Former Bacolod mayor and current congressman Alfredo Abelardo “Albee” Benitez has denied allegations of abuse filed by his estranged wife Dominique “Nikki” Lopez-Benitez under the Anti-Violence Against Women and Their Children Act (RA 9262), according to a statement released by his lawyer, Peter Sanchez.
The case includes accusations of economic and psychological abuse, and also mentions actress and vlogger Ivana Alawi.
Sanchez said the complaint was filed after Benitez initiated annulment proceedings earlier this year, raising doubts over the timing and intent of the case.
The lawyer said the accusations refer to incidents allegedly dating back more than two decades. He said all major assets—including homes in Forbes Park and Dasmariñas Village, luxury vehicles, and shares in DigiPlus—were acquired by Benitez using his own funds but placed under Lopez-Benitez’s name.
Sanchez added that despite the legal dissolution of their property regime in 2004, Benitez continued to support his wife and her extended family, covering expenses for travel, businesses, and credit card bills even after their separation.
“It is equally unsettling that a third-party has been unnecessarily dragged into this private matter,” Sanchez said, adding that the disclosure of identities violates the confidentiality clause of RA 9262.
He said Benitez is cooperating with the legal process and is confident that financial records and testimonies will disprove the allegations.
