Actress-turned-politician Aiko Melendez has issued a reminder to celebrities running in the 2025 elections, urging them to fully understand the responsibilities of public office.
Melendez emphasized that being a well-known personality is not enough to serve effectively, highlighting the need for genuine preparation and commitment to public service.
In a Facebook post, the Quezon City councilor advised her fellow actors-turned-politicians to be mindful of the gravity of their roles.
“Payo sa mga kapwa ko artista nagnanais tumakbo sa public service/politics. Lahat naman tayo me puso sa pagtulong but it is also best na kapag papasok sa larangan or posisyon na ninanais niyo, alamin din ang trabaho at talagang ginagawa,” she wrote.
Melendez recounted how, before assuming her role as a councilor, she took a crash course at the University of the Philippines’ National College of Public Administration and Governance (UP-NCPAG) to equip herself with the necessary knowledge.
“Like for me, nung unang pinasok ko ang pagiging konsehal nag crash course muna ako sa UP-NCPAG for legislative work. Kasi hindi lang naman puro pagtulong ang ginagawa ng isang konsehal. Nagpapasa din ito ng mga batas at resolutions sa sinasasakupan mo. So let not be your name “as an artista” ang maging bala ninyo. It is best to know what you are getting into,” she added.
The actress-politician underscored that true dedication to public service, combined with the right knowledge, will earn the trust of the people.
“Kasi buhay ng tao ang at stake dito. Lahat naman natutunan at mapag aaralan pero isapuso ninyo ang pagpasok sa pulitika kasi nakakaaawa na mga tao na lagi nalang nagiging sabik sa totoong motibo at serbisyo mula sa atin mga artista. Para na dn mas madami ang magtiwala sa ating mga artista na nagtratrabaho ng maigi para sa tao,” she explained.
Melendez’s message comes as a wave of celebrities have announced their candidacy for various political posts in the upcoming midterm elections. Among those running for office are ‘It’s Showtime’ host Ion Perez, actor-host Luis Manzano, his half-brother Ryan Recto, actors Marco Gumabao and Enzo Pineda, and social media personalities Rosmar Tan and Deo Balbuena (known as Diwata). Meanwhile, prominent political figures like Arjo Atayde, Alfred Vargas, Jolo Revilla, Lani Mercado, Tito Sotto, Bong Revilla, Lito Lapid, Manny Pacquiao, and Vilma Santos are seeking re-election or aiming for political comebacks.
