Actress Gela Atayde came to the defense of her older brother, Quezon City 1st District Rep. Arjo Atayde, after netizens questioned his integrity and lifestyle amid his inclusion in the Senate Blue Ribbon hearing on alleged anomalous flood control projects.
The younger Atayde responded to comments on one of her TikTok posts where users asked if her pilates classes were being funded by her congressman brother.
“My paycheck, babe. Kuya’s busy serving, not stealing,” she wrote.
Some commenters also raised issues about Arjo’s supposed absences from Congress and his frequent trips abroad with his wife, actress-host Maine Mendoza, citing photos from their travels to Taiwan, South Korea, London, and Japan.
Gela, however, clarified that Arjo’s income sources were legitimate. “Kuya’s income streams are called acting [and] business, not corruption,” she said, adding: “Diba maraming nangangailangan ng tulong? We help because we can. Pag tumulong, may hanash. Pag hindi, kasalanan din. Ano ba talaga?”
She stressed that her brother entered politics not for luxury but to push for reforms. “He didn’t enter politics for luxury; he entered to serve. A foundation can only do so much, but a congressman can push bills, fix broken systems, and make sure taxes actually go to the right places,” she explained.
On criticisms of Arjo and Maine’s travels, Gela was firm: “That’s the kind of change he’s working for. His personal life? His travels? None of your business because, unlike others, we can proudly say that it’s the fruit of hard-earned money. Your concern is valid, but I think you have the wrong person here. Thank you.”
Maine Mendoza also defended her husband earlier, calling the accusations by contractors Sarah and Curlee Discaya “baseless.”
Arjo himself has denied the allegations, stressing: “I categorically deny the allegation that I benefited from any contractor. I have never dealt with them… I have never used my position for personal gain, and I never will.” He added that he would pursue legal action against those spreading falsehoods.
