Anger, frustration and disappointment over the multi-billion-pesos defective and ghost flood control projects have seeped into celebrities.

Among those vocal about their deep disappointment are Anne Curtis, Vice Ganda, and Jodi Sta. Maria.

Actress and television host Maine Mendoza, meanwhile, continue to defend her actor-congressman husband Quezon City Rep. Juan Carlos Arjo Atayde who is being linked to the scandal, along with several congressmen from Quezon City.

Congressman Atayde vehemently denied the accusations and Maine said she could attest to his innocence on the allegations.

In a second statement posted on the social media, the “Eat Bulaga” co-host  admitted that her initial reaction, posted earlier this week, was “informal and casual,” saying that she felt compelled to clarify her position after days of public criticism. 

“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,” Maine said.

Gela Atayde, the youngest sister of the Quezon City lawmaker, also defended her brother after contractors Sarah Discaya and Curlee Discaya named him as one of the lawmakers who allegedly received kickbacks from government-funded flood control projects.

In a TikTok post, Gela stressed that her brother chose public service for the right reasons.

“He didn’t enter politics for luxury, he entered to serve. A foundation can only do so much, but a congressman can push bills, fix broken systems, and make sure taxes actually go to the right places. That’s the kind of change he’s working for,” Gela said, addressing critics of her lifestyle.

“His personal life? His travels? None of your business because, unlike others, we can proudly say that it’s the fruit of hard-earned money. Your concern is valid, but I think you have the wrong person here. Thank you,” she added.

When asked if her spending came from her brother, Gela replied, “My paycheck babe. Kuya’s busy serving not stealing.”

Maine continues to express support for her husband, while the lawmaker categorically denied benefiting from contractors.

Television host Karen David also expressed frustration over the scandal.

Maine stressed that neither she nor Atayde has lived off public funds, saying their lifestyle is supported by “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,” she continued.

The “Eat Bulaga” host also acknowledged the sting of online attacks but stood firm against what she described as false narratives meant to damage their reputation. She said she and Arjo would not allow lies to define who they are or erase the years of work that built their lives outside of politics.

“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,” Maine explained. 

“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 added.

Maine also urged the public to reserve judgment until the investigation concludes. 

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

On X (formerly Twitter), Anne Curtis quoted journalist Jessica Soho’s special report on the issue to show her dismay.

“When Mam @KM_JessicaSoho said ‘Hindi na pala baha ang magpapalubog sa ating bayan kundi kasakiman,’ (‘It’s not floods that will sink our nation, but greed’)” she posted. “Sakit (It hurts),” she added coupled with disappointed-face emojis.

On his Instagram Stories, comedian Vice Ganda shared how he and his group had been saving during a work trip in London, only to be reminded of how some misuse public funds.

“Super tipid ako dito sa London kasi ang mahal. Kaya namalengke na lang kami nung first day at nagluto dito sa Airbnb. Pangatlong araw na naming iniinit itong natirang adobo. Tapos bigla kong naalala yung milyon-milyon kong tax na pinaghahatihatian ng mga garapal na magnanakaw. Aray ko!”

(“I’ve been super frugal here in London because everything is expensive. On the first day, we just went grocery shopping and cooked at our Airbnb. By the third day, we were reheating leftover adobo. Then it suddenly hit me—millions of my taxes are being divided up by shameless thieves. Ouch!”)

Another vocal celebrity, Jodi Sta. Maria, tweeted: “We work hard, give what we can, and pay our taxes trusting they serve the greater good. But when they uplift only a few, it makes me think — true change rests not only in our choices, but also in holding accountable those who deliberately break public trust.”

On their Facebook page, celebrity family Team Kramer expressed frustration over the situation: “While our countrymen are suffering from the devastating effects of calamities and poor infrastructure, certain government officials are busy dividing BILLIONS of taxpayer money.”

They condemned the incident as a sign of systemic corruption, saying: “The stash of cash shown on national TV, on top of a billiard table, has been linked to anomalous flood control projects, is a clear sign of systemic corruption. This isn’t just about a few corrupt individuals—it’s about a broken system!”

Broadcast journalist Karen Davila joined the call for justice, reposting the viral image and questioning the system that allows such corruption to continue.

“This is where our taxes go. Billions in kickbacks to politicians and members of the DPWH. This post is from Pasig City Mayor @VicoSotto’s IG stories,” Karen said on her social media page X.

She added: “Isipin n’yo – hundreds of millions in cash, nasa opisina at ipinambabayad na kickback? SOP daw sa senador – 30% kada infra project?! Philippines, what a tragedy. People have to be made accountable.”

TV host and social advocate Bianca Gonzalez also shared her frustration, pointing out how demoralizing corruption can be for hardworking citizens.

“Nakakapanlumo ang pangungurakot ng buwis na binabayaran natin. ‘Yung kahit love mo trabaho mo, mapapaisip ka talaga kung worth it ba lahat ng pagod dahil habang kumakayod ka, may mga nasa posisyon na imbis na pinapagaan ang buhay ng mga mamamayan, ay pinapabigat pa lalo,” she posted on X.