The camp of Bacolod City Mayor Alfredo Abelardo “Albee” Benitez has broken its silence amid a complaint filed against him by his estranged wife, Dominique Lopez-Benitez, under the Anti-Violence Against Women and Their Children Act (RA 9262). In a statement issued by Atty. Peter Sanchez, legal counsel for the mayor, described the accusations as “baseless and retaliatory,” allegedly filed in response to the mayor’s annulment petition earlier this year.
The complaint reportedly cites incidents of economic and psychological abuse dating back over two decades. Atty. Sanchez emphasized that the timing of the complaint, filed shortly after Mayor Benitez initiated annulment proceedings in 2024, raises serious questions about its intent and credibility.
According to the statement, the couple’s property regime was judicially dissolved in 2004. Despite this, Mayor Benitez is said to have consistently maintained a “high standard of living” for Lopez-Benitez, covering a wide array of expenses including personal needs, household upkeep, business ventures, travel, and even support for her extended family.
“All the properties acquired during the marriage—including luxury homes in Forbes Park and Dasmariñas Village, premium vehicles, and shares of stock—were fully paid by Mayor Benitez but titled under the name of Ms. Lopez-Benitez,” Sanchez said.
The legal counsel also criticized the public mention of individuals allegedly unrelated to the case, stressing that such actions violate the confidentiality clause under Section 44 of RA 9262. This section strictly prohibits the disclosure of sensitive information in VAWC-related proceedings.
Sanchez further stated that Mayor Benitez is fully cooperating with the legal process and is confident that financial documents, property titles, and witness testimonies will ultimately reveal the complaint as false and motivated by personal retaliation.
“We urge the public and the media to allow due process to take its course without resorting to trial by publicity,” Sanchez added.
As the case gains public attention, Mayor Benitez’s legal team has called for restraint and fairness, reiterating that the mayor remains committed to transparency and truth while addressing the allegations in court.