Maine Mendoza addresses criticisms vs. Arjo Atayde, their family: 'You are condemning the wrong people'

Maine Mendoza issued another statement in defense of her husband, Quezon City 1st District Representative Arjo Atayde, after the Discaya couple named him among those allegedly involved in anomalous flood control programs.

On Facebook, Wednesday, Mendoza addressed the "accusations, criticisms and judgments" against them and their family following the allegations.

"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," the television host said.

"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."

Mendoza said she and Atayde, as well as their families, are financially capable of supporting their lifestyles, which have come under scrutiny amid the allegations of corruption involving flood control projects.

"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 said.

Mendoza said she would not cover for her husband if he did anything dishonest, but she said he has never stolen public funds.

She added that her husband will clear his name and prove his innocence through legal actions.

"When the truth comes out, I hope those who judged and condemned us so quickly—especially those who filled platforms and our spaces with all sorts of hate—also take a moment to recognize how harsh and hasty their judgments were," she said.

"We can only hope and pray that the justice system delivers justice to those who deserve it and to whom it’s due. I know we may be easy targets, but you are condemning the wrong people."

Mendoza said the truly guilty should face accountability and that it's enraging to see people suffer due to "corrupt politicians who put self-interest above all else."

"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," she said.

Previously, Mendoza stood by her husband through a post on X, saying that Atayde has done nothing wrong and called the claims against him "baseless allegations."

Atayde, meanwhile, issued his own statement categorically denying the allegations. He also said he will hold accountable those who "spread these falsehoods."

—MGP, GMA Integrated News