Actor-politician Javi Benitez still hopes for parents' reconciliation

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BACOLOD CITY — Incoming Negros Occidental 3rd District Representative Javier Miguel Benitez released a statement on Saturday addressing the ongoing controversy involving his parents, outgoing Bacolod City Mayor Alfred "Albee" Benitez and Dominique "Nikki" Lopez-Benitez.

The Benitez family — daughter Bettina, father Albee, mother Nikki, and son Javi — in a photo taken in 2023. PHOTO FROM INSTAGRAM/JAVIBENITEZZZ

The Benitez family — daughter Bettina, father Albee, mother Nikki, and son Javi — in a photo taken in 2023. PHOTO FROM INSTAGRAM/JAVIBENITEZZZ

Written in Filipino, the outgoing Victorias City Mayor — who also dabbled in acting through local movies such as "Kid Alpha One" — said he wishes that everything will still work out between his mother and father.

The statement, released via Instagram, was accompanied by a family photo taken in December 2023.

Benitez said he no longer wanted to speak about the matter but admitted that he "can't avoid it either."

"Those who really know the whole story... are quiet. They're not in the news. They don't post either," he wrote.

"My only wish is for my parents to still understand each other — not just as our parents, Bettina's and mine — but, if possible, still as husband and wife," he said.

He added that he hopes "that one day, we can also find the right love. The kind that isn't measured by money, status, or external image... but by respect, tenderness, and true partnership in life."

Benitez also thanked those people who quietly reached out with concern, "through messages, calls, or even simple prayers."

"I know, we're not the only ones with this situation but I hope it can be fixed in the end," the mayor said.

In closing, the young Benitez appealed to the public to move on from "gossip, fake news, and paid drama."

"There's still so much that needs fixing in our country. That's where we should invest our energy. In the end, a person's worth isn't measured by views, likes, or money — but by their heart. Let's choose to be kind," he added.

Earlier, the camp of Mayor Ablee Benitez — who is now the incoming Bacolod City congressman — called the complaint by his estranged wife under the Anti-Violence Against Women and Their Children Act (RA 9262) as "baseless and retaliatory."

In a statement, the mayor's legal counsel, Peter Sanchez, said the complaint — which involves alleged economic and psychological abuse — was filed shortly after Mayor Benitez initiated annulment proceedings in 2024. Sanchez claimed the timing casts serious doubt on the motives behind the filing.

In 2024, the outgoing mayor said his interactions with actress and popular social media influencer Ivana Alawi — who was also allegedly named in Lopez-Benitez's complaint — were merely "professional," and that he and his wife have not been together for "several years."

Amid the social media frenzy, supporters of Albee Benitez have described the issue as "a demolition job." He has been mentioned as a potential successor to House Speaker Martin Romualdez.

The congressman-elect is also known for his business ventures. He is the founder of Brightlight Productions, a block-timer involved in TV and film production across several networks.