Bacolod City Mayor Albee Benitez has addressed swirling rumors regarding his alleged romantic involvement with actress Ivana Alawi, aiming to dispel speculations and provide clarity on the matter.
In a recent Facebook post, Mayor Benitez publicly apologized to Alawi after rumors emerged linking the two public figures romantically. The rumors gained traction after entertainment vlogger Ogie Diaz mentioned sightings of Benitez and Alawi together in Japan during a YouTube video.
Mayor Benitez clarified that his trip to Tokyo was solely for business purposes, as indicated in his official travel documentation. He stressed that the circulating video footage did not accurately depict the nature of his visit and urged the public not to misconstrue the situation.
Denying any truth to the speculations, Mayor Benitez expressed regret over the unwarranted attention and potential harm caused to Alawi and her family due to the unfounded rumors. He extended his sincere apologies to Alawi and her relatives, emphasizing their unjust involvement in matters concerning his private life.
Concluding his statement, Mayor Benitez thanked everyone for their understanding and urged for an end to the spread of baseless rumors to prevent further harm or misunderstanding.
Alawi, in response to the rumors, had previously denied any romantic association with Mayor Benitez, affirming her relationship with a “respectable businessman.” She highlighted the importance of clearing her name and protecting her family from the repercussions of false allegations.
Both Mayor Benitez’s clarification and Alawi’s statement align in refuting any romantic connection between the actress and the Bacolod mayor, emphasizing the need for accurate information and respectful discourse in public discussions.
