Actress and television host Maine Mendoza has publicly defended her husband, Quezon City 1st District Representative Arjo Atayde, after his name was dragged into the Senate investigation on alleged irregularities in government flood control projects.
Contractor Curlee Discaya, one of the resource persons at the hearing, claimed that several lawmakers were among those receiving a percentage from infrastructure projects. Atayde’s name was mentioned, prompting Mendoza to break her silence on social media.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Mendoza dismissed the allegations, calling them unfounded. “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. 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. 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.”
Her statement immediately drew wide attention online, with supporters rallying behind the couple. Many praised Mendoza for standing by her husband while emphasizing the importance of due process. Others, however, stressed that all individuals mentioned in the Senate probe must still face scrutiny to ensure transparency.
Atayde, who was elected in 2022, has been active in local projects within his district, particularly on infrastructure and social services. His office has yet to issue an official comment regarding Discaya’s testimony, but Mendoza’s defense was seen as the family’s initial response to the controversy.
Meanwhile, lawmakers leading the Senate investigation reiterated that the inquiry is focused on systemic corruption within the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and private contractors, not on personalities alone. They assured the public that all testimonies would undergo verification.
Mendoza concluded her post by appealing for fairness, noting that false accusations could tarnish reputations without evidence. Her call for accountability, both for the guilty and for protecting the innocent, resonated with many netizens who urged caution before passing judgment.
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. Wala siyang ginagawang masama sa loob. He has been doing his best to serve the people of…
— Maine Mendoza (@mainedcm) September 8, 2025
As the Senate probe continues, the issue remains highly charged, with political figures, contractors, and now celebrity voices entering the conversation. For Mendoza and Atayde, the battle is not only in the halls of government but also in the court of public opinion.