Datuk Philip Yong Chiew Lip, Deputy President of SAPP, joined politics in 1985 as Youth Leader in PBS Likas. He was the People's Development Leader (PKR) until 1987. He was elected to the PBS Youth Exco in 1988.

In 1990, Philip contested in Gaya at the General Elections and won against Fung Ket Wing of DAP with a huge majority. He later set up his office at Bornion Centre, Luyang as a service centre. In 1995, Philip was also chosen to stand in Gaya which he won. In 1994, Philip left PBS to join Datuk Yong Teck Lee to form SAPP (Sabah Progressive Party).

Datuk Philip is also the chairman of the SAPP Sembulan Constituency Liaison Committee (CLC). He was previously the Inanam Chairman and Api-Api chairman.

Married with 3 children, Philip went to school in SM Shan Tao, KK and later further his studies in Canada. He came back to work in a financial institution. Before he joined politics, he was a self-employed businessman.

Datuk Philip is presently the Chairman of Sabah Energy Corporation (SEC).