Rep Arjo Atayde denies contractor kickback allegations

Quezon City Representative Arjo Atayde has vehemently denied allegations of benefiting from any contractor, particularly naming the controversial contractors Pacifico "Curlee" Discaya II and Sarah Discaya.

The Discaya couple included Atayde among politicians and Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) officials in a Senate Blue Ribbon panel hearing, alleging corruption in flood control projects.

Atayde stated that he categorically denies the accusations and has never dealt with such contractors, adding "Hindi po totoo ang mga akusasyon na ito."

He further emphasized that he has never used his government position for personal gain and will pursue legal remedies to clear his name.

Regarding a viral photo, Atayde clarified that he met the Discayas once in his district office around 2022 for a brief, unplanned "hi, hello" and picture-taking, and it was the first and last time he met them.