Quezon City First District Representative Juan Carlos "Arjo" Atayde on Tuesday vehemently denied allegations linking him to anomalous flood control projects, characterizing the claims as "completely false" and part of a smear campaign.

This comes as the lawmaker appeared voluntarily before the Independent Commission Infrastructure (ICI) in Taguig City and vowed continued cooperation with the anti-graft body.

"I will face them again if necessary," Atayde said. "I will not evade and I will not leave the country. I owe that to the public I serve, to my family, and to my own conscience."

Atayde maintained that all flood control projects in his district were initiated and proposed by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) long before they reached Congress for deliberation.

"I know within myself, and the documents clearly show, that I have no involvement in any corruption," Atayde stated after attending the ICI invitation.

He reiterated he was never part of the Bicameral Conference Committee, the body authorized to alter the national budget, and asserted he had "zero authority" over DPWH procurement, contractor selection, project implementation, or payment releases.

Atayde also distanced himself from the controversial contractor couple Pacifico and Cezarah Discaya. "There is no connection that would link us," he said.

The representative cited DPWH certifications as proof that the projects in his district exist, are implemented, and are fully documented.

"There are no ghost projects in our district. No public money was stolen," he said, adding that while it is easy to "point fingers and create stories," he believes "truth has a way of rising above all noise."

"I came before the Commission because I want the truth to be heard, and because I stand with every Filipino who is tired of corruption and wants real accountability," Atayde said. "I stand firm because I know I have nothing to hide."