Amid swirling rumors romantically linking her to Bacolod City Mayor Albee Benitez, actress Ivana Alawi has come forward to set the record straight, revealing details about her friendship with the politician and her current romantic involvement.
In a statement shared on her official Facebook account on Saturday, Alawi categorically denied being Mayor Benitez’s girlfriend, asserting that their relationship is purely platonic.
She clarified that they initially met during her professional engagements in Bacolod, where Mayor Benitez exhibited hospitality and friendliness. Alawi further disclosed that she has established friendships with other politicians as well, emphasizing the absence of any romantic connections.
However, Alawi did not shy away from discussing her current romantic status, revealing that she is involved with a “respectable businessman” who brings her happiness. She underscored that her partner is not affiliated with politics, contrary to the rumors circulating about her relationship with Mayor Benitez.
Alawi expressed hope that her statement would dispel any false speculations and safeguard her reputation.
The actress’s decision to address the issue stemmed from concerns about the impact of baseless accusations on her family. Despite initially choosing to remain silent, Alawi felt compelled to speak out to protect her loved ones from unwarranted scrutiny and hurtful comments.
Alawi’s statement follows rumors sparked by social media posts alleging sightings of her with Mayor Benitez during trips to Baguio and Japan. Mayor Benitez also issued a statement, urging respect for privacy and emphasizing his focus on serving the interests of Bacolod City.
“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,” Mayor Benitez stated on Facebook. “At this moment, my primary focus is on safeguarding the interests of Bacolod City,” he added, emphasizing the need for understanding and privacy amidst the swirling speculations.
