QUEZON City First District Rep. Arjo Atayde and Caloocan City Third District Rep. Dean Asistio appeared before the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) on Tuesday to respond to accusations linking them to irregularities in flood control projects.
The two lawmakers were among several politicians accused by contractors Sarah and Curlee Discaya of allegedly demanding money from their construction businesses during a Senate hearing last September.
Atayde dismissed the allegations as “pure hearsay,” adding that his father, Arturo Atayde, who was also implicated by the Discayas, was prepared to face any investigation.
“It would be better if they present evidence against me before pointing fingers, because up to now, nothing has been shown against me or my father,” Atayde said.
“We have nothing to hide. I will not run, I will not avoid this, and I will not leave the country. I am here to undergo the investigation fully and prove my innocence,” he told reporters.
Atayde said he had prepared an affidavit for the ICI’s executive session, emphasizing that he had promised to answer questions in the proper forum.
“I know the public wants answers. I told them I would speak at the right time and in the right venue, and this is it,” he said, adding that he gathered all necessary documents to avoid dismissing public concerns outright.
Asistio, for his part, denied the Discayas’ accusations, saying there was “no truth” to their claims.
“We are not afraid. We only want to avoid the premature release of sensitive information,” he noted regarding the ICI’s closed-door proceedings.