Ivana Alawi has spoken up against speculations romantically linking her to Bacolod City Mayor Albee Benitez.
The sexy actress and vlogger on Saturday put an end to rumors that she is dating the politician to defend her mom and younger sister Mona from the “false accusations and hurtful words” on social media.
“I tried to stay quiet at dumedma na lang dahil sa paniniwala ko na hindi ako dapat magsalita lalo kapag alam ko na wala akong ginagawang masama,” Ivana wrote in a Facebook post.
She explained, “But because of the false accusations and hurtful words that are being thrown to my Mom and Mona, kinailangan ko nang linawin ang mga bagay.”
Ivana said she would only address the issue once and for all, stressing she’s not in a relationship with Benitez.
“HINDI PO AKO ANG NASASABING girlfriend ni Mayor Albee Benitez.
“I met him when I had work in Bacolod. He was very accommodating and friendly. At hindi lang sya ang politikong nakilala ko at naging kaibigan,” said the actress-vlogger.
Ivana said that she’s dating a businessman. “I am currently seeing someone who makes me happy. All I can say is that he is a respectable businessman and not a politician,” she stated.
A clip of Ivana Alawi allegedly spotted together with Bacolod City Mayor Albee Benitez at an airport earlier resurfaced online which fueled the dating rumors.
As seen in the video, Ivana was in the company of her younger sister Mona Alawi waiting in line at the airport. Eat Bulaga host Joey De Leon and his wife Eileen Macapagalna also queued beside the actress.
After a while, a man with a face mask on, whom netizens believe was Benitez also, came into line.
Benitez earlier released a statement asking the public to have respect and understanding for his 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.
He added, “At this moment, my primary focus is on safeguarding the interests of Bacolod City.”
