DOMINIQUE “Nikki” A. Lopez Benitez, wife of newly elected Bacolod Congressman Alfredo “Albee” Abelardo Bantug Benitez, has filed a complaint-affidavit against her husband for violation of Republic Act 9262, the Anti-Violence Against Women and Their Children Act, in the Makati City Regional Trial Court.
The complaint, which was posted online by a netizen named Jonathan Dela Cruz, alleges that Congressman Benitez has engaged in marital infidelity, specifically citing a current relationship with actress and vlogger Ivana Alawi.
Mrs. Benitez’s affidavit details her discovery of her husband’s alleged infidelity. She states that while she had previously heard rumors, she lacked concrete proof.
However, the filing of a petition for the annulment of their marriage by Congressman Benitez, coupled with his admission of fathering two illegitimate children and implied admission of a relationship with Ms. Alawi, led to the confirmation of her suspicions.
The affidavit expresses Mrs. Benitez’s profound betrayal and devastation upon discovering the truth.
Sources close to the situation suggest that the VAWC case may be linked to Congressman Benitez’s pursuit of an annulment and the couple’s long-standing separation.
According to these sources, the couple has been separated with a separation of properties agreement in place for 21 years. The timing of the VAWC filing, in light of this prolonged separation, has raised questions among some observers. Neither Congressman Benitez nor Ms. Alawi has yet publicly commented on the allegations.
