriate for our international airport to bear the name of the country. Instead of it reflecting just one hero, we want it to reflect our everyday heroes—the Filipino people."{{cite news |last1=Lalu |first1=Gabriel Pabico |title=Solon defends move to rename NAIA, says fighting COVID-19 still priority |url=https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1298002/solon-defends-move-to-rename-naia-fighting-covid-19-still-our-priority |access-date=December 30, 2020 |work=Philippine Daily Inquirer |date=June 26, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200822115206/https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1298002/solon-defends-move-to-rename-naia-fighting-covid-19-still-our-priority |archive-date=August 22, 2020}}
==ABS-CBN franchise, House leadership crisis==
In July 2020, amid the House's hearing on the franchise renewal of ABS-CBN, Yap disclosed that an emissary from the media company attempted to bribe him ₱200 million to vote in favor of the network's franchise renewal. Yap responded that his "principle and vote are not for sale". In an official statement, ABS-CBN denied Yap's allegations, saying: "We believe in the process and we have participated in the process".{{cite news |last1=Dela Cruz |first1=Divina Nova Joy |title=Lawmaker bares ABS-CBN 'P200-M' offer; network denies bribe |url=https://www.manilatimes.net/2020/07/09/second-headline/lawmaker-bares-abs-cbn-p200-m-offer-network-denies-bribe/739843/ |accessdate=July 9, 2020 |work=The Manila Times |date=July 9, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201124150616/https://www.manilatimes.net/2020/07/09/second-headline/lawmaker-bares-abs-cbn-p200-m-offer-network-denies-bribe/739843/ |archive-date=November 24, 2020}} Yap later clarified that "he was not accusing ABS-CBN", explaining that he received a phone call from "someone claiming to be an ABS-CBN emissary", and that he was not able to verify if the caller's claims were true.{{Cite news |last=Maru |first=Davinci |date=July 9, 2020 |title=Solon denies linking ABS-CBN to alleged P200-M bribe try |work=ABS-CBN News |url=https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/07/09/20/solon-denies-linking-abs-cbn-to-alleged-p200-m-bribe-try |access-date=July 9, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200821031600/https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/07/09/20/solon-denies-linking-abs-cbn-to-alleged-p200-m-bribe-try |archive-date=August 21, 2020}} On July 10, Yap, together with 69 other members of the Committee on Legislative Franchises, voted to deny the renewal of ABS-CBN's franchise.{{cite news |last1=Perez-Rubio |first1=Bella |title=List of lawmakers who voted for and against ABS-CBN franchise renewal |url=https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2020/07/10/2027049/list-lawmakers-who-voted-and-against-abs-cbn-franchise-renewal |accessdate=July 13, 2020 |work=The Philippine Star |date=July 10, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200823050653/https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2020/07/10/2027049/list-lawmakers-who-voted-and-against-abs-cbn-franchise-renewal |archive-date=August 23, 2020}}
During the speakership crisis between Alan Peter Cayetano and Lord Allan Velasco, the former met with Paolo Duterte and Yap.{{Cite news |date=September 27, 2020 |title=Congressman claims Cayetano-Duterte weekend meeting held in Manila, not Davao City |work=CNN Philippines |url=https://cnnphilippines.com/news/2020/9/27/Cayetano-Paolo-Duterte-Davao-City.html?fbclid=IwAR3x4PhPoZUWf1_GdqLv7GwoMViaANX0TEC9iMWfNHN_Z1Q9LbbbOk9oOSE |access-date=December 30, 2020 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201230103353/https://cnnphilippines.com/news/2020/9/27/Cayetano-Paolo-Duterte-Davao-City.html |archive-date=December 30, 2020}} However, Yap clarified that he did not side with either of the two.{{Cite news |last=Colcol |first=Erwin |date=October 1, 2020 |title=Eric Yap says he's 'neutral' in Cayetano-Velasco speakership row |work=GMA News |url=https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/news/nation/757993/eric-yap-says-he-s-neutral-in-cayetano-velasco-speakership-row/story/ |access-date=December 30, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201230104143/https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/news/nation/757993/eric-yap-says-he-s-neutral-in-cayetano-velasco-speakership-row/story/ |archive-date=December 30, 2020}} On October 13, when Cayetano and Velasco both claimed to be the speaker, Yap requested the rivals to settle the issue or else he, as chairman of the Committee on Appropriations, would handle the deliberations for the 2021 national budget.{{cite news |last1=Mercado |first1=Neil Arwin |title=Cayetano, Velasco urged: Put speakership row to plenary vote |url=https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1347036/cayetano-velasco-urged-put-speakership-row-to-plenary-vote-on-tuesday |access-date=December 30, 2020 |work=Philippine Daily Inquirer |date=October 13, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201015204650/https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1347036/cayetano-velasco-urged-put-speakership-row-to-plenary-vote-on-tuesday |archive-date=October 15, 2020}} When Velasco replaced Cayetano, Yap was allowed to keep his committee chairmanship.{{Cite news |date=October 13, 2020 |title=Cayetano allies Yap, Villafuerte can keep posts - Velasco camp |work=ABS-CBN News |url=https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/10/13/20/cayetano-allies-yap-villafuerte-can-keep-posts-velasco-camp |access-date=December 30, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201031022942/https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/10/13/20/cayetano-allies-yap-villafuerte-can-keep-posts-velasco-camp |archive-date=October 31, 2020}} On November 18, he became a vice chair of the Committee on Accounts where Paolo Duterte was the new chairman.{{cite news |last1=Mercado |first1=Neil Arwin |title=More Cayetano allies lose key posts as House leadership revamp continues |url=https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1362351/more-cayetano-allies-lose-key-posts-as-house-leadership-revamp-continues |access-date=December 30, 2020 |work=Philippine Daily Inquirer |date=November 18, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201129231105/https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1362351/more-cayetano-allies-lose-key-posts-as-house-leadership-revamp-continues |archive-date=November 29, 2020}}
==Legislative caretaker of Benguet==
After the death of Benguet representative Nestor Fongwan Sr. on December 18, 2019, Yap was appointed as the legislative caretaker of the district on January 20, 2020.{{Cite news |title=Party-list solon designated as Benguet caretaker |language=en-US |work=GMA News Online |url=https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/news/nation/723119/party-list-solon-designated-as-benguet-caretaker/story/ |access-date=January 23, 2020}}{{Cite news |last=Agoot |first=Liza |last2=Dennis, Jr. |first2=Dionisio |title=House names party-list solon as Benguet caretaker |work=Philippine News Agency |url=https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1091630 |access-date=January 23, 2020}}{{Cite news |last=Soriano |first=Michelle |title=ACT-CIS’ Eric Go Yap appointed caretaker congressman of Benguet |language=en |work=ABS-CBN News |url=https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/01/22/20/act-cis-eric-go-yap-appointed-caretaker-congressman-of-benguet |access-date=January 23, 2020}} The appointment became controversial as Yap is not from Benguet or Cordillera. The Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) of Benguet has passed a resolution asking Congress to conduct a special election to fill the vacancy in the House.{{Cite news |last=Cimatu |first=Frank |date=January 22, 2020 |title=House names non-Cordilleran as Benguet caretaker congressman |work=Rappler |url=https://www.rappler.com/nation/249875-house-names-non-cordilleran-benguet-caretaker-congressman |access-date=July 13, 2020}} In May 2020, the SP passed another resolution making Yap an "adopted son of Benguet" in recognition for his sincere support for the province.{{cite news |last1=Alimondo |first1=Lauren |title=Benguet adopts caretaker |url=https://www.sunstar.com.ph/article/1856173/baguio/local-news/benguet-adopts-caretaker |access-date=25 January 2023 |work=SunStar |date=13 May 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210901114706/https://www.sunstar.com.ph/article/1856173/baguio/local-news/benguet-adopts-caretaker |archive-date=September 1, 2021 |language=en}}
One of Yap's plans for Benguet was to re-nationalize Benguet General Hospital (BeGH) and increase its bed capacity.{{Cite news |last=Hent |date=February 10, 2020 |title=Re-nationalization, more bed capacity for BeGH pushed |work=Herald Express |location=Baguio City |url=https://www.baguioheraldexpressonline.com/re-nationalization-more-bed-capacity-for-begh-pushed/ |access-date=August 19, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200215163452/https://www.baguioheraldexpressonline.com/re-nationalization-more-bed-capacity-for-begh-pushed/ |archive-date=February 15, 2020}} In September 2020, he attended the opening ceremony of BeGH's molecular biology laboratory, which he personally funded. However, the project was criticized for bearing Yap's name as Benguet General Hospital Molecular Biology Laboratory Eric Yap Building. Yap said he was unaware that the hospital management named the laboratory after him. He then asked the management to remove his name from the laboratory.{{cite news |last1=Cepeda |first1=Mara |title=Lawmaker Eric Yap mocks Pinoy Ako Blog for Benguet lab jab |url=https://www.rappler.com/newsbreak/inside-track/eric-yap-mocks-pinoy-ako-blog-benguet-covid-19-laboratory |access-date=December 30, 2020 |work=Rappler |date=September 14, 2020 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20201230070522/https://www.rappler.com/newsbreak/inside-track/eric-yap-mocks-pinoy-ako-blog-benguet-covid-19-laboratory |archive-date=December 30, 2020 |url-status=live }}{{cite news |last1=Alimondo |first1=Lauren |title=Isolation facility needed before Benguet opens door to tourists |url=https://www.sunstar.com.ph/article/1870281/Baguio/Local-News/Isolation-facility-needed-before-Benguet-opens-door-to-tourists |access-date=December 30, 2020 |work=SunStar |date=September 15, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200917015949/https://www.sunstar.com.ph/article/1870281/Baguio/Local-News/Isolation-facility-needed-before-Benguet-opens-door-to-tourists |archive-date=September 17, 2020}}
Yap was known to visit remote areas of Benguet to extend public service and implement projects.{{cite news |author1=Herald Express News Team |title=Cong. Yap extends public service to remote Benguet village |url=https://baguioheraldexpressonline.com/cong-yap-extends-public-service-to-remote-benguet-village123/ |work=Herald Express |date=September 14, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200920041505/https://baguioheraldexpressonline.com/cong-yap-extends-public-service-to-remote-benguet-village123/ |archive-date=September 20, 2020 |language=en}}
In October 2021, presidential aspirant and Senator Manny Pacquiao accused Yap of being involved in alleged overpriced slope protection and flood control projects in Benguet.{{cite news |title=Benguet mayors up in arms versus Pacquiao’s unvalidated remark |url=https://baguioheraldexpressonline.com/benguet-mayors-up-in-arms-versus-pacquiaos-unvalidated-remark/ |access-date=25 January 2023 |work=Herald Express |date=30 October 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230125223624/https://baguioheraldexpressonline.com/benguet-mayors-up-in-arms-versus-pacquiaos-unvalidated-remark/ |archive-date=25 January 2023 |language=en}} Yap lamented that his political opponents were attempting to discredit him by using Pacquiao.{{cite news |last1=Sarao |first1=Zacarian |title=Rep. Eric Yap says his opponents using Pacquiao in move to probe Benguet projects |url=https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1507015/manny-pacquiao-is-being-used-by-my-opponents |access-date=25 January 2023 |work=Philippine Daily Inquirer |date=27 October 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211026183855/https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1507015/manny-pacquiao-is-being-used-by-my-opponents |archive-date=26 October 2021 |language=en}} A few days after the accusation, Benguet mayors came to Yap's defense and expressed dismay at Pacquiao's pronouncements saying:
{{blockquote|text=We are saddened that Senator Pacquiao came and just questioned Congressman Yap’s presence in Benguet. It should not need emphasis but for Senator Pacquiao’s informed realization, Congressman Yap is our own. He was adopted by us. He is one of us.|author=Mayors of the Municipalities of Benguet|source=Statement of Support for Cong. Eric Yap{{cite web |title=Statement of Support for Cong. Eric Yap |url=https://www.rappler.com/tachyon/2021/11/benguet-doc-sq-1.jpg?resize=800%2C800&zoom=1 |website=Rappler |access-date=25 January 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230125224101/https://www.rappler.com/tachyon/2021/11/benguet-doc-sq-1.jpg?resize=800%2C800&zoom=1 |archive-date=25 January 2023}}}}
==Committee assignments and House positions==
Yap served on the following House committees and in the following House positions.
- 18th congress (2019–2022) – Chair of the Committee on Appropriations (since March 2, 2020); chair of the Committee on Games and Amusements (until March 2, 2020); a vice chair of the Committees on Games and Amusements (since March 2, 2020), Good Government and Public Accountability, Government Enterprises and Privatization, Ways and Means, and Accounts (since November 18, 2020); member of the Committees on Banks and Financial Intermediaries; Energy; Flagship Programs and Projects; Foreign Affairs; Higher and Technical Education; Justice; Legislative Franchises; Overseas Workers Affairs; Public Accounts; Public Works and Highways; and Transportation.{{citation needed|date=July 2020}}
==Congressman of Benguet==
Yap was elected as Representative for Benguet's lone congressional district by a landslide over his closest rival, Itogon mayor Victor Palangdan in the 2022 May elections.{{cite news |author1=Comanda Rizaldy C. |title=Yap proclaimed congressman in Benguet |url=https://mb.com.ph/2022/05/11/yap-proclaimed-congressman-in-benguet/ |access-date=October 26, 2022 |work=Manila Bulletin |date=May 11, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220511062106/https://mb.com.ph/2022/05/11/yap-proclaimed-congressman-in-benguet/ |archive-date=May 11, 2022}}
In the 2025 elections, another landslide victory for Yap was recorded with 144,093 votes, although his proclamation was suspended due to a disqualification complaint.{{cite news |author1=Mia Magdalena Fokno |title=Yap proclamation suspended; gov, vice gov, board members declared winners in Benguet |url=https://www.rappler.com/philippines/elections/eric-yap-proclamation-suspended-results-benguet-2025/ |access-date=May 13, 2025 |work=Rappler |date=May 13, 2025}}
Personal life
Yap is a close friend of Paolo Duterte.{{cite news |last1=Cepeda |first1=Mara |title=In House power play, Speaker Cayetano's Palace dreams are at stake |url=https://www.rappler.com/newsbreak/in-depth/house-power-play-speaker-cayetano-malacanang-dreams-at-stake |access-date=December 30, 2020 |work=Rappler |date=September 23, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201006124619if_/https://www.rappler.com/newsbreak/in-depth/house-power-play-speaker-cayetano-malacanang-dreams-at-stake |archive-date=October 6, 2020 |quote=ACT-CIS Representative Eric Yap, Paolo Duterte's close friend...}}{{cite news |last1=Yap |first1=DJ |title=Palace: Duterte won't interfere in House rivalry |url=https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1236521/palace-duterte-wont-interfere-in-house-rivalry |access-date=December 30, 2020 |work=Philippine Daily Inquirer |date=March 4, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200810030828/https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1236521/palace-duterte-wont-interfere-in-house-rivalry |archive-date=August 10, 2020 |quote=Rep. Eric Yap of the ACT-CIS party list, a close friend of the President's son, Davao City Rep. Paolo Duterte.}}{{cite news |last1=Quismorio |first1=Ellson |title=Pulong refuses to choose between Alan Peter, Lord |url=https://mb.com.ph/2020/10/08/pulong-refuses-to-choose-between-alan-peter-lord/ |access-date=December 30, 2020 |work=Manila Bulletin |date=October 8, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201230080735/https://mb.com.ph/2020/10/08/pulong-refuses-to-choose-between-alan-peter-lord/ |archive-date=December 30, 2020 |quote=...ACT-CIS Party-List Rep. Eric Yap, a close friend of the Davao solon...}} He resides in Alphaland Baguio Mountain Lodges in Loacan, Itogon, Benguet,{{Cite web |last= |first= |date=2022-01-23 |title=Yap’s disqualification case junked |url=https://baguioheraldexpressonline.com/yaps-disqualification-case-junked/ |access-date=2023-11-14 |website=Baguio Herald Express |language=en}} a luxury master-planned development owned by the same company that runs Balesin Island Club.{{Cite news |last=Nitura |first=Jam |last2=Mistal |first2=Samantha V |date=19 March 2021 |title=Here's How Much It Costs to Stay at Heart Evangelista's Favorite Mountain Lodge Near Baguio |work=Preview.ph |url=https://www.preview.ph/culture/heart-evangelista-alphaland-baguio-mountain-lodges-stay-price-a00268-a2064-20210319 |access-date=14 November 2023}}
Yap was a judge at the finals night of Miss Universe Philippines 2020, the pageant's first edition.{{cite news |title=Harry Roque, Eric Yap among Miss Universe Philippines 2020 judges |url=https://www.rappler.com/entertainment/pageants/harry-roque-eric-yap-among-miss-universe-philippines-2020-finals-judges |access-date=January 21, 2021 |work=Rappler |date=October 24, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201130164821if_/https://www.rappler.com/entertainment/pageants/harry-roque-eric-yap-among-miss-universe-philippines-2020-finals-judges |archive-date=November 30, 2020}}
References
{{reflist}}
External links
- [https://www.congress.gov.ph/members/search.php?id=yap-eg Hon. Yap, Eric Go] on House of Representatives
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Category:Filipino people of Chinese descent
Category:Filipino politicians of Chinese descent
Category:Party-list members of the House of Representatives of the Philippines
Category:University of Santo Tomas alumni
Category:Members of the House of Representatives of the Philippines from Benguet