Manila, Philippines – Host and actress Maine Mendoza has once again defended her husband, Quezon City 1st District Representative Arjo Atayde, amid allegations linking him to the corruption scandal involving government flood control projects.
Maine took the statement on her social media accounts, not just to defend her husband, but clarify her recent stance shortly after Atayde was tagged by controversial contractor couple Sarah and Curlee Discaya during a House hearing.
“I know my first reaction seemed casual. After hearing Arjo’s side, I felt the need to speak up again. I can’t let my last tweet be my only statement,” Mendoza wrote.
“Our life is not built on taxpayers’ money. We earned everything through years of work and savings. It’s offensive to be accused of using money we rightfully earned,” she added.
Meanwhile, she also clarified that Atayde will undergo due process to clean his name.
“Arjo will clear his name legally. Let’s allow due process before condemning. We stand with clean hands,” she said.
Mendoza also reiterated that his husband is indeed innocent: “Every story has three sides: their version, ours, and the truth. We stand with the truth. Arjo is innocent. Not all politicians are corrupt; some are just easy target.”
Earlier, Atayde was allegedly accused by the Discaya couple, claiming he was involved in a kickback scheme related to government flood control projects together with other lawmakers and former Department of Public Work and Highways (DPWH) officials.
He has quickly denied the claims.—Jorel Butcon, Contributor