ACTRESS and TV host Maine Mendoza explained her previous post defending her actor-politician husband Arjo Atayde amid allegations tied to the corruption-ridden flood control projects.
Atayde, who represents Quezon City’s 1st District, has faced criticism over the past few days after his name appeared in the extensive list released by the Discayas, linking individuals connected to the ongoing case.
Although much attention has been directed at several officials and members of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), his name stood out during this week’s Senate Blue Ribbon Committee hearing.
This occurred when contractor Pacifico “Curlee” Discaya, husband of Cezarah Discaya, described how certain House of Representatives members and DPWH officials allegedly asked for a portion of their contract.
The requested cut reached up to 25% of their flood control project deal, which they eventually accepted “unwillingly” after being warned of project delays due to right-of-way concerns.
Personally Offended
Though Atayde recently denied all accusations, his wife took to social media once again to speak up, present their side, and respond to the “offensive” comments being thrown their way.
“I realized my initial reaction when the issue first broke came across as informal and casual,” Mendoza said. “Felt the need to speak out immediately after hearing the news and listening to Arjo’s side regarding the alleged ‘involvement’.”
“Forgive me for speaking up again this time. I know it may be wiser to stay silent while the investigation is ongoing, but I cannot let my last tweet be my only statement,” she continued.
The actress revealed that she’s fully aware of the current allegations and backlash aimed at her and her husband, and confessed it was painful—knowing that not a single peso of taxpayers’ money built the life they have.
“Both of us (and our families) are financially capable of sustaining the lives that we live, and it’s personally offensive to be accused of spending money that we have rightfully earned outside politics,” she said.
“It’s unfair to reduce everything that we are and everything that we have worked for to that single narrative.”
“I will never accept the narrative that accuses us of stealing and living off taxpayers’ money. That is not who Arjo is, that is not who I am, and that is not who we are—no amount of noise and accusations will ever make it true,” she added.
Taking Legal Actions
Maine also noted that while perceptions are easily distorted and people often believe what aligns with their views—quick to judge and criticize—the truth, in the end, is what will ultimately come out.
“The truth will reveal itself in the end. We can only hope and pray that the justice system delivers justice to those who deserve it and to whom it’s due. I know we may be easy targets, but you are condemning the wrong people,” she said.
“I understand that people will choose to believe what they want to believe, and some will continue to mock, criticize, and crucify us no matter what.”
“But legal actions will be taken, and Arjo will clear his name by proving his innocence. Let’s allow due process to run its course before we condemn. God knows the truth, and we stand with clean hands,” she went on to say.
In closing her post, Mendoza reminded everyone that there are always “three sides to every story: their version, our version, and the truth.” Still, they remain confident in standing with the truth, firmly believing that Atayde has nothing to hide and has never stolen anything.
She also remarked that “not all politicians are corrupt—some are just convenient targets,” once again emphasizing that the true perpetrators of the questionable flood control projects remain quietly celebrating behind the scenes.
