Former Bacolod City Mayor and current Congressman Alfredo Abelardo “Albee” Benitez has denied allegations made against him by his estranged wife, Dominique “Nikki” Lopez-Benitez, in a complaint filed under Republic Act No. 9262 or the Anti-Violence Against Women and Their Children (VAWC) Act.
The case, which includes accusations of economic and psychological abuse, reportedly also mentions actress and vlogger Ivana Alawi, prompting further media attention.
In an official statement dated May 29, 2025, Benitez’s legal counsel, Atty. Peter Sanchez, described the claims as “baseless and retaliatory.”
“Mayor Alfredo Abelardo ‘Albee’ Benitez firmly denies the baseless and retaliatory allegations in the complaint against him by his estranged spouse under Republic Act No. 9262, or the Anti-Violence Against Women and Their Children Act for alleged economic and psychological abuse,” the statement read.
Atty. Sanchez pointed out that the complaint came shortly after Benitez initiated annulment proceedings in 2024, raising “serious doubts about the complainant’s motives.”
“The VAWC complaint hinges on allegations dating as far back as 21 years ago,” he said. “Every property acquired during the marriage, including the multi-million peso residences in Forbes Park and Dasmariñas Village, were fully paid for by Mayor Benitez using his own resources, but ALL titled in the name of the complainant, Dominique Lopez-Benitez.”
He added that these assets also include high-value properties such as condominium units, luxury cars, and shares in the publicly listed DigiPlus company, which were likewise funded by Benitez but registered under his wife’s name.
Despite a judicial dissolution of their property regime in 2004, Benitez allegedly continued to provide financial support.
“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 includes the complainant’s travel, business ventures, staff, and credit card charges—even long after their separation,” Sanchez said.
The lawyer also expressed concern about dragging unrelated parties into the issue.
“It is equally unsettling that a third-party has been unnecessarily dragged into this private matter. The mention of names unrelated to the merits of the case only serves to divert attention and inflame public sentiment in complainant’s favor,” the statement continued.
Sanchez reminded the public that Section 44 of R.A. 9262 protects the confidentiality of the parties involved.
“The unwarranted disclosure of identities and unverified claims constitutes a clear violation of this provision.”
The camp of Benitez concluded by appealing for restraint from the media and the public.
“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. We respectfully ask the public and the media to allow the legal system to take its course and to refrain from the unethical practice of sensationalizing a case.”
As of writing, Dominique Lopez-Benitez has not issued a follow-up public statement.
