AMID allegations of her supposed affair with producer-politician Albee Benitez, Ivana Alawi seemed to have opted for silence, showing herself smiling in her recent social media activity.
The actress’ name was dragged into the controversy after copies of a complaint for violation of the violence against women and children law (Republic Act No. 9262) supposedly filed by Benitez’s wife, Dominique “Nikki” Lopez-Benitez, against him earlier circulated on social media.
In the complaint, Alawi was mentioned to have been in an illicit relationship with Benitez.
Days later, Alawi, in her Instagram Stories on Saturday, May 31, showed a video of herself smiling at the camera while wearing a pair of sunglasses inside a vehicle.
No caption was added in the clip.
In a separate post on Sunday, June 1, Alawi reposted a fan edit of her photos and videos which has Lady Gaga’s “Paparazzi” as background music.
While Alawi has yet to publicly comment on the matter, she had previously denied any involvement with the Bacolod City congressman-elect.
Benitez likewise denied the allegations through his legal counsel, calling it “baseless and retaliatory.”
“This case was filed shortly after Mayor [Albee] Benitez initiated annulment proceedings in 2024, raising serious doubts about the complainant’s motives,” Benitez’s lawyer said.
While Alawi was not immediately named in the statement, the lawyer said they found it “unsettling that a third party has been unnecessarily dragged into this private matter.”
“The mention of individuals unrelated to the merits of the case only serves to divert attention and inflame public sentiment in the complainant’s favor,” the statement further read. “Section 44 of Republic Act 9262 (VAWC law) explicitly mandates the confidentiality of all proceedings and parties involved. The unwarranted disclosure of identities and unverified claims constitutes a clear violation of this provision.”
Benitez and Dominique’s son, Javi Benitez, meanwhile expressed hope that his parents would settle their differences. Javi also asked the public for kindness, urging them to avoid “rumors, fake news, and paid drama
MANILA, Philippines — Content creator Ivana Alawi is on the spotlight again after an alleged complaint affidavit was leaked on social media.
In a report by Bandera, the affidavit said that Dominique Benitez complained her husband Albee Benitez for alleged violation of Sections 5 e 2 Republic Act 9262 or Anti-Violence Against Women and Their Children Act 1004, in Makati City Regional Trial Court.
Dominique reportedly claimed that Albee’s infidelity caused her mental and emotional distress.
She reportedly said that she suspected Albee of being unfaithful but never had solid proof.
“While I heard rumors of Respondent’s (mayor Albee) infidelity early on, I had no proof of such facts,” the affidavit read.
“It was only when I received the Petition for Declaration of Nullity of Marriage filed by the Respondent and after reading the admission of Respondent of having fathered two (2) illegitimate children, and his implied admissions of his current illicit relationship with Ivana Alawi, that I was able to confirm his marital infidelity.
“I felt utterly betrayed by the Respondent and was devastated beyond compare after finally discovering and confirming the truth in Respondent’s lies.”
Last year, Albee denied the rumors romantically linking him to Ivana.
In his official Facebook account, Albee apologized to Ivana, saying he’s aware of the photos of him and the vlogger-actress in Japan, which trended online.
“I am fully aware of the video footage that has been circulating which unfortunately does not accurately explain why I was in Tokyo. I went there on a business trip as stated in my official travel order,” he said.
“Speculations involving Ms Ivana Alawi are untrue and only serve to put malice into what was clearly a chance encounter,” he added.