Details of the VAWC Case Filed by Nikki Benitez Against Albee Benitez & Alleged Mistress Ivana Alawi
In May 2025, Dominique “Nikki” Lopez Benitez, wife of Bacolod City Representative Albee Benitez, made headlines after filing a criminal complaint for Violence Against Women and Children (VAWC) against her husband. The case revolves around allegations of infidelity and emotional distress caused by her husband’s extramarital affairs, including a controversial link to popular actress and YouTuber Ivana Alawi. This article provides a detailed breakdown of the VAWC case filed by Nikki Benitez, the responses from the involved parties, and the developments surrounding the legal proceedings.
The Allegations in the VAWC Complaint
The accusations in Nikki Benitez’s VAWC complaint are serious, claiming that Albee Benitez’s infidelity, particularly his alleged affair with Ivana Alawi, caused her severe mental and emotional distress. In her sworn affidavit, Nikki stated that for years, she had suspected her husband of being unfaithful. However, it wasn’t until she discovered the truth that the severity of her emotional suffering came to light.
Nikki’s suspicions were confirmed when Albee filed a Petition for Declaration of Nullity of Marriage. In this petition, it was alleged that Albee admitted to fathering children with other women, further confirming his involvement in multiple extramarital affairs. In addition, Albee reportedly implied that he was in an ongoing relationship with Ivana Alawi. This revelation devastated Nikki, who claimed that it was the final straw leading to the filing of the VAWC case.
According to Nikki, the emotional toll of Albee’s actions and the public exposure of their troubled marriage pushed her to file the case. In the complaint, she claimed that Albee’s actions were not just an assault on their marriage but also a form of psychological violence that left her in a state of severe distress.
The Denial by Albee Benitez
Albee Benitez, on the other hand, strongly denied the allegations made by his wife. Through his legal counsel, Albee labeled the accusations as baseless and retaliatory, arguing that Nikki was simply seeking to discredit him following their marital troubles. He claimed that the accusations regarding his extramarital affairs were addressed years ago and that the naming of Ivana Alawi in the complaint was an attempt to stir public sentiment and deflect attention from the issues at hand.
In a statement released through his lawyer, Albee emphasized that his relationship with Ivana was purely professional and that there had never been any romantic involvement. He went on to claim that the allegations made by Nikki were false and intended to harm his reputation.
Furthermore, Albee stated that despite their marital separation, he had continued to support Nikki financially and had always been present for their children. He argued that this financial support and involvement in his family’s welfare should be seen as evidence of his commitment to their well-being, despite the separation.
Ivana Alawi’s Response
Ivana Alawi, who has been thrust into the middle of this controversy, has remained silent on the issue for the most part. When the rumors first surfaced, she issued a statement denying any romantic involvement with Albee Benitez. In her response, Ivana clarified that she had met Albee during a work-related trip to Bacolod, but there was no romantic relationship between them.
Ivana also addressed the impact that the rumors were having on her family. She expressed her frustration at being dragged into the situation and emphasized that the allegations were affecting her personally and professionally. In the midst of the controversy, Ivana chose to maintain her silence, refraining from further comment to avoid adding fuel to the fire.
Despite Ivana’s denial, the public has continued to speculate about the nature of her relationship with Albee. The continued silence from both Ivana and Albee has left much room for conjecture, with some supporters of Nikki interpreting their silence as tacit acknowledgment of the allegations.
Legal Proceedings and Outcome
As the legal proceedings unfolded, the case became a highly publicized matter, attracting media attention and stirring public opinion. The VAWC case, which involves serious allegations of psychological abuse, has become the subject of much debate. As of mid-July 2025, the Makati City Prosecutor’s Office decided to dismiss the VAWC complaint filed by Nikki Benitez.
The prosecutor found that there was insufficient evidence to support the claims of economic abuse or psychological violence, which were central to the allegations. According to the ruling, Nikki’s complaint did not meet the necessary legal criteria for a VAWC case to proceed, as there was no substantial proof of the harm she claimed to have suffered.
Albee Benitez welcomed the dismissal of the case, describing it as a victory for his family. He maintained that the accusations against him were malicious and unfounded. Albee’s legal team emphasized that the case had been dismissed for lack of evidence and that the accusations were a mere attempt to damage his reputation.
Public Reactions
The case has generated significant public interest, with many people weighing in on the allegations. Some supporters of Nikki Benitez have expressed their sympathy and support for her, recognizing the emotional pain caused by the betrayal she suffered. Others, however, have been more critical, questioning the involvement of a third party in the matter and suggesting that Nikki might be using the legal system to punish her husband.
Social media platforms have been flooded with discussions about the case, with users offering their opinions on the allegations and the parties involved. Many have called for greater respect for the privacy of those involved, urging the public to refrain from making judgments based on speculation and rumors.
Conclusion
The VAWC case filed by Nikki Benitez against Albee Benitez and Ivana Alawi has come to a close with the dismissal of the complaint. While Nikki’s allegations were not substantiated in court, the case has brought to light the complex and often painful realities of marital infidelity and the challenges that public figures face in their personal lives.
Both Albee Benitez and Ivana Alawi have denied the allegations, and they have chosen to move forward, putting the matter behind them. The dismissal of the case serves as a reminder of the importance of evidence in legal proceedings and the need for privacy in handling sensitive family matters.
As the legal chapter of this controversy closes, the parties involved can now focus on their personal and professional lives, hoping to leave the matter behind and continue with their respective careers and families.
