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Maine Mendoza slams accusations of corruption vs husband Arjo Atayde
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Maine Mendoza has once again spoken up to defend her husband, actor-politician Arjo Atayde, after being linked to an ongoing controversy surrounding alleged irregularities in a flood control project.
In a lengthy post on social media, the TV host-actress Maine admitted that her initial reaction when the issue first broke may have come across as “informal and casual.” This time, she said she wanted to clearly set the record straight after being bombarded with criticism and accusations online.
"I am well aware of the accusations, criticisms, and judgments being thrown at my husband, me, and our family. After being bombarded with vile remarks the past 48 hours, I will not pretend they don't sting, but I will also not allow lies to define who we are," she said.
She then firmly denied allegations that her husband, the representative of Quezon City 1st District, had enriched himself at the expense of the public, saying their lifestyle has been sustained purely through years of hard work and savings.
"Not a single part of our life has been built on taxpayers' money. Everything we have comes from years of work and savings. We pay our taxes, and we pay them truthfully, because we respect the same system we are accused of betraying. Both of us [and our families] are financially capable of sustaining the lives that we live, and it's personally offensive to be accused of spending money that we have rightfully earned outside politics. It's unfair to reduce everything that we are and everything that we have worked for to that single narrative."
She also stressed, "I will never accept the narrative that accuses us of stealing and living off taxpayers' money. That is not who Arjo is, that is not who I am, and that is not who we are--no amount of noise and accusations will ever make it true. And if Arjo ever did anything dishonest, if he were truly guilty, I certainly wouldn't defend him and cover for him."
Related gallery: Maine Mendoza and Arjo Atayde's Baguio City wedding is as intimate as
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Maine also pointed out that while perceptions can be easily twisted, the truth will eventually prevail: “Narratives can be twisted so easily, and many are quick to believe what fits their perspective. But the truth always finds its way to light, and that's what we are holding on to.”
Despite acknowledging the hurtful comments she and her family have received, the actress remained firm that she would never cover up dishonesty if her husband were truly guilty.
“Accuse him of other things if you wish, but not of stealing from people--that is one line he has never crossed, and never will,” she said.
Maine further called for fairness, urging the public to allow due process before passing judgment.
"I understand that people will choose to believe what they want to believe, and some will continue to mock, criticize, and crucify us no matter what. But legal actions will be taken, and Arjo will clear his name by proving his innocence. Let's allow due process to run its course before we condemn. God knows the truth, and we stand with clean hands," she said.
She ended her statement with a reminder: “Remember the three sides to every story: their version, our version, and the truth. And we are confident that we stand on the side of truth. Arjo has nothing to hide. He has never been guilty of stealing. I'll end with this, not all politicians are corrupt--some are just convenient targets. The real villains are celebrating quietly in the shadows."
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