Bacolod lawmaker denies having an affair with Ivana

National

BACOLOD City Congressman-elect Alberto "Albee" Benitez denied that he and sexy actress Ivana Alawi have an affair.

Benitez, who is also the owner of Brightlight Productions, said the accusations hurled against him and Alawi by her estranged wife Dominique "Nikki" Benitez are “baseless and retaliatory.”

The denial was made through a statement issued by Albee’s legal counsel Peter Sanchez, a report by Philstar said.

"Mayor Alfredo Abelardo 'Albee' Benitez firmly denies the baseless and retaliatory allegations made against him by his estranged spouse under Republic Act No. 9262, or the Anti- Violence Against Women and Their Children Act (VAWC), for alleged economic and psychological abuse,” part of Benitez’s statement read.

Benitez aid it was “equally unsettling” that Alawi was “unnecessarily dragged” into the private issue.

“The mention of individuals unrelated to the merits of the case only serves to divert attention and inflame public sentiment in the complainant's favor. Section 44 of R.A. 9262 explicitly mandates the confidentiality of all proceedings and parties involved. The unwarranted disclosure of identities and unverified claims constitutes a clear violation of this provision," the statement said.

The politician’s camp revealed that the case was filed shortly after Benitez “initiated annulment proceedings in 2024, raising serious doubts about the complainant's motives.”

"Every property acquired during the marriage — including the multi-million peso residences in Forbes Park and Dasmarinas Village — was fully paid for by Mayor Benitez using his own resources, but titled in the name of the complainant, Dominique Lopez-Benitez,” the statement added.

"This also includes high-value assets such as condominium units, luxury vehicles, and a substantial amount of publicly listed shares, all of which were funded by Mayor Benitez but registered under her name."

Benitez also claimed to have provided for his estranged wife's luxurious lifestyle.

“Despite a judicial dissolution of their property regime in 2004, Mayor Benitez continued to provide not just ordinary support but a high standard of living, shouldering personal, household, and even extended family expenses for more than two decades.”

Benitez said he has evidence to prove his innocence.

"Mayor Benitez remains fully cooperative with all legal processes and is confident that the evidence — financial records, property documents, and testimonies will disprove these false and vindictive claims.”

Benitez issued the statement parts of Nikki’s affidavit filing VAWC against her estranged husband went viral online on Thursday, May 29.

Albee was accused of admitting to having illegitimate children and that he is now in a relationship with Alawi, which resulted in Nikki suffering from "mental or emotional anguish."(MyTVCebu)