Actress and television host Maine Mendoza has called on the public to avoid launching personal attacks against her husband, Quezon City 1st District Representative Arjo Atayde, after his name surfaced in the sworn affidavit of contractors Sarah and Curlee Discaya, which implicated several lawmakers in flood control kickback schemes.
Mendoza urged people to think critically and not to believe unverified claims, emphasizing the importance of withholding judgment until all facts are established.
“Teka lang muna, those are baseless allegations. Please refrain from throwing hate and personal attacks at him, including me and our family until facts come out. I am with my husband in this. Wala siyang ginagawang masama sa loob. He has done nothing wrong,” Mendoza wrote on X today.
Mendoza expressed hope that those truly responsible for the alleged scheme will be held accountable while innocent individuals are spared from the controversy. “I sincerely hope and pray that the people who are TRULY responsible will be held accountable and that innocent individuals be spared from this mess. Napaka-unfair,” she added.
Earlier, Atayde addressed the allegations on his Instagram stories, firmly denying any wrongdoing. “I categorically deny the allegation that I benefited from any contractor. I have never dealt with them. Hindi totoo ang mga [akusasyon] na ito. I have never used my position for personal gain, and I never will,” he wrote. He also said he is seeking legal advice to clear his name and take action against those spreading false claims.
The contractors, Sarah and Curlee Discaya, testified before the Senate today, naming lawmakers allegedly involved in flood control kickbacks. Meanwhile, the Senate appointed Tito Sotto III as its new president following the ouster of Chiz Escudero.
