Quezon City 1st District Representative Arjo Atayde has firmly denied any involvement with embattled government contractors Sarah and Curlee Discaya, whose alleged role in corrupt flood control projects has shaken the public works sector.
The controversy emerged after a photo of Atayde with the Discayas resurfaced online. In response, the actor-turned-lawmaker clarified through a statement shared by The Freeman that the photo was taken during a brief, unplanned encounter in 2022 at his district office.
“It was the first and last time I met with them,” Atayde stressed. “We never talked anything about any project. And I’ve never dealt with them.”
The Discayas, who have been at the center of explosive allegations involving anomalous biddings and massive kickbacks in flood control contracts, claimed during a Senate Blue Ribbon Committee hearing that several officials—including congressmen—pressured them into illegal arrangements with promised kickbacks between 10% and 25%.
Atayde, in a strongly worded Instagram Story, denied being involved in any corrupt dealings:
“Hindi po totoo ang mga akusasyon na ito. 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.”
His wife, actress Maine Mendoza, also took to social media platform X to defend him and call for fairness.
“Please refrain from throwing hate and personal attacks at him, including me and our family until facts come out… He has been doing his best to serve the people of his district in Quezon City since the beginning.”
The Discayas became the face of the flood control scandal after interviews surfaced highlighting their rags-to-riches story and showcasing their luxury lifestyle—one they attributed to their contracts with the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH). Their story unraveled further following a critical post from Pasig Mayor Vico Sotto, who previously ran against Sarah Discaya.
In the wake of the scandal, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. ordered the DPWH to provide a comprehensive list of all flood control projects completed in the last three years, and launched the Sumbong sa Pangulo portal for citizens to report suspicious government infrastructure activities.
So far, official data reveals over 9,800 flood control projects amounting to P545.64 billion since July 2022, with inconsistencies such as vague project details and repeated contract amounts raising further concerns.
