J M
Lifestyle vlogger and socialite Small Laude took to social media on Friday, January 3, 2025, to share a legal statement categorically denying allegations linking her husband, businessman Philip Laude, to any form of illegal activity.
The post, uploaded on Laude’s verified Instagram account and captioned “The Truth ⚖️,” featured an official statement issued by DivinaLaw, which addressed claims circulating online involving Philip and ACT-CIS Representative Edvic Yap.
In the statement, DivinaLaw “categorically and unequivocally” denied any insinuation that Philip Laude had been involved in illegal acts, either individually or in collaboration with others. The firm stressed that Laude is a private businessman with a long-standing record of lawful and legitimate enterprise.
“At no time has he engaged in, participated in, benefited from, or facilitated any illegal transaction, scheme, or activity—directly or indirectly,” the statement read.
The law firm also clarified rumors suggesting that Laude and Yap formed a corporation or formal business partnership. According to DivinaLaw, no such entity was ever established.
“Prior to Mr. Yap’s election to public office, Mr. Yap merely invited Mr. Laude to consider investing in a proposed joint venture,” the statement explained, adding that discussions between the two were “preliminary and exploratory” and never developed into a formal partnership, corporation, or any other juridical entity.
DivinaLaw further addressed reports about the opening of a bank account, confirming that this occurred while Yap was still a private individual and before his election to Congress.
“The opening of the account was lawful and undertaken solely in contemplation of a potential private business venture,” the firm said.
However, the proposed venture was never implemented. The statement emphasized that no business operations commenced and no government-related project, procurement, or transaction was ever pursued. Following Yap’s election to public office, the contemplated venture did not proceed, and the bank account was closed “precisely to avoid any issue, misinterpretation, or appearance of impropriety.”
The law firm described attempts to link Philip Laude to alleged irregularities involving public officials as “factually baseless and misleading,” stressing that an invitation to invest and preparatory steps taken before assuming public office do not constitute wrongdoing or illegality.
The statement concluded by noting that Philip Laude reserves all his rights under the law and remains committed to transparency, lawful business practices, and protecting his reputation.
Small Laude did not add further commentary beyond sharing the legal statement. As of this writing, neither Philip Laude nor Edvic Yap has released a separate public response outside of the statement issued by DivinaLaw.
