The wife of Bacolod City Mayor Albee Benitez has filed a case against him.

In the complaint affidavit of his wife, Dominique Lopez-Benitez, also known as Nikki, she said she has heard about her husband’s dalliances multiple times, but shrugged these off for apparent lack of substantial evidence.

However, Nikki said, she confirmed of her husband’s extra-marital affairs when the mayor filed a petition for declaration of nullity of their marriage in 2024.

Nikki cited that part of the petition is an “implied admission of his current illicit relationship” with a female actor known for her sexy image.

Nikki used the information as basis for the filing of a complaint on alleged violation to Republic Act 9262, or the Anti-Violence Against Women and their Children (VAWC) Act.

GMA Regional TV One Western Visayas tried to seek a comment from the mayor but he has not replied yet, as of posting time.

However, through his legal counsel, Atty. Peter Sanchez, an official statement was released which denied the accusation and cited that the complaint has no basis.

“Mayor Alfredo Abelardo "Albee" Benitez firmly denies the baseless and retaliatory allegations made against him by his estranged spouse under Republic Act No. 9262, or the Anti-Violence Against Women and their Children Act, for alleged economic and psychological abuse. This case was filed shortly after Mayor Benitez initiated annulment proceedings in 2024, raising serious doubts about the complainant's motives," the statement read.

“It is equally 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," it added.

"Section 44 of R.A. 9262 explicitly mandates the confidentiality of all proceedings and parties involved. The unwarranted disclosure," it further said.

Moreover, the mayor assured of his full cooperation to the legal proceedings in relation to the complaint.

Sanchez and Atty. Ceasar Distrito, the mayor's spokesperson, both denied the news team an on-camera interview.

The news team also sought a statement from Nikki Benitez, but she has not answered the messages yet.