The Market Monitor Minding the Nation's Business
By Boy Villasanta
After Maine Mendoza issued her first statement about the involvement of Arjo Atayde in the anomalous transactions of contractors with the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) where she vehemently generally defended her husband against the accusations, the actress comes out more openly.
“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,” she quipped in her social media messages.
This time she is more direct yet rhetorical. “…I will not pretend they don’t sting, but I will also not allow lies to define who we are.”
Too, she is more emphatic and elaborate. “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.
“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.
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,” she stresses.
Photos taken out of context
She apparently lambasts the effects social media have been evoking on the issue. “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,” she points out.
Mendoza seems hopelessly hoping to embrace victory to her side despite cynicism. “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.
“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 (It’s really indignant).
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,” she gushes.
This time, she goes redundant. “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.”
Here, she goes climactic. “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.
Now, Maine invokes a theory on truth-seeking not unlike the “Rashomon effect.” “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. 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.”