BACOLOD City – Outgoing Mayor Alfredo Abelardo “Albee” Benitez has broken his silence on the highly publicized marital dispute involving his estranged wife, Dominique “Nikki” Lopez-Benitez, amid accusations of domestic abuse.
The issue exploded on social media on Thursday, May 29, after a document, reportedly part of a 25-page complaint-affidavit filed by Nikki Benitez, was leaked and circulated across various Facebook pages and online media platforms. The affidavit accuses Mayor Benitez of violating the Anti-Violence Against Women and Their Children Act (Republic Act No. 9262), citing alleged economic and psychological abuse.
Later that day, Atty. Peter Sanchez, legal counsel for Mayor Benitez, issued an official statement firmly denying the allegations.
“Mayor Benitez firmly denies the baseless and retaliatory allegations made against him by his estranged spouse under RA 9262 for alleged economic and psychological abuse,” the statement read.
The camp of Mayor Benitez pointed out that the complaint was filed shortly after he initiated annulment proceedings in 2024, casting doubt on the motive behind the charges.
According to the statement, the accusations stem from events dating back more than two decades. It emphasized that all properties acquired during their marriage — including multi-million peso residences in Forbes Park and Dasmariñas Village — were fully paid for by Mayor Benitez using his personal funds, but titled under his wife’s name. This reportedly also includes luxury vehicles, condominium units, and publicly listed shares.
The statement further claimed that despite the judicial dissolution of their property regime in 2004, Mayor Benitez continued to provide financial support far beyond legal requirements, maintaining a high standard of living for his estranged wife. This included covering personal, household, and extended family expenses, such as business ventures, travel, credit card charges, and staff salaries — even after their separation.
The mayor’s legal team also raised concerns about the public naming of a third party, stating that 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.
“Section 44 of RA 9262 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,” the statement added.
Mayor Benitez has vowed full cooperation with the legal process and expressed confidence that all evidence including financial records, property documents, and witness testimonies will disprove what he described as “false and vindictive claims.”/PN
