Maine muling dumepensa: Arjo never nagnakaw

MARICRIS VALDEZ

NANINDIGAN si Maine Mendoza na hindi magnanakaw at walang itinatago ang kanyang asawang si Cong Arjo Atayde.

Muli nagsalita ang TV host-actress ukol sa pagdadawit sa pangalan ni Arjo ng mag-asawang contractors na sina Curlee at Sarah Discaya sa pagdinig ng Senate Blue Ribbon Committee sa maanomalyang flood control projects ng Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).

Ang mensahe ay may kaugnayan din sa nauna niyang post kamakailan sa X (dating Twitter), noong Lunes.

Anang Eat Bulaga host, “baseless allegations” at “napaka-unfair” ang inihayag laban sa kanyang asawa.

Kahapon, Miyerkoles, muling naglabas ng pahayag si Maine para pabulaanan ang alegasyon laban kay Arjo at sa kani-kanilang pamilya.

Sa pamamagitan ng kanyang Facebook account ipinarating niya ang saloobin.

Ani Maine, humihingi siya ng paumanhin sa pagsasalita muli para ipagtanggol ang kanyang asawa na patuloy na binabato ng masasakit na salita.

“Hi everyone. I realized my initial reaction when the issue first broke came across as informal and casual. Felt the need to speak out immediately after hearing the news and listening to Arjo’s side regarding the alleged ‘involvement’.

“Forgive me for speaking up again this time. I know it may be wiser to stay silent while the investigation is ongoing, but I cannot let my last tweet be my only statement.

Iginiit ni Maine na hindi niya hahayaang manaig ang kasinungalingan dahil wala ni isa man sa ginawa o binili ang nanggaling sa pera ng taxpayers. Nanggaling iyon sa maraming taon nilang pagtatrabaho at pag-iipon. May kakayahan din kapwa ang kani-kanilang pamilya na tustusan ang klase ng pamumuhay mayroon sila.

“I am well aware of the accusations, criticisms and judgments being thrown at my husband, me, and our family. After being bombarded with vile remarks the past 48 hours, I will not pretend they don’t sting, but I will also not allow lies to define who we are.

“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,” giit ng misis ni Arjo.

Sinabi pa ni Maine na hindi niya matatanggap ang akusasyon sa kanila na ninanakaw at ginagamit nila ang buwis ng mga Filipino sa kanilang pamumuhay.

“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.”

Inihayag din niyang hindi niya kukunsintihin sakaling may mali o ginagawang masama ang asawa. Hindi rin katanggap-tanggap na akusahang magnanakaw si  Arjo dahil kahit kailanman hindi ito gagawin ng aktor.

“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.”

Inihayag pa ni Maine na, “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. 

“And when the truth comes out, I hope those who judged and condemned us so quickly—especially those who filled platforms and our spaces with all sorts of hate—also take a moment to recognize how harsh and hasty their judgments were. 

“But we all know that rarely happens. Because even when the truth is presented, some would rather ignore it and just keep on condemning.”

Wika pa ni Maine, “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. 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.”

Sinabi rin ng host ng EB nanaiintindihan niya na paniniwalaan ng tao ang anumang gustong paniwalaan at patuloy silang kukutyain.  Subalit magsasagawa sila ng mga legal na aksyon, at lilinisin ni Arjo ang pangalan sa pamamagitan ng pagpapatunay sa kanyang pagiging inosente.

“I understand that people will choose to believe what they want to believe, and some will continue to mock, criticize, and crucify us no matter what. But legal actions will be taken, and Arjo will clear his name by proving his innocence.

“Let’s allow due process to run its course before we condemn. God knows the truth, and we stand with clean hands.

“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.”

Sa huli iginiit pa ni Maine na walang itinatago ang kanyang asawa. Hindi rin ito nagnakaw. Tinatapos din niya ang mensahe  sa pagsasabing, hindi lahat ng politiko ay corrupt.

“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,” pagtatapos ni Maine.