Sexy starlet, businesswoman and vlogger Ivana Alawi is on the spotlight again.

This after Dominique Nikki Lopez-Benitez, wife of outgoing Bacolod City mayor, now incoming congressman Alfredo Albee Benitez, has named her in a criminal complaint as the alleged mistress of her husband.Rumors of a romantic relationship between Ivana, 28, who is Mariam Sayed Sameer Marbella Al-Alawi in real life, and Albee have circulated for over a year, though both have consistently denied any involvement.

Meanwhile, published reports in Manila multimedia showed the incoming congressman has filed a petition to annul his more than 30-year marriage to Nikki.

While Benitez, who is also a film producer, has denied the rumored relationship, the beautiful actress have opted silence on the issue.

 Benitez, who is Brightlight Productions owner, in reaction to the affidavit of his estranged wife, called her allegations “baseless and retaliatory.”

In a statement issued by Benitez’s legal counsel Peter Sanchez, Benitez denied Nikki’s accusations, including his alleged “illicit relationship” with sexy actress Ivana Alawi.

“Mayor Alfredo Abelardo ‘Albee’ Benitez firmly denies the baseless and retaliatory allegations made against him by his estranged spouse under Republic Act No. 9262, or the Anti- Violence Against Women and Their Children Act (VAWC), for alleged economic and psychological abuse,” e Benitez stated.

“It is equally 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. Section 44 of R.A. 9262 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,” he added.

According to the statement, “This case was filed shortly after Mayor Benitez initiated annulment proceedings in 2024, raising serious doubts about the complainant’s motives.”

“Every property acquired during the marriage — including the multi-million peso residences in Forbes Park and Dasmarinas Village — was fully paid for by Mayor Benitez using his own resources, but titled in the name of the complainant, Dominique Lopez-Benitez,” the statement added.

“This also includes high-value assets such as condominium units, luxury vehicles, and a substantial amount of publicly listed shares, all of which were funded by Mayor Benitez but registered under her name.”

Besides properties, Benitez claimed to have also provided for his estranged wife’s luxurious lifestyle.

“Despite a judicial dissolution of their property regime in 2004, Mayor Benitez continued to provide not just ordinary support but a high standard of living, shouldering personal, household, and even extended family expenses for more than two decades.”

According to the statement, the public servant has evidences to prove his innocence. 

“Mayor Benitez remains fully cooperative with all legal processes and is confident that the evidence — financial records, property documents, and testimonies will disprove these false and vindictive claims,” the statement added.

The statement came after parts of Nikki’s affidavit filing VAWC against her estranged husband went viral online.

The complaint alleged that Benitez admitted to have illegitimate children and that he is now in a relationship with Alawi, which resulted in Nikki suffering from “mental or emotional anguish.”

In her affidavit, 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.”

The couple’s son, Javi Benitez, meanwhile, took to social media to speak up amid alleged marital issues of parents Albee and Nikki.

Posting a family photo from December 2023, Javi, who is the mayor of Victorias City, Negros Occidental, aired his wishes for his parents.

“Ang hiling ko lang: sana magkaintindihan pa rin ang mga magulang ko, bilang magulang namin ni Bettina, at kung maaari pa, bilang mag-asawa rin [My only request: For my parents to understand each other as parents of Bettina and myself, and if possible for them to understand each other as husband and wife.],” Javi said.

“Sana balang araw, makahanap din kami ng tamang pag-ibig. ’Yung hindi nasusukat sa pera, status, o panlabas na imahe… kundi sa respeto, lambing, at tunay na partnership sa buhay [I hope one day we can find true love. Not one that can be measured by money, status or public image, but by respect, care, and true life partnership.],” he added.

In his post, the younger Benitez thanked those who chose to stay quiet and sent their concern. “Alam ko, hindi lang kami ang may ganitong sitwasyon pero sana maliayos din sa huli,” he said. 

“Move on na tayo sa chismis, fake news, at paid drama. Ang dami pa nating kailangang ayusin sa bansa. Doon tayo mag-invest ng energy [Let;s move on from rumors, fake news, and paid drama. There is so much to work on in our country. That’s where we should invest energy in.],” Javi said.

“Sa huli, hindi views, likes, o pera ang sukatan ng tao, kundi ang puso. Let’s choose to be kind [In the end, it’s not views, likes or money that measures a person, but heart. Let’s choose to be kind.],” he said.