BACOLOD Rep. Albee Benitez has denied allegations of psychological and economic abuse filed by his estranged wife, Dominique “Nikki” Benitez, calling the charges “baseless and retaliatory.”
In a sworn complaint affidavit that circulated online on May 29, Nikki accused the lawmaker of infidelity, claiming he fathered children with two women.
Nikki alleged that Albee’s involvement with other women, including actress Ivana Alawi, caused her “mental and emotional anguish” and constituted a violation of Republic Act 9262, or the Anti-Violence Against Women and Their Children Act.
“Mayor Alfredo Abelardo ‘Albee’ Benitez firmly denies the baseless and retaliatory allegations made against him by his estranged spouse,” his legal counsel, Atty. Peter Sanchez, said in a statement.
He noted that the case was filed shortly after Benitez initiated annulment proceedings in 2024, raising doubts about Nikki’s motives.
The complaint also raised property disputes, with Nikki claiming control over assets including homes, cars, and shares in public companies. Benitez, through his counsel, maintained that he acquired the properties using his own funds, though they were registered under Nikki’s name.
“The VAWC complaint hinges on allegations dating back as far as 21 years ago,” Sanchez said. “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.”
He added that Benitez continued to provide for Nikki and her extended family even after their separation. “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,” the lawyer said.
Sanchez also criticized the inclusion of third parties in the complaint, without naming anyone directly. However, Nikki’s affidavit cited “implied admissions of his current illicit relationship with Ivana Alawi,” which the congressman’s camp said was an attempt to “divert attention and inflame public sentiment.”
“It is equally unsettling that a third party has been unnecessarily dragged into this private matter,” Sanchez said. “Section 44 of RA 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.”
Benitez said he is ready to face the allegations in court. “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,” his lawyer said.
The camp of the lawmaker appealed to the public and media not to sensationalize the issue. “We respectfully ask the public and the media to allow the legal system to take its course,” Sanchez said, “and to refrain from the unethical practice of sensationalizing this case.”
