Gela Atayde defends brother Arjo Atayde from online allegations

• Gela Atayde defended her brother Arjo Atayde from criticisms linking him to the flood control projects controversy and his travels abroad

• She told a netizen that her lifestyle comes from her own paycheck and emphasized that Arjo earns through acting and business not corruption

• Gela said Arjo entered politics to serve and push for change not for luxury and defended his personal life and travels as funded by hard-earned money

• Arjo and his wife Maine Mendoza have already denied the allegations

Gela Atayde defended her brother, Quezon City First District Representative Arjo Atayde, who is facing criticism over alleged ties to the controversial flood control projects of Sarah and Curlee Discaya as well as his travels abroad.

Responding to a netizen’s accusation on her social media post that her lifestyle was funded by her “Kuya congressman,” Gela firmly replied, “My paycheck, babe. Kuya’s busy serving, not stealing.” She stressed that her brother’s sources of income are legitimate, saying, “Kuya’s income streams are called acting and business, not corruption. Diba maraming nangangailangan ng tulong? We help because we can. Pag tumulong, may hanash. Pag hindi, kasalanan din. Ano ba talaga?”

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Gela further clarified that Arjo did not enter politics for personal gain, but to create meaningful change in government. She explained, “He didn’t enter politics for luxury; he entered to serve. A foundation can only do so much, but a congressman can push bills, fix broken systems, and make sure taxes actually go to the right places. That’s the kind of change he’s working for. His personal life? His travels? None of your business because, unlike others, we can proudly say that it’s the fruit of hard-earned money. Your concern is valid, but I think you have the wrong person here. Thank you.”

Arjo and his wife, actress Maine Mendoza, have already publicly denied any connection to the irregularities. The couple maintained that the allegations were baseless.

Sarah Discaya is a Filipina businesswoman, philanthropist, and political figure who serves as the Chief Financial Officer of St. Gerrard Construction and Development Corporation. Known for her charitable work such as medical missions and welfare programs, she gained recognition for supporting healthcare, education, solo parents, and senior citizens. In 2025, she ran for mayor of Pasig City with a platform focused on making it a smart city through improved healthcare, digital connectivity, and modern systems, but she lost to incumbent Mayor Vico Sotto. Despite her defeat, she remains noted for her leadership, philanthropy, and advocacy for community empowerment.

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In a previous report by KAMI, Arjo Atayde, Quezon City 1st District's Representative, "categorically" denied the allegations against him. It can be recalled that today, Curless Discaya, dropped several names of lawmakers and DPWH officials who were allegedly involved in the flood control project mess. He said that the said officials would normally ask for 10% up to 25% from the project's value. Several lawmakers have already issued their statments denying the allegations, while there are still others who haven't released their statements yet.

Additionally, Korina Sanchez-Roxas posted on her Instagram account. There, she posed in front of a beautiful palace while she was in Disneyland. However, she also made fun of it in relation to the recent issue involving her. She wrote in the first part of her post, "My P10 Million Palace," which was somehow related to the allegations thrown against her by Mayor Vico Sotto.

Source: KAMI.com.gh