Ivana Alawi breaks social media silence, still mum on Albee Benitez
Ivana Alawi. Image: Instagram/@ivanaalawi
Amid allegations of her supposed affair with producer-politican Albee Benitez, Ivana Alawi seemed to have opted for silence, showing herself smiling in her recent social media activity.
The actress’ name was dragged into the controversy after copies of a complaint for violation of the violence against women and children law (Republic Act No. 9262) supposedly filed by Benitez’s wife, Dominique “Nikki” Lopez-Benitez, against him earlier circulated on social media.
In the complaint, Alawi was mentioned to have been in an illicit relationship with Benitez.
Days later, Alawi, in her Instagram Stories on Saturday, May 31, showed a video of herself smiling at the camera while wearing a pair of sunglasses inside a vehicle.
No caption was added in the clip.
Image: Instagram/@ivanaalawi
In a separate post on Sunday, June 1, Alawi reposted a fan edit of her photos and videos which has Lady Gaga’s “Paparazzi” as background music.
Image: Instagram/@ivanaalawi
READ: Javi Benitez breaks silence on father Albee’s alleged affair with Ivana Alawi
While Alawi has yet to publicly comment on the matter, she had previously denied any involvement with the Bacolod City congressman-elect.
Benitez likewise denied the allegations through his legal counsel, calling it “baseless and retaliatory.”
“This case was filed shortly after Mayor [Albee] Benitez initiated annulment proceedings in 2024, raising serious doubts about the complainant’s motives,” Benitez’s lawyer said.
While Alawi was not immediately named in the statement, the lawyer said they found it “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,” the statement further read. “Section 44 of Republic Act 9262 (VAWC law) 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.”
Benitez and Dominique’s son, Javi Benitez, meanwhile expressed hope that his parents would settle their differences. Javi also asked the public for kindness, urging them to avoid “rumors, fake news, and paid drama.” /edv
