By MJ Felipe

Last year, Quezon City councilor Aiko Melendez's split with model-husband Martin Jickain made headlines. The whirlwind romance capped by a Boracay wedding folded during the last quarter of 2007 after a series of fights and misunderstandings. The unhappy break-up led to Aiko's filing for a temporary protection order that was then granted by the court.

Just recently, the Quezon City Regional Trial Court granted the permanent protection order that Aiko had requested. ABS-CBN.com sat down with Aiko's legal counsel Atty. Rodel Dascil who gave us details about the protection order. The order dictates that Martin cannot come within 1,000 meters of Aiko, which is double the previous 500-meter limit of the temporary protection order.

Their daughter Marthena will remain in Aiko’s custody, with Martin having three-hour visitation rights every Sunday. The court also gave Martin special time with his daughter during occasions like Christmas and birthdays. All visitations will be conducted in the presence of Marthena’s nanny and bodyguard.

Just yesterday, July 2, Aiko attended the hearing of the annulment case she filed at Branch 225 under Judge Sempio Diy. According to Atty Dascil's text message, "Uncontested na default na si Martin for not appearing (during the hearing) together with his lawyer. Our pre-trial brief was accepted without comments."

Aiko will again appear in court a couple of weeks from now. A psychiatrist, who will also stand as a witness, will also be presented by Aiko's legal counsel in the annulment csae.