BACOLOD City Representative Albee Benitez expressed elation over what he described as a vindication following the dismissal of a case filed by his former wife against him.
In a resolution by Makati City Prosecutor’s Office released June 23, 2025; the complaint of Dominic “Nikki’ A. Lopez versus Alfredo “Albee” Bantug Benitez on violation of Section 5(e)
(2) and (1) of Republic Act 9262 also known as Violence Against Women and their Children Act of 2004; was dismissed for lack of evidence.
“On a final note, while this office commiserates with whatever complainant has gone through, the office has to take consideration the lack of evidence to support her case of violation of RA 9262.
Under the provision of D.C. No. 15, the evidence required exacts more than probable cause i.e prima facie evidence with reasonable certainty of conviction of the accused when the case is tried in court,” the resolution said.
The prosecutors also took notice that most of the evidence presented by the complainant were all hearsay and based on newspapers and online materials, which lack probative value.
“Wherefore, it is respectfully recommended that the complaint for RA No. 9262 otherwise known as Violation Against Women and their Children against respondents Alfredo “Albee” Bantug Benitez be dismissed for insufficiency of evidence,” said the resolution signed by Assistant City Prosecutor Mikhail Maverick Tumacder and approved by Senior Assistant City Prosecutor Melvin A. Matti, also acting city prosecutor.
In his statement, Benitez said this dismissal is a manifestation that justice in this country is alive and the people can seek refuge at any given time and circumstances.
Benitez now asks that this chapter be put to rest. And appeal to everyone, especially members of the media and the public, to allow them space and privacy as they all move forward.
