Actress and Social Media personality Ivana Alawi has quelled the growing rumors online about her dating Bacolod City Mayor Alfredo Abelardo “Albee” Benitez in a Facebook post.
“This will be the first and last time na magsasalita ako tungkol dito. HINDI PO AKO ANG NASASABING girlfriend ni Mayor Albee Benitez,” Ivana said in her post.
The actress’ statement followed the video circulating around social media platforms where she was seen talking to a man in an airport, with many speculating it to be the Bacolod City mayor.
“I tried to stay quiet at dumedma na lang dahil sa paniniwala ko na hindi ako dapat magsalita lalo kapag alam ko na wala akong ginagawang masama. But because of the false accusations and hurtful words that are being thrown to my Mom and Mona, kinailangan ko nang linawin ang mga bagay,” Ivana said further.
Mayor Benitez had recently been facing rumors surrounding annulment speculations with his wife, Dominique “Nikki” Lopez-Benitez, after he had been romantically linked with several showbiz celebrities.
Ivana pointed out that she was friends with the mayor after they met while she was working in Bacolod, stating that he was not the only politician she became friends with.
Without providing any names in particular, Ivana clarified that the person she was currently dating is not involved in politics and is a businessman.
Mayor Benitez had recently released a statement regarding the rumors surrounding him on his Facebook page.
“As for recent personal matters, I kindly request understanding and respect for privacy to shield all innocent parties involved. In my private capacity as a film and TV program producer, my professional interaction with various celebrities is inherent to the nature of the business,” he said in his statement.
“At this moment, my primary focus is on safeguarding the interests of Bacolod City,” he said further.