BACOLOD CITY, Negros Occidental, Philippines – Rumors have long hounded the sitting mayor of this highly-urbanized center, from those about his wealth to his domicile and citizenship but a new one came out seemingly from left field as the city is in thick of preparations for another festival and right on the first week of Love Month.
The rumor: that Alfredo Abelardo “Albee” Benitez is an eligible bachelor aftee having split formally from his wife of 31 years, Dominique Lopez-Benitez who is known as a philanthropist who founded the Nikki Cares Foundation.
The source of the original story, said to have been published by an online tabloid that is reputed to be a source of unflattering stories of showbiz and entertainment personalities, was not independently verified by DNX.
Mrs Benitez, however, referred to it as a “recent article” that had “distressing contents.”
The statement, released to the local press by the office of Javier Miguel, the eldest of the Benitezes who is mayor of the nearby city of Victorias, referred to “quotes attributed to (Mayor Albee) in the media, suggestimg romantic links with several actresses.”
The ststement of Mrs Benitez also said:
“I wish to clarify that there have been no discussions between my husband and I regarding separation or annulment.”
It reads further: “My commitment to handling our personal matters with dignity and respect remains unchanged. I am especially focused on shielding our children from any pain or anguish brought about by this matter.”
