Ivana Alawi named alleged third party in leaked complaint against Bacolod Mayor Albee Benitez
Actress and social media star Ivana Alawi has been named as the alleged third party in Bacolod Mayor Alfredo Abelardo “Albee” Benitez's marital dispute with his estranged wife, Dominique "Nikki" Lopez Benitez.
In a document circulating on Reddit and social media, Nikki accused her husband of violating Republic Act 9262, also known as the Anti-Violence Against Women and Their Children Act of 2004, for alleged economic and psychological abuse.
"As a legal wife, I have every right to expect fidelity and devotion, commensurate with the commitment she herself upheld," she wrote.
While she had long suspected Benitez of cheating, Nikki reportedly only found strong evidence when he filed a still-pending petition to annul their marriage.
Nikki alleges that Benitez admitted to having fathered two illegitimate children and further hinted at an "illicit relationship" with Alawi.
"It was only when I received the Petition for Declaration of Nullity of Marriage filed by Respondent and after reading the admission of Respondent of having fathered two (2) illegitimate children, and his implied admissions of his current illicit relationship with Ivana Alawi, that I was able to confirm his marital infidelity," the document read.
"I felt utterly betrayed by the Respondent and was devastated beyond compare after finally discovering and confirming the truth in the Respondent's lies," Nikki continued.
'Baseless and retaliatory'
Benitez brushed off his wife's allegations through a statement from his legal counsel Atty. Peter Sanchez, obtained by The Philippine STAR.
"Mayor Alfredo Abelardo 'Benitez' Benitez firmly denies the baseless and retaliatory allegations made against him by his estranged spouse," it read.
Sanchez also raised doubts about the timing and intent behind the complaint accusing him of economic and psychological abuse.
"The VAWC complaint hinges on allegations dating back as far as 21 years ago. Every property acquired during the marriage—including the multi-million peso residences in Forbes Park and Dasmariñas Village—was fully paid for by Mayor Benitez using his own resources, but titled in the name of the complainant, Dominique Lopez-Benitez."
Moreover, the lawyer stated that even after a court dissolved their property arrangement in 2004, Benitez continued to provide more than just basic support—he maintained a luxurious lifestyle for his wife and her extended family for over two decades. This reportedly covered Nikki's travel expenses, business ventures, household staff, and credit card bills, even well beyond their separation.
The statement emphasized the mayor's disappointment with his estranged wife for "unnecessarily" dragging names into their private matter.
"It is equally unsettling that a third party has been unnecessarily dragged into this private matter. The mention of individual unrelated to the merits of the case only serves to divert attention and inflame public sentiment in the complainant's favor," the statement read.
Sanchez then warned Nikki that these allegations may violate Section 44 of R.A. 9262, which "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," Sanchez explained.
Ultimately, Sanchez assured that Benitez is "fully cooperative with all legal processes and is confident that the evidence—financial records, property documents, and testimonies—will disprove" the "false" and "vindictive" claims of Nikki.
"We respectfully ask the public and the media to allow the legal system to take its course and to refrain from the unethical practice of sensationalizing this case," the statement concluded.
Benitez, Alawi deny allegations
This is not the first time that the politician has responded to rumors regarding his alleged relationship with Alawi.
In February 2024, Benitez briefly requested respect for his personal life following speculation about his annulment from his wife. This speculation was fueled by his alleged romantic involvement with Ivana Alawi and Vivamax artist Angeli Khang.
"As for recent personal matters, I kindly request understanding and respect for privacy to shield all innocent parties involved. In my private capacity as a film and TV program producer, my professional interaction with various celebrities is inherent to the nature of the business," Benitez wrote during that time. "At this moment, my primary focus is on safeguarding the interests of Bacolod City."
Alawi also wrote a statement, saying that she was compelled to speak up because "false accusations and hurtful words" were being directed to her mom and sister Mona.
"This will be the first and last time na magsasalita ako tungkol dito," she said at that time. "HINDI PO AKO ANG NASASABING girlfriend ni Mayor Albee Benitez."
Alawi said she met the mayor during a work trip in Bacolod and described him as "very accommodating and friendly." She noted that he wasn't the only politician that she met and became friends with, clarifying that she was in a relationship with someone else at that time.
"I am currently seeing someone who makes me happy. All I can say is that he is a respectable businessman and not a politician," Alawi said.
The speculation came after a report by PEP stated that the mayor was allegedly seen with a sexy actress in an airport as they left for Japan. Showbiz insider and talent manager Ogie Diaz, in his YouTube vlog, also claimed Alawi was seen with Benitez on a trip to Baguio.
When pressed about whether he was seen with a sexy actress in an airport, the politician simply shook his head. He then revealed that he and his wife have already been separated "for several years already" and that they had a dissolution of their marriage way back.
Nikki refuted his claims, saying "there have been no discussions" between her and her husband about a separation or annulment.
"The quotes attributed to him in the media, suggesting romantic links with several actresses, came as a surprise. We have been living under one roof for 31 years, maintaining our family's unity through all of life's challenges," she told the publication.
