Arjo Atayde is not backing out in defending himself against corruption accusations
Quezon City’s 1st district representative Arjo Atayde said that he is ready to prove his innocence against the allegation that he is involved in anomalous flood control projects.
Contractor couple Curlee and Sarah Discaya were the ones who dragged the actor-politician into the issue. They mentioned that Cong. Arjo received kickbacks during the Senate Blue Ribbon committee inquiry on September 8, 2025.
The actor-politician has denied the accusation against him. In October, he reiterated in a statement that there was no ghost project in his district. Amid the corruption issue, the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) was established to investigate this matter further.
On Tuesday, November 25, 2025, it was confirmed that Arjo Atayde would be attending the ICI inquiry. However, he requested an executive session or behind behind-closed-doors discussion with the ICI members.
In an interview, based on the report from Manila Bulletin, Cong. Arjo was emotional when he faced the reporters. He stressed his innocence and his willingness to prove this.
“Wala po kaming tinatago. Hindi ako magtatago. Hindi ako iiwas. Hindi ako lilipad ng ibang bansa,” he said. The actor-politician also said that his father, Art Atayde, is also innocent and had nothing to do with the corruption issue.
The lawmaker said that he has already expressed that he will answer at the proper forum and proper time.
“I don’t wanna invalidate the feelings of the people towards the gravity of the situation if I deny. So I have to gather all the evidence backing the allegations against me to prove my innocence,” he said.
Cong. Arjo also said that it is easy to point fingers, but there should be supporting evidence. He said that his accusers haven’t given out against him or his father.
Arjo Atayde added that his father is also willing to be put under investigation.