VAWC Case Against Albee Benitez Dismissed
ALBEE BENITEZ – The Bacolod City Representative is no longer facing legal proceedings under the Anti-Violence Against Women and Their Children Act (VAWC), after the Makati City Prosecutor’s Office dismissed the complaint filed by his estranged wife, Dominique “Nikki” Lopez-Benitez.
The case was dropped following a 20-page resolution issued by Assistant City Prosecutor Mikhail Maverick Tumacder, who stated that Lopez failed to present sufficient evidence to establish a strong chance of conviction if the case proceeded to court.
In her complaint filed in April, Lopez accused Benitez of emotional and psychological abuse, allegedly triggered by his extramarital affairs—including one reportedly involving actress Ivana Alawi. She claimed these actions caused severe mental distress and cited Benitez’s 2024 annulment petition, in which he allegedly admitted to fathering two children out of wedlock.
Benitez’s lawyer, Atty. Peter Sanchez, dismissed the accusations as baseless and retaliatory, pointing out that the complaint was filed shortly after Benitez initiated annulment proceedings. He also criticized the mention of Ivana Alawi, calling it irrelevant and a distraction from the real issues. Sanchez further reminded the public that under Section 44 of RA 9262, disclosing the identities of the parties involved violates their right to confidentiality.
Benitez’s legal team also argued that all shared assets—including luxury homes, vehicles, and investments—were purchased by Benitez himself, even if they were registered under Lopez’s name. Despite their separation, they emphasized that he continued to provide financial support.
With the case officially dismissed, the resolution pointed out the importance of clear and convincing evidence in abuse allegations and reaffirms the legal protections that safeguard privacy and fairness in sensitive family disputes.
Meanwhile, Albee Benitez is a politician and businessman currently serving as Bacolod’s congressman. He was formerly the mayor of Bacolod and the representative of Negros Occidental’s 3rd district. A former gaming executive and founder of Brightlight Productions, he is also one of the country’s wealthiest politicians.
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