Arjo Atayde Denies Involvement in Flood Project Controversy
ARJO ATAYDE – The Quezon City’s First District Representative has maintained his innocence amid allegations linking him and his father, Art Atayde, to irregularities in government flood-control projects.
The controversy arose from claims by contractors Curlee and Sarah Discaya that the Ataydes received commissions from these projects. Arjo addressed the issue when he appeared at the offices of the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) in Taguig City on November 25, 2025.
He stressed that the accusations against him and his father were based on hearsay, noting that no evidence had been presented since the complaints emerged on September 8. He affirmed his willingness to fully cooperate with the investigation, stating that neither he nor his father intended to evade scrutiny. “I am here to thoroughly go to the investigation to fight for my innocence,” he said, emphasizing that he would not leave the country to avoid questioning.
Arjo explained that he had submitted a letter one to two weeks earlier, requesting that the process be fast-tracked so the matter could be addressed in the proper forum. He also prepared an affidavit and is ready to present all relevant evidence to clear his name. He stressed the importance of transparency and fairness, adding that he wanted to acknowledge the seriousness of the allegations while proving his innocence.
He explained that the choice of how the hearing would be conducted was offered by the commission, and he followed their guidance. Arjo volunteered to participate in the investigation and cooperated fully with the process.
Meanwhile, Arjo Atayde began his political career in 2022, winning as an independent representative of Quezon City’s 1st district with 66.85% of the vote, unseating incumbent Onyx Crisologo. He later joined the Nacionalista Party and currently serves as Assistant Majority Leader in the House of Representatives.