Small Laude's husband Philip denies involvement in flood control mess
Businessman Philip Laude, the husband of content creator Small Laude, has dismissed allegations linking him to the flood control scandal.
A report in late December came out claiming a joint account between Philip and ACT-CIS Party-list Rep. Edvic Yap was among the 145 bank accounts frozen by the Anti-Money Laundering Council.
"We categorically and unequivocally deny any insinuation that Philip Laude has ever been involved in any illegal activity, whether by himself or in collaboration with any person," a statement posted by Small from DivinaLaw read.
"It must be clearly emphasized that no corporation was ever formed involving Mr. Laude and Edvic Yap. Prior to Mr. Yap's election to public office, Mr. Yap merely invited Mr. Laude to consider investing in a proposed joint venture. This discussion was preliminary and exploratory and never ripened into a formal partnership, corporation, or other juridical entity."
The businessman's camp added that a bank account was opened in connection with the proposed venture while Yap was not yet in office.
"The opening of the account was lawful and undertaken solely in contemplation of a potential private business venture," the law firm added.
It also noted that since the joint venture was never implemented after Yap was elected, there were no business operations, no government projects, procurement, or transactions. The account was also closed "precisely to avoid any issue, misinterpretation, or appearance of impropriety."
"Any attempt to link Mr. Laude to alleged irregularities or controversies involving public officeholders is therefore factually baseless and misleading. A mere invitation to invest—and preparatory steps taken before any individual assumed public office—do not constitute wrongdoing, illegality, or impropriety," the statement read.
On Dec. 9, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. announced that the Court of Appeals issued a freeze order against the bank accounts and assets of Yap and his brother, Benguet Rep. Eric Yap. The latter was named as one of the beneficial owners of Silverwolves Construction Corp., which is behind the substandard La Union flood control project.
Small, who has 2.47 million subscribers on YouTube, has previously spoken against the flood control issue in a September vlog.
"Hello I'm paying my [taxes] properly, and then ganyan kayo? Shame on you guys! Kawawa naman ang Pinoy. Ay nako, nakaka-enrange," she said.
