Actress Maine Mendoza has reiterated support for her husband amid accusations of illicit dealings with the Discaya couple in connection with anomalous flood control projects on Wednesday.
The star took to social media to defend her husband, Quezon City 1st District Rep. Arjo Atayde, following up her initial, “informal” statement when the allegations were made public.
“Not a single part of our life has been built on taxpayers’ money. Everything we have comes from years of work and savings. We pay our taxes, and we pay them truthfully, because we respect the same system we are accused of betraying,” she wrote on a post on X, adding that she and Arjo, along with their families, are “financially capable” of sustaining their lifestyles.
Mendoza called it “personally offensive” to be accused of spending taxpayer funds, when they have earned their keep through honest means.
“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 said.
“And if Arjo ever did anything dishonest, if he were truly guilty, I certainly wouldn’t defend him and cover for him. Accuse him of other things if you wish, but not of stealing from people—that is one line he has never crossed, and never will,” she added.
In the comments section, netizens were clamoring for Atayde to show his SALN (Statement of Assets, Liabilities, and Net Worth) and waive his bank secrecy.
“By claiming that he is innocent and has no involvement, can Arjo accept both challenges of showing his SALN and waiving his rights to bank secrecy?” one comment read.
Others pointed out that the congressman travels, primarily abroad, almost monthly.
“Too much talking, this is what you need to explain: (1) How come your so-called husband Congressman has been travelling in luxury every month, as if he isn't a public servant? (2) What did your husband significantly contribute in the Congress since winning? (3) Show us his SALN,” another wrote.
Earlier, the Discaya couple, who own several construction firms that cornered a bulk of the government’s flood control projects in recent years, implicated Atayde along with a list of other politicians who allegedly received kickbacks from them.
