Maine Mendoza on Arjo Atayde backlash: ‘You are condemning the wrong people’

Popular actress Maine Mendoza has once again stepped forward to vigorously defend her husband, Quezon City 1st District Representative Juan Carlos "Arjo" Atayde, following a significant public outcry. Atayde has been embroiled in controversy after contractor couple Sarah and Pacifico "Curlee" Discaya identified him as one of 17 public officials allegedly involved in a flood control kickback scheme, offering to serve as state witnesses.

In a heartfelt Facebook post dated Wednesday, September 10, Mendoza firmly vouched for her husband's innocence. She emphasized that both their families are more than capable of sustaining their lifestyle, explicitly stating they do not rely on Filipino taxpayers' money. Mendoza expressed her deep offense at accusations suggesting they profit from ill-gotten wealth, arguing it unfairly overshadows their legitimate earnings and hard work.

Echoing his wife's sentiment, Atayde himself had previously denied the Discayas' allegations in an Instagram story on September 8, claiming he had "never dealt" with the contracting pair. However, Rappler later published photos showing the "Topakk" actor posing with both Curlee and Sarah Discaya. Furthermore, an older photograph from Atayde’s own Facebook page, which has since been removed, resurfaced, depicting him near a tarpaulin for a P50-million flood project undertaken by Wawao Builders.

Wawao Builders emerged as a prominent Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) contractor starting in 2022. Public Works Secretary Manuel Bonoan previously indicated that there were initial suspicions of certain flood control projects by the firm in Bulacan being "ghost projects," adding another layer to the ongoing controversy.

Addressing the circulating images, Mendoza posited that these were "taken out of context," urging the public to remember that "perception is not always reality." While expressing her dismay and anger over corrupt politicians who prioritize personal gain during crises, she reiterated her belief that those truly guilty should be held accountable.

Mendoza passionately asserted that her husband, whom she believes is being unfairly targeted, has nothing to conceal and has never engaged in theft. She disclosed Atayde's intention to pursue legal avenues to clear his name, concluding her statement with a poignant remark: "The real villains are celebrating quietly in the shadows," suggesting not all politicians are corrupt, but some simply become convenient scapegoats. This lengthy defense follows a brief social media post where she labeled the allegations as "baseless" and called for an end to hate comments until definitive facts emerged. Atayde was reelected as Quezon City 1st District representative in the 2025 midterm elections, having married Mendoza in 2023.