FAKE NEWS ALERT: Ivana Alawi Denies Dating Cong. Albee Benitez, Mayor Issues Public Apology Amid Fallout

May 30, 2025

Online Buzz Turns Controversial — But What’s the Truth?

In a whirlwind of online speculation, actress and influencer Ivana Alawi was recently linked to Bacolod Mayor and businessman Albee Benitez, with netizens claiming that the two were romantically involved. The situation escalated further after gossip pages pushed unverified claims that Benitez’s wife, Mrs. Nikki Benitez, was allegedly hurt by the rumors and had filed legal action following an annulment.

However, verified facts and public statements now confirm that much of the circulating information is false.

Ivana Alawi Breaks Her Silence

Ivana Alawi took a firm and respectful stand against the rumors. Speaking through an official interview earlier this year, she clarified her relationship status:

“I’m currently seeing someone who makes me happy. He is not a politician.”
— Ivana Alawi, February 2024

Ivana emphasized that she met Mayor Albee Benitez during a professional engagement in Bacolod and that their interaction was strictly courteous and related to work. The viral photos and clips of them together were reportedly taken during a public event attended by several others.

Mayor Albee Benitez Responds with Apology

Shortly after the rumors gained traction, Mayor Albee Benitez also made a public statement, addressing the online chatter and extending an apology to Ivana and her family:

“Speculations involving Ms. Ivana Alawi are untrue and only serve to put malice into what was clearly a professional encounter. I apologize to Ivana and her family for any distress these unfounded rumors may have caused.”
— Mayor Albee Benitez

He added that his Tokyo trip — where one of the clips was allegedly taken — was part of a business mission and that Ivana’s presence there had no romantic implication.

Did Mrs. Nikki Benitez File a Case?

As of this writing, there are no credible reports, official court filings, or public confirmations that Mrs. Nikki Benitez has filed any legal complaint or annulment case tied to the rumors about her husband and Ivana Alawi.

While several gossip pages have claimed a lawsuit or emotional breakdown, mainstream news platforms have not reported any legal action or separation between the couple. It’s important to distinguish between social media gossip and actual documented events — especially when real families are involved.

A Cautionary Tale About Internet Speculation

This controversy highlights the dangers of spreading unverified information, especially when it involves high-profile individuals. Both Ivana and Mayor Benitez have reputations built over years, and such allegations — if not responsibly handled — can unjustly damage their public image and relationships.

In the age of viral news and social media sensationalism, public figures remain vulnerable to gossip. But as Ivana wisely pointed out in her statement, truth and accountability matter.

What’s Next for Ivana and Mayor Benitez?

Both continue to focus on their respective paths. Ivana remains one of the country’s most-followed influencers and is reportedly in a happy relationship with a businessman she prefers to keep private. Mayor Benitez continues to fulfill his duties in Bacolod and remains active in public service.

As for the rumors — they serve as a lesson in why media literacy and fact-checking are more important than ever.

Related Articles You Might Be Interested In:

Ivana Alawi Denies Relationship with Mayor Benitez: “I’m Seeing a Businessman”
Mayor Albee Benitez Responds to Tokyo Encounter Video
Netizens React to Albee-Ivana Fake News Scandal
Why Public Figures Must Protect Their Private Lives