In a significant clarification on her personal life, Ivana Alawi has publicly denied any romantic ties with Bacolod City Mayor Albee Benitez, stating emphatically that she is in a relationship with a businessman who “makes me happy.” This statement came through a Facebook post where Alawi sought to set the record straight amidst swirling rumors.
In her own words, Alawi expressed her initial reluctance to address the speculation, believing in the principle of silence especially when no wrongdoing was involved. However, the intensity of the rumors and the unwarranted negative attention towards her family compelled her to speak out. “I tried to stay quiet and ignore it because I believe in not having to speak up especially when I know I’ve done nothing wrong,” Alawi shared.
Her connection with Mayor Benitez was purely professional, stemming from work-related interactions in Bacolod. Alawi emphasized that Benitez was just one of several politicians she met in a friendly capacity. She stressed, “He was accommodating and friendly, but he is not the only politician I’ve met and befriended.”
Dispelling the rumors further, Alawi highlighted her current relationship, “I am currently seeing someone who makes me happy. All I can say is that he is a respectable businessman and not a politician.” This comes after speculations were fueled by sightings of Alawi and Benitez together at an airport last month.
Alawi’s firm statement aims to put an end to the rumor mill, focusing on her happiness and the respectability of her current partner, distancing herself from any political connections that have been speculated in the media.