Quezon City 1st District Rep. Arjo Atayde clarified his ties to controversial contractors Curlee and Sarah Discaya after a photo of them together circulated online, following the couple’s claims in the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee that some lawmakers allegedly profited from anomalous flood control projects.
Atayde firmly denied any involvement.
“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,” he said in a statement.
He added: “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.”
On the photo with the Discayas, Atayde explained to ABS-CBN News that the meeting happened in 2022 at his district office.
“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. We never talked anything about any project. And I’ve never dealt with them.”
His wife, TV host-actress Maine Mendoza, also spoke up to defend him, calling the accusations “baseless.”
“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,” Mendoza posted on X.
“NEVER DEALT”?
Rappler has obtained photos of QC 1st District Representative Arjo Atayde, and former QC 4th District Representative Marvin Rillo, appearing to pose for photos with Curlee and Sarah Discaya, who have admitted to giving kickbacks to lawmakers and government… pic.twitter.com/JcdjeCc0Ds
— Rappler (@rapplerdotcom) September 8, 2025
She added that Atayde has been serving his constituents with integrity and prayed that those truly responsible would be held accountable.
“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 said.
The Discaya couple earlier alleged that government officials demanded 10–25% cuts from awarded projects to ensure their implementation. Several other lawmakers tagged in the scandal have likewise denied the accusations, with some, including former congresswoman Florida Robes, announcing plans to sue the contractors for libel.
