Newly elected Bacolod congressman and businessman Albee Benitez has been entangled in an alleged “illicit relationship” issue with actress-vlogger Ivana Alawi following a complaint filed by his estranged wife, Dominique Benitez, against him.
According to the circulating photos of the leaked affidavit, Dominique’s complaint cited a violation of the Republic Act 9262, or the Anti-Violence Against Women and Their Children (VAWC) Act, claiming that Albee’s alleged infidelity caused her psychological and emotional distress.
“While I heard rumors of Respondent’s [Albee’s] infidelity early on, I had no proof of such facts,” PEP.ph quoted from the affidavit.
The legal documents referenced by Dominique were said to include Benitez’s petition for annulment, which remains pending. In it, he allegedly admitted to fathering two children outside of his marriage and hinted at an ongoing relationship with Alawi.
“It was only when I received the Petition for Declaration of Nullity of Marriage filed by the 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,” Dominique claimed.
“I felt utterly betrayed by the Respondent and was devastated beyond compare after finally discovering and confirming the truth in Respondent’s lies.”
In response to the issue, Benitez released his official statement through his legal counsel on Thursday, strongly denying the allegations of “economic and psychological abuse” filed against him by his spouse.
Benitez’s camp questioned the motives for filing the complaint, noting that the case was filed shortly after he initiated annulment for their marriage in 2024.
“This case was filed shortly after Mayor Benitez initiated annulment proceedings in 2024, raising serious doubts about the complainant’s motives. The VAWC complaint hinges on allegations dating back as far as 21 years ago.”
Benitez claimed that all high-value assets acquired during their marriage — including properties, vehicles, and investments — were funded by him but placed under his wife’s name, despite their legal separation of assets 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. This included the complainant’s travel, business ventures, staff, and credit card charges—even long after their separation,” the politician’s camp explained.
He also criticized the inclusion of a third party in the complaint, saying it was upsetting for the mentioning unrelated individuals as it “only serves to divert attention and inflame public sentiment in the complainant’s favor.”
Furthermore, Benitez pointed out the public disclosure of names allegedly related to the case is a “clear violation” of the confidentiality clause under Section 44 of the VAWC law.
The mayor expressed full cooperation with legal proceedings and is confident that financial and legal records will refute the accusations. He appealed to the public and media to avoid sensationalizing the issue and to respect the legal process.
Ivana has yet to issue any statement in light of the latest news about her alleged involvement with the couple.
But when the speculations first arose in February 2024, the popular content creator debunked any romantic relationship with the politician after photos and video footage of Benitez and Alawi allegedly together in Japan went viral.
“There are posts and issues involving my name. I tried to stay quiet and dumedma na lang dahil sa paniniwala ko na hindi ako dapat magsalita lalo kapag alam ko na wala akong ginagawang masama,” she said then.
“But because of the false accusations and hurtful words that are being thrown to my Mom and Mona, kinakailangan ko nang linwawin ang mga bagay.
“This will be the first and last time na magsasalita ako tungkol dito. 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 siya ang politikong nakilala ko at naging kaibigan.
“I am currently seeing someone who makes me happy. All I can say is that he is a respectable businessman and not a politician.”
“Sana this helps clear my name and clarify all rumors,” she said.
Benitez later on issued a statement dismissing the sighting as a “chance encounter” and apologizing to Ivana and her family for being “unfairly dragged into issues concerning my private life.”
