Aiko Melendez for Mayor? Her Answer Might Surprise You
AIKO MELENDEZ – Could Aiko Melendez be Quezon City’s next mayor, or is she closing the door on higher office for good?
Aiko Melendez, a well-known actress turned public servant, has successfully made her mark in the political arena. In the 2025 elections, she secured a seat once again as Quezon City councilor, marking her second consecutive term in the fifth district.
In an interview on Fast Talk with Boy Abunda last Monday, June 9, the “King of Talk” asked Aiko directly if she had any plans of running for the mayoralty position in Quezon City.
Aiko Melendez gave a firm response: “Oh, no. That’s a very straight answer. No. I don’t see myself in the administrative area. I’m more on the legislative.”
Despite dismissing the idea of a mayoral run, Aiko admitted she now prefers her role as a politician over being an actress.
Boy Abunda also touched on the topic of controversy, which is inevitable in both showbiz and politics. He asked whether Aiko believed that controversy in showbiz is lighter compared to politics.
Aiko replied, “Same lang ang gravity niya.”
She elaborated further, explaining that in politics, personal attacks are more intense. “Ang handling lang sa politics, Tito-ninong, they attack you personally. In show business din naman, now that social media is all around, they can always attack you personally also.”
She emphasized the higher stakes in politics, saying that controversies can cost a politician their votes and credibility.
“Kapag ‘yung reputation mo is na-tarnish, ang sacrifice niyan, the next time around na tatakbo ka, medyo mahihirapan ka sa karera mo. That’s why for me, Tito-ninong, you have to be careful with your actions, lalo na ngayon, think before you click, ‘di ba? And before you do anything now, you have to think. Kasi ang tao ngayon is mas judgemental sila,” Aiko shared.
Aiko’s political journey began in 2001 as second district councilor of Quezon City, a post she held until 2010. She made a comeback in 2022, winning in the fifth district, and successfully defended her seat again in 2025.