NEWLY- elected Bacolod Representative Albee Benitez has issued an official statement vehemently denying allegations of abuse filed against him by his estranged wife, Dominique “Nikki” Benitez.
The allegations, which surfaced online on Thursday, May 29th, include claims of violating Republic Act 9262 (the Anti-Violence Against Women and Their Children Act of 2004) through economic and psychological abuse, as well as infidelity.
Nikki Benitez reportedly stated that while she had previously heard rumors of her husband’s infidelity, she only confirmed them after Albee Benitez filed for a declaration of nullity of their marriage, allegedly admitting to having two children with another woman and implying a relationship with actress Ivana Alawi.
In a statement released through his legal counsel, Atty. Peter Sanchez, Rep. Benitez firmly denied all accusations. The statement characterized the allegations as “baseless and retaliatory,” noting that the case was filed shortly after Benitez initiated annulment proceedings in 2024.
Benitez also addressed the involvement of a third party, stating that the mention of individuals unrelated to the case serves only to divert attention and inflame public sentiment.
He cited Section 44 of R.A. 9262, which mandates the confidentiality of proceedings and parties involved, as being violated by the public disclosure of these details. He expressed confidence that financial records, property documents, and testimonies would disprove the claims.
He appealed to the public and media to refrain from sensationalizing the issue and allow the legal process to unfold.
Separately, both Benitez and Alawi have addressed the circulating video footage showing them together at an airport abroad.
Alawi previously denied any romantic relationship with Benitez, stating that their meeting was a chance encounter during her work. Benitez similarly described the encounter as a “chance encounter” and apologized to Alawi and her family for being unfairly dragged into his private matters, clarifying that he was in Tokyo on a business trip.
