THE Makati City Prosecutor’s Office has dismissed the complaint filed by Nikki Lopez, the estranged wife of Bacolod Rep. Albee Benitez, citing lack of evidence to support her claims that the lawmaker committed psychological abuse under Republic Act No. 9262, or the Anti-Violence Against Women and Their Children Act of 2004.
In a 20-page resolution, Assistant City Prosecutor Mikhail Maverick Tumacder said Lopez failed to prove that Benitez had an extramarital affair with actress Ivana Alawi and other female celebrities, as she alleged in her complaint.
Lopez had claimed that her mental health suffered upon learning that Benitez allegedly fathered a child with a former beauty queen and was romantically involved with Alawi. However, the resolution noted that the complaint merely cited news articles, photographs, and the testimony of Lopez’s sibling, none of which were deemed sufficient to warrant charges.
“To accept the same as gospel truth, without corroborating sworn statements to explain what is being depicted in these photographs, is a dangerous precedent,” the resolution read. “The evidence submitted does not constitute sufficient proof to charge someone with a criminal indictment.”
Benitez had earlier denied the rumors linking him to Alawi in a statement.
“As for recent personal matters, I kindly request understanding and respect for privacy to shield all innocent parties involved,” the lawmaker said. “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. At this moment, my primary focus is on safeguarding the interests of Bacolod City.”
Alawi, for her part, has also denied any romantic involvement with the lawmaker, saying in her vlog: “Hindi ko gawain ang manira ng pamilya.”
