Congressman and businessman Albee Benitez is now facing controversy after his estranged wife, Dominique Benitez, filed a complaint alleging violations under the Anti-Violence Against Women and Their Children (VAWC) Act, citing emotional and psychological distress due to his alleged infidelity — claims that also link actress-vlogger Ivana Alawi.
Based on Dominique’s affidavit, she initially had no proof of her husband’s rumored affairs until she received his petition for annulment, which reportedly included an admission of fathering two children outside their marriage and hinted at a relationship with Alawi.
“I felt utterly betrayed by the Respondent and was devastated beyond compare after finally discovering and confirming the truth in Respondent’s lies,” Dominique stated in her sworn affidavit, as reported by PEP.ph.
In response, Benitez, through his legal team, firmly denied the allegations, especially those concerning abuse. His camp questioned the timing of the complaint, pointing out it was filed soon after he initiated annulment proceedings in 2024.
“This case was filed shortly after Mayor Benitez initiated annulment proceedings… raising serious doubts about the complainant’s motives,” the statement read, adding that the complaint was largely based on allegations dating as far back as 21 years.
His camp emphasized that despite a 2004 separation of assets, Benitez continued to provide for Dominique and their family with a “high standard of living,” covering personal expenses, staff salaries, and even her business ventures and travel.
He also objected to the naming of Alawi in the complaint, calling it an attempt to “divert attention and inflame public sentiment” and saying the disclosure of names was a breach of the confidentiality provision of the VAWC law.
Benitez affirmed his cooperation with the legal process and urged the public not to sensationalize the matter, expressing confidence that financial records will refute the accusations.
Meanwhile, Ivana Alawi has not issued a new statement in light of the controversy, but her previous clarification from February 2024 has resurfaced. At the time, she strongly denied any romantic involvement with the congressman.
“HINDI PO AKO ANG NASASABING girlfriend ni Mayor Albee Benitez,” she said, explaining that their only interaction was during a work trip in Bacolod. She emphasized she is currently in a relationship with a non-politician businessman and asked the public to stop dragging her family into the issue.
Benitez also previously addressed the rumors, calling the Japan encounter with Ivana a “chance meeting” and apologized to her and her family for being “unfairly dragged into issues concerning my private life.”
