Ivana Alawi denied any involvement with Bacolod City Mayor Albee Benitez amid rumors of a supposed romance between them, although she revealed that she is in a relationship with a “respectable businessman.”

Albee Benitez (left) and Ivana Alawi. Image: Courtesy of ABS-CBN CorpComm; Albee Benitez/FACEBOOK

Alawi broke her silence on her Facebook on Saturday, Feb. 10 where she addressed the allegations linking her to Benitez, who is also the owner and producer of Brightlight Productions.

“I tried to stay quiet at dumedma na lang dahil sa paniniwala ko na hindi ako dapat magsalita lalo kapag alam ko na wala akong ginagawang masama,” she said.

“But because of the false accusations and hurtful words that are being thrown to my Mom and Mona, kinailangan ko nang linawin ang mga bagay,” she continued.

(I tried to stay quiet and ignored the allegations because I believed I didn’t need to say anything, especially when I knew I didn’t do anything wrong. But because of the false accusations and hurtful words that are being thrown at my Mom and Mona, I now need to make things clear.)

Image: Facebook/Ivana Alawi

Alawi stressed that she is not the girlfriend of Benitez, adding that this would be the “first and last time” she addressed the allegations.

“Hindi po ako ang nasasabing girlfriend ni Mayor Albee Benitez,” she said. “I met him when I had work in Bacolod. He was very accommodating and friendly. At hindi lang sya ang politikong nakilala ko at naging kaibigan.”

(I’m not the alleged girlfriend of Mayor Albee Benitez. I met him when I had work in Bacolod. He was very accommodating and friendly. And he’s not the only politician I met and became friends with.)

She, however, clarified that she is in a relationship with a “respectable businessman” who makes her happy.

“I am currently seeing someone who makes me happy. All I can say is that he is a respectable businessman and not a politician,” she said. “Sana this helps clear my name and clarify all rumors. Maraming salamat.”

(I am currently seeing someone who makes me happy. All I can say is that he is a respectable businessman and not a politician. I hope this clears my name and clarifies all the rumors. Thank you very much.)

Alawi’s post came after she was alleged to be in a relationship with Benitez after eagle-eyed netizens claimed they were spotted together on trips to Baguio and Japan.

Showbiz insider Ogie Diaz also echoed the rumors of Alawi and Benitez’s sightings, citing anonymous sources.

However, Benitez asserted in a separate statement that his interactions with Alawi are merely “professional,” and that he and his wife Nikki have not been together for “several years.”

The mayor’s wife, on the other hand, said she and the politician are “united” and are still living under the same roof for 31 years.