“The truth will reveal itself” Maine Mendoza Defends Husband Arjo Atayde Amid Backlash

Maine Mendoza once again defends her husband, Arjo Atayde, in a new statement.

Photo: Maine Mendoza/Instagram

In a lengthy Facebook post on September 10, Maine reiterated that they are honest taxpayers and that they do not rely on the Filipino people’s taxes to fund the life they have built through the years.

“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 said.

“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,” she added.

The 30-year-old actress stated that if her husband were found guilty of the allegations thrown against him, she would not defend him.

“And if Arjo ever did anything dishonest, if he were truly guilty, I certainly wouldn’t defend him and cover for him. 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 affirmed.

“I get that the current allegations, photos taken out of context, and the stories being spread online may look different to some. But let’s not forget that perception is not always reality. 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.”

The 34-year-old congressman was among the politicians named by contractors Pacifico “Curlee” Discaya II and Cezarah “Sarah” Discaya during the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee hearing on September 8. The contractors accused certain government figures of allegedly demanding commissions from them.

However, the actor strongly denied any involvement in the allegations.

Before his alleged links to the contractors, the actor-politician had already been drawing flak on social media for his frequent local and international travels, amid a wave of online personalities being “canceled” for flaunting their lavish lifestyles.

Amid the backlash directed at both personalities, the Eat Bulaga! host firmly expressed her belief that the truth “will reveal itself” and emphasized the need for accountability from those truly involved in corruption.

“It is truly distressing to see people suffer in times of crisis because of corrupt politicians who put self-interest above all else, alongside their accomplices. Nakakagalit talaga (It angers me). And we also believe those who are truly guilty should face accountability. Again, the truth will reveal itself in the end. 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,” she emphasized.

Towards the end of her statement, Maine emphasized that they would pursue legal action and that Arjo is determined to prove 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.

“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,” she concluded.