Benitez denies economic, psychological abuse filed by wife

BACOLOD Mayor Alfredo Abelardo Benitez denied the alleged economic and psychological abuse filed against him by his estranged wife, Dominique Lopez-Benitez.

Lawyer Peter Sanchez, legal counsel of Benitez, in a statement released Thursday, May 29, said Benitez firmly denied the baseless and retaliatory allegations made against him by his estranged spouse under Republic Act 9262, or the Anti-Violence Against Women and their Children Act, for alleged economic and psychological abuse.

The camp of Benitez released a statement following some documents posted on social media related to the said case. 

Sanchez said the case was filed shortly after Mayor Benitez initiated annulment proceedings in 2024, raising serious doubts about the complainant’s motives.

He added the VAWC complaint hinges on allegations dating back as far as 21 years ago. 

Sanchez noted that every property acquired during the marriage, including the multi-million peso residences in Forbes Park and Dasmariñas Village, was fully paid for by Mayor Benitez using his own resources, but titled in the name of the complainant, Dominique Lopez-Benitez. 

This also includes high-value assets such as condominium units, luxury vehicles, and a substantial amount of publicly listed shares, all of which were funded by Mayor Benitez but registered under her name.

Despite a judicial dissolution of their property regime in 2004, Mayor Benitez continued to provide not just ordinary support, but a high standard of living, shouldering personal, household, and even extended family expenses for more than two decades. 

This included the complainant’s travel, business ventures, staff, and credit card charges-even long after their separation.

“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,”Sanchez said. 

Sanchez cited that Section 44 of RA 9262 explicitly mandates the confidentiality of all proceedings and parties involved. The unwarranted disclosure of identities and unverified claims constitutes a clear violation of this provision.

“Mayor Benitez remains fully cooperative with all legal processes and is confident that the evidence-financial records, property documents, and testimonies—will disprove these false and vindictive claims,” Sanchez said.

Sanchez asked the public and the media to allow the legal system to take its course and to refrain from the unethical practice of sensationalizing this case. (MAP)