The actor-politican’s name was included in the list of personalities that the contractors alleged to be part of a corruption scheme.
During a Senate hearing on Monday, September 8, the controversial construction moguls Pacifico ‘Curlee’ Discaya and his wife, Cezarah ‘Sarah’ Discaya read out their sworn affidavit.
In which, the couple that have been grappling with public backlash and demonstrations following their involvement in the flood control projects of the government as one of the Top 15 contractors, aired their side.
They revealed the corrupt practices that they had to go through in order to bid and construct government projects.
Curlee, who read the latter half of the statement, then read out the list of indviduals that have allegedly demanded kickbacks from flood control projects, which primarily involves officials from the Department of Public Works and Highways and several members of the House of Representatives.
One of those implicated was actor Arjo Atayde, who is currently serving as the Representative of the 1st District of Quezon City.
Following this development, Atayde took to Instagram to air his side of the story.
He wrote, “I categorically deny the allegation that I benefited from any contractor. I have never dealt with them. Hindi totoo ang mga akusasyon na ito.”
The actor-politician also added that he has never used his position for “personal gain” and he “never will.”
“I will avail of all remedies under the law to clear my name and hold accountable those who spread these falsehoods,” he added.
Cong. Atayde also clarified a now-circulating photo of him with the Discaya couple. He confirmed that he had met the two once and explained, “Totoo na pumunta sa opisina namin ang mga Discaya. This was around 2022, and we met with them just like any visitor to our district office.”
“It was a quick ‘hi, hello’ and picture-taking since it wasn’t a planned meeting. It was the first and last time I met with them,” with the representative saying that had never talked to them regarding any project.
After the affidavit, his wife and ‘Eat Bulaga’ host Maine Mendoza also faced scrutiny on social media. Hence, she also had to issue her own statement on the matter through her account on X, formerly Twitter.
The TV host wrote, “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,” Maine continued. “Wala siyang ginagawang masama sa loob. He has been doing his best to serve the people of his district in Quezon City since the beginning.”
She then expressed her sincere hope and prayer that the “people who are truly responsible will be held accountable and that innocent individuals be spared from this mess.”
“Napaka unfair,” she ended her tweet.
Aside from Rep. Atayde, other personalities implicated have already denied the accusations and will likewise be challenging the affidavit of the Discaya couple.