Quezon City First District Rep. Arjo Atayde has denied benefiting from contractors, after his name was mentioned during the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee hearing on alleged irregularities in flood control projects.
Atayde, who was among the lawmakers identified by contractor Pacifico “Curlee” Discaya II, maintained that he never used his position for personal advantage. Discaya earlier testified that certain Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) officials and politicians allegedly solicited kickbacks from his firm.
“I categorically deny the allegation that I benefited from any contractor. I have never dealt with them. Hindi po totoo ang mga akusasyon na ito these accusations are not true,” Atayde said.
“I have never used my position for personal gain, and I 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.
The Senate panel, in its third hearing held on Sept. 8, continued its probe into supposed anomalies in big-ticket DPWH projects. Discaya, in a joint statement with his family, claimed that after winning bids, some officials demanded a share ranging from 10 to 25 percent of project costs. He also alleged that they had, on some occasions, personally handed money to certain politicians.
“Ang pagbabayad na ito ay hindi namin kagustuhan kundi isang hakbang na ginawa namin dahil sa matinding pang gigipit,” Discaya said in his sworn statement.
Amid the controversy, actress and television host Maine Mendoza took to social media to defend her husband. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), she asked the public not to pass judgment until the 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,” Mendoza wrote.
She emphasized Atayde’s dedication to his role as a lawmaker. “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 said.
Mendoza also expressed her hope that responsibility would fall on those truly at fault. “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.
The Senate investigation remains ongoing as lawmakers aim to uncover the extent of the alleged irregularities in the DPWH’s flood control and infrastructure contracts.
