Ivana Alawi Breaks Silence Amid Explosive Allegations by Mayor Albee Benitez’s Wife: “I Will No Longer Stay Quiet”

In a scandal that has left both showbiz fans and political circles in shock, actress and social media star Ivana Alawi has broken her silence following explosive accusations made by the wife of Bacolod City Mayor Albee Benitez. The drama, which has unfolded over the past two weeks, has captivated the nation as allegations of infidelity, betrayal, and character attacks dominate headlines and online chatter.

Ivana, known for her glamorous lifestyle, successful vlogs, and wide fanbase, has found herself in the eye of a storm that began with a cryptic social media post—and escalated into a full-blown controversy that now threatens reputations and political careers.

The Allegation That Started It All

The controversy began quietly, with a now-deleted Instagram Story posted by Cecilia Benitez, the wife of Mayor Albee Benitez, hinting at an unnamed woman’s alleged “inappropriate closeness” to her husband.

“You can be famous, pretty, and rich. But if you go near someone else’s husband, you’re still trash,” the post read.

Though no names were mentioned, netizens were quick to connect dots. Within hours, speculation zeroed in on Ivana Alawi, who had recently attended a charity event in Bacolod alongside Mayor Benitez. Photos showed the two smiling and engaging in casual conversation, which was enough for social media sleuths to jump to conclusions.

Fueling the fire further, online gossip pages began posting anonymous tips and claims of supposed sightings of the actress and the mayor together at private dinners. Though none of these rumors had solid evidence, the public was already watching closely—and asking questions.

Ivana Alawi Speaks Out

After days of silence, Ivana took to Instagram Live on June 11 to finally address the allegations head-on. Her voice was calm but firm as she directly responded to the controversy.

“I don’t usually entertain drama,” Ivana said. “But this time, I owe it to myself, my family, and my fans to speak up.”

She categorically denied the rumors, stating:

“I have never been romantically involved with Mayor Albee Benitez. We met in a professional setting, during a city-sponsored charity event I was invited to. That’s it. Anything beyond that is pure fiction.”

Ivana also expressed her disappointment over the accusations being spread without evidence:

“It’s heartbreaking how easy it is for people to ruin someone’s name with zero proof. I’ve worked hard to build my name with honesty and integrity.”

Her statement was met with an outpouring of support from fans and fellow celebrities, many of whom praised her for maintaining composure and dignity.

The Mayor’s Camp Responds

In response to the growing controversy, Mayor Albee Benitez’s office released an official statement clarifying the nature of his association with Ivana Alawi.

“Mayor Albee Benitez maintains that his relationship with Ms. Alawi is strictly professional and civic in nature,” the statement read. “The mayor invited her as a special guest to promote a city charity event and nothing more.”

The statement also appealed to the public to “refrain from spreading malicious speculation that damages the reputations of individuals and their families.”

However, the statement did not include any words from Cecilia Benitez, whose original cryptic post sparked the rumors in the first place. This silence has only further intensified public curiosity.

Public Reaction: Mixed, But Heated

As expected, social media is ablaze with divided opinions. Hashtags such as #JusticeForIvana, #ProtectIvana, and #MayorAffairScandal have all trended on X (formerly Twitter) over the past several days.

Many netizens expressed sympathy for Ivana, emphasizing the unfairness of being targeted in what they view as a domestic issue.

“Why is Ivana being attacked when there’s no proof? This is classic victim-blaming,” one post read.

Others, however, sided with Cecilia Benitez, interpreting her post as a desperate cry for help in a possibly troubled marriage.

“Wives don’t post things like that unless they’re hurting. Maybe there’s truth to her pain,” one commenter argued.

Still, many agree that the scandal says more about the dangers of social media-fueled assumptions than it does about Ivana or Mayor Benitez themselves.

Celebrities and Influencers Take Sides

Several personalities from the entertainment industry have spoken out in support of Ivana. Actress Bea Alonzo wrote, “The way we treat women in controversies like this is disturbing. Let’s not be quick to judge.”

YouTuber and influencer Alex Gonzaga commented: “Ivana is one of the kindest people in this industry. Sending love and strength to her and her family.”

Meanwhile, a few entertainment reporters and showbiz insiders have hinted that more details about the incident may still come out, suggesting that “this may only be the tip of the iceberg.”

Legal Action?

Ivana hinted during her livestream that she and her management team are considering legal steps to protect her name and career from further defamation.

“I won’t tolerate this anymore,” she said. “We are looking into our legal options. Enough is enough.”

If she does pursue legal action, this could be one of the few instances in local showbiz where a personality pushes back against online defamation in a formal court.

Looking Ahead

Ivana is set to release a new film next month, and some fans have questioned whether the timing of the controversy is coincidental—or calculated. While there’s no indication that this drama is part of a publicity stunt, some have cynically suggested that “any press is good press.”

However, others see it differently.

“This is a woman defending her name and her dignity. Let’s not cheapen that by saying it’s just for promo,” one fan posted on Facebook.

As for Mayor Albee Benitez and his wife Cecilia, both have remained largely silent since the official statement. Whether they will address the issue more publicly remains to be seen.

Final Thoughts

In a country where celebrity scandals often blur with political intrigues, the Ivana Alawi–Mayor Benitez drama is a stark reminder of how fast public opinion can be swayed by rumors—and how damaging assumptions can be.

Ivana’s powerful statement may mark the beginning of a shift in how female celebrities handle false accusations. As she said in her livestream:

“I am not perfect, but I deserve truth, not twisted stories. I deserve respect. And I will fight for that.”

Whether or not this controversy dies down, Ivana Alawi has made it clear: she’s done staying silent.