{{short description|Filipino politician and businessman (born 1966)}} {{Philippine name|Bantug|Benitez}} {{Use mdy dates|date=October 2021}} {{Infobox officeholder | name = Albee Benitez | image = Rep. Alfredo Benitez (20th Congress).jpg | image_size = 220px | caption = Official portrait, 2025 | office = Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives of the Philippines | term_start = March 18, 2026 | 1blankname = Speaker | 1namedata = Bojie Dy | office1 = Member of the Philippine House of Representatives from Bacolod's Lone District | term_start1 = June 30, 2025 | predecessor1 = Greg Gasataya | status1 = | office2 = Mayor of Bacolod | order2 = 43rd | 1blankname2 = {{nowrap|Vice Mayor}} | 1namedata2 = El Cid Familiaran | term_start2 = June 30, 2022 | term_end2 = June 30, 2025 | predecessor2 = Evelio Leonardia | successor2 = Greg Gasataya | office4 = Member of the Philippine House of Representatives from Negros Occidental's 3rd district | term_start4 = June 30, 2010 | term_end4 = June 30, 2019 | predecessor4 = Jose Carlos V. Lacson | successor4 = Jose Francisco Benitez | birth_name = Alfredo Abelardo Bantug Benitez{{#tag:ref|Although Benitez was born in the United States, his official documents possess his mother's maiden name, which is Bantug.|group = fn|name = sur}} | birth_date = {{birth date and age|1966|12|20}} | birth_place = Palo Alto, California, U.S. | citizenship = {{plainlist| *Philippines *United States (until 2009)<ref name="SSdismisses">{{cite news|author=Sunnexdesk|title=Poll body dismisses petition vs Benitez|url=https://www.sunstar.com.ph/more-articles/poll-body-dismisses-petition-vs-benitez|access-date=June 4, 2025|work=SunStar|publisher=SunStar Publishing Inc.|date=March 27, 2010|location=Victorias City}}</ref> }} | death_date = | death_place = | party = PFP (2025–present) <br>Asenso Bacolod (2021–present) {{small|(local party)}} | other_party = Independent (2015–2016, 2024–2025) <br>PDP (2016–2024)<br>Liberal (2010–2015)<br>NPC (2009–2010) | occupation = Politician | profession = Businessman | signature = | website = {{URL|https://2022.albeebenitez.ph/}} | footnotes = | alma_mater = College of William & Mary (BS) | children = 2, including Javi | spouse = {{marriage|Dominique "Nikki" Lopez|September 27, 1992}} | relatives = Jose Francisco Benitez (brother)<br>Helena Benitez (grandaunt)<br>Conrado Benitez (great-grandfather)<br>Francisca Tirona (great-grandmother) }}
'''Alfredo Abelardo''' "'''Albee'''" '''Bantug Benitez''' (born December 20, 1966) is a Filipino politician and businessman who has served as the representative for Bacolod's lone district since 2025. He previously served as the 43rd mayor of Bacolod from 2022 to 2025 and as the representative for Negros Occidental's third district <!-- MOS:NUM applies -->from 2010 to 2019.
Benitez began his career as a business executive in the gambling industry. He founded Bingo Bonanza in 1993 and AB Leisure in 1994. The two companies became subsidiaries of Leisure & Resorts World Corp., (now DigiPlus) which Benitez would later be the president of from 2005 to 2010 before divesting his business interests to enter politics. He returned to is board of directors in 2019 until 2021 and was the majority shareholder of the company for several years.
Benitez entered the House of Representatives in 2010. During his tenure, he was among the wealthiest members of Congress. In 2018, he was the second-wealthiest member of Congress, amassing a net worth of ₱1.23 billion. He sought the mayoralty of Bacolod in 2022 and won, defeating incumbent mayor Evelio Leonardia. After serving one term, Benitez sought a return to Congress as the representative of Bacolod's lone district.
==Early life and education== Benitez was born on December 20, 1966, in Palo Alto, California, United States, to Jose Conrado Benitez who previously served as Deputy Minister of Human Settlements and Betty Bantug, both from Negros Occidental. He went to La Salle Green Hills for primary and secondary education. He then enrolled at the College of William & Mary in Williamsburg, Virginia, and completed a mathematics degree.<ref>{{Cite web |last= |date=2010-07-02 |title=Alfredo Benitez: A new mindset in government service |url=https://www.sunstar.com.ph/more-articles/alfredo-benitez-a-new-mindset-in-government-service |access-date=2025-06-21 |website=SunStar Publishing Inc. |language=en}}</ref>
==Business career== Benitez established Bingo Bonanza Corporation (wherein he was president and CEO) in 1993 and AB Leisure Exponent Inc. (ABLE) in 1994—the latter owning the former.<ref name="Bonanza1999">{{cite news|last=Ramos|first=Elaine S.|title=Bingo Bonanza denies merger talks with BW|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=kGYVAAAAIBAJ&pg=PA122|access-date=July 11, 2024|work=Manila Standard|publisher=Kamahalan Publishing Corporation|date=July 1999|page=5}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Estrada, associates monopolize gambling |url=https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2000/12/21/89185/estrada-associates-monopolize-gambling |access-date=May 31, 2025 |work=The Philippine Star |date=December 21, 2000 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250531091925/https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2000/12/21/89185/estrada-associates-monopolize-gambling |archive-date=May 31, 2025}}</ref><ref name="Bonanza233">{{cite news |title=Bingo Bonanza profit up 233% |url=https://www.philstar.com/business/2001/08/21/130865/bingo-bonanza-profit-233 |access-date=May 31, 2025 |work=The Philippine Star |date=August 21, 2001 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250531091719/https://www.philstar.com/business/2001/08/21/130865/bingo-bonanza-profit-233 |archive-date=May 31, 2025}}</ref> The companies operated bingo parlors throughout the country and later, electronic bingo as well. As of 2001 and 2006, Bingo Bonanza was the largest bingo operator in the Philippines with a 50% market share.<ref name="Bonanza233" /><ref name="LRWC_expand">{{cite news |last1=Dela Peña |first1=Zinnia B. |title=Leisure & Resorts allots P100M for expansion of bingo operations |url=https://www.philstar.com/business/2006/03/22/327485/leisure-amp-resorts-allots-p100m-expansion-bingo-operations |access-date=May 31, 2025 |work=The Philippine Star |date=March 22, 2006 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250531095905/https://www.philstar.com/business/2006/03/22/327485/leisure-amp-resorts-allots-p100m-expansion-bingo-operations |archive-date=May 31, 2025}}</ref>
In 1999, the holding company Leisure and Resorts World Corp. (LRWC) acquired ABLE as its wholly owned subsidiary.<ref name="Airport">{{cite news|last=Lee|first=Lovely Nica P.|title=Casino operator to co-develop Cagayan airport|url=https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/money/content/96017/casino-operator-to-co-develop-cagayan-airport/story/|access-date=July 11, 2024|work=GMA News Online|publisher=GMA Network|date=May 19, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250123091902/https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/money/content/96017/casino-operator-to-co-develop-cagayan-airport/story/ |archive-date=January 23, 2025}}</ref> In 2005, Benitez, then-president of ABLE and a director of LRWC, sold his ₱4.38 million worth of shares in First Cagayan Leisure & Resort Corp. to LRWC. This allowed LRWC to acquire 35% of First Cagayan, the master licensor for online gambling in the Cagayan Special Economic Zone.<ref name="LRWC_expand" /><ref>{{cite news |last1=Dela Peña |first1=Zinnia B. |title=Leisure & Resorts World acquires 35% of online gaming firm in Cagayan ecozone |url=https://www.philstar.com/business/2005/09/22/297953/leisure-amp-resorts-world-acquires-35-online-gaming-firm-cagayan-ecozone |access-date=May 31, 2025 |work=The Philippine Star |date=September 22, 2005 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250531112957/https://www.philstar.com/business/2005/09/22/297953/leisure-amp-resorts-world-acquires-35-online-gaming-firm-cagayan-ecozone |archive-date=May 31, 2025}}</ref> Benitez became president of LRWC on October 10, 2005.<ref name="LRWC_prez">{{cite web |title=Albee Benitez to return to LRWC? |url=https://bilyonaryo.com/2018/04/20/albee-benitez-to-return-to-lrwc/business/ |website=bilyonaryo.com |date=April 20, 2018 |publisher=Bilyonaryo News Channel |access-date=May 31, 2025 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20250531110536/https://bilyonaryo.com/2018/04/20/albee-benitez-to-return-to-lrwc/business/ |archive-date=May 31, 2025}}</ref> By the end of 2005, LRWC posted a net income of ₱64.1 million and as of mid-2006, LRWC owned 70% of First Cagayan.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Dela Peña |first1=Zinnia B. |title=Bingo operator sees profit rising 200% this year |url=https://www.philstar.com/business/2006/08/22/354108/bingo-operator-sees-profit-rising-200-year |access-date=May 31, 2025 |work=The Philippine Star |date=August 22, 2006 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250531120431/https://www.philstar.com/business/2006/08/22/354108/bingo-operator-sees-profit-rising-200-year |archive-date=May 31, 2025}}</ref> LRWC then posted a net income of ₱167.9 million for 2007.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Lee |first1=Lovely Nica P. |title=RP gaming firms seek expansion of outlets nationwide |url=https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/money/content/90766/rp-gaming-firms-seek-expansion-of-outlets-nationwide/story/ |access-date=May 31, 2025 |work=GMA News / BusinessWorld |date=April 22, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250531131123/https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/money/content/90766/rp-gaming-firms-seek-expansion-of-outlets-nationwide/story/#goog_rewarded |archive-date=May 31, 2025}}</ref> Benitez stepped down as president of LRWC on June 25, 2010, when he divested himself from his business interests just before starting his term in Congress.<ref name="LRWC_prez" /> However, he remained the company's majority owner.<ref>{{cite web |title=PAGCOR Going Private? |url=https://ggbmagazine.com/article/pagcor-going-private/ |website=ggbmagazine.com |publisher=Global Gaming Business Magazine |access-date=May 31, 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240530000817/https://ggbmagazine.com/article/pagcor-going-private/ |archive-date=May 30, 2024 |date=August 30, 2010}}</ref>
In July 2019, after completing three consecutive terms in Congress, Benitez returned to LRWC as its chairman.<ref>{{cite news |title=Albee Benitez rejoins corporate world to head family-owned LRWC |url=https://bilyonaryo.com/2019/07/21/albee-benitez-rejoins-corporate-world-to-head-family-owned-lrwc/business/ |access-date=May 31, 2025 |work=Bilyonaryo News Channel |date=July 21, 2019 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20250531112316/https://bilyonaryo.com/2019/07/21/albee-benitez-rejoins-corporate-world-to-head-family-owned-lrwc/business/ |archive-date=May 31, 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Gonzales |first1=Iris |title=LRWC gears up for expansion |url=https://www.philstar.com/business/2019/07/29/1938680/lrwc-gears-expansion |access-date=May 31, 2025 |work=The Philippine Star |date=July 29, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190730212124/https://www.philstar.com/business/2019/07/29/1938680/lrwc-gears-expansion |archive-date=July 30, 2019}}</ref> He later became director and committee member until he resigned again in October 2021 to run for mayor of Bacolod. He initially continued to be the company's majority owner, but gradually sold his shares in the company in the succeeding years and lost his majority ownership.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Ng |first1=Felix |title=LRWC director Benitez resigns to chase position in public office|url=https://agbrief.com/news/philippines/06/10/2021/lrwc-director-benitez-resigns-to-chase-position-in-public-office/|website=agbrief.com|publisher=Asia Gaming Brief|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241214061331/https://agbrief.com/news/philippines/06/10/2021/lrwc-director-benitez-resigns-to-chase-position-in-public-office/|archive-date=December 14, 2024|date=October 6, 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|author=Bilyonaryo.com|title=Albee Benitez, Globalist unload P463 million DigiPlus shares as BingoPlus operator remains red hot|url=https://bilyonaryo.com/2024/02/11/albee-benitez-globalist-unload-p463-million-digiplus-shares-as-bingoplus-operator-remains-red-hot/business/|access-date=June 4, 2025|work=Bilyonaryo|publisher=Prage Management Corporation|date=February 11, 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|author=Bilyonaryo.com|title=Below 10% stake: Albee Benitez sells P165 million shares of hot stock DigiPlus|url=https://bilyonaryo.com/2024/08/12/below-10-stake-albee-benitez-sells-p165-million-shares-of-hot-stock-digiplus/money/|access-date=June 4, 2025|work=Bilyonaryo|publisher=Prage Management Corporation|date=August 12, 2024}}</ref> In February 2023, LRWC changed its name to DigiPlus Interactive Corporation. At that time, aside from Bingo Bonanza, ABLE, and First Cagayan, its other subsidiaries included Total Gamezone Xtreme Inc., Blue Chip Gaming and Leisure Corp., LR Data Center Solutions Inc., AB Leisure Global Inc., LR Land Developers Inc., Prime Investment Korea Inc., and Hotel Enterprises of the Philippines Inc.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Cabuenas |first1=Jon Viktor B. |title=LRWC changes name to DigiPlus Interactive Corp. |url=https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/money/companies/863071/lrwc-changes-name-to-digiplus-interactive-corp/story/ |access-date=May 31, 2025 |work=GMA Integrated News |date=March 7, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230528161922/https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/money/companies/863071/lrwc-changes-name-to-digiplus-interactive-corp/story/ |archive-date=May 28, 2023}}</ref> By 2024, DigiPlus Interactive's flagship brands were BingoPlus, ArenaPlus, and GameZone.<ref>{{cite news |title=DigiPlus, PAGCOR join forces to promote responsible gaming |url=https://www.philstar.com/business/2024/12/31/2410773/digiplus-pagcor-join-forces-promote-responsible-gaming |access-date=May 31, 2025 |work=The Philippine Star |date=December 31, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250111082215/https://www.philstar.com/business/2024/12/31/2410773/digiplus-pagcor-join-forces-promote-responsible-gaming |archive-date=January 11, 2025}}</ref> In April 2025, he sold ₱332 million worth of DigiPlus Interactive shares. He retained his 8.35% stake in the company, worth an estimated ₱17.6 billion.<ref>{{cite news |title=Albee Benitez unloads P332 million Digiplus shares a month before election day; still has P17 billion shares left |url=https://bilyonaryo.com/2025/05/14/albee-benitez-unloads-p332-million-digiplus-shares-a-month-before-election-day-still-has-p17-billion-shares-left/business/ |access-date=May 31, 2025 |work=Bilyonaryo News Channel |date=May 14, 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250515055223/https://bilyonaryo.com/2025/05/14/albee-benitez-unloads-p332-million-digiplus-shares-a-month-before-election-day-still-has-p17-billion-shares-left/business/ |archive-date=May 15, 2025}}</ref>
In June 2021, his company Visayas Cockers Club Inc., doing business as Sabong International PH, was one of the four companies licensed to operate online cockfighting ("''e-sabong''").<ref>{{cite news |title=4-way fight! Pagcor grants E-Sabong licenses to Albee Benitez, Patrick Antonio |url=https://bilyonaryo.com/2021/07/04/4-way-fight-pagcor-grants-e-sabong-licenses-to-albee-benitez-patrick-antonio/ |access-date=July 11, 2024 |work=Bilyonaryo |date=July 4, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250123090909/https://bilyonaryo.com/2021/07/04/4-way-fight-pagcor-grants-e-sabong-licenses-to-albee-benitez-patrick-antonio/ |archive-date=January 23, 2025}}</ref> However, by May 2022, President Rodrigo Duterte ordered all e-sabong operations to be suspended.<ref>{{cite news|last=Ramos|first=Christia Marie|title=Duterte orders end to e-sabong|url=https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1591451/breaking-duterte-oks-end-to-e-sabong|access-date=July 11, 2024|newspaper=Philippine Daily Inquirer|date=May 3, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240710191019/https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1591451/breaking-duterte-oks-end-to-e-sabong |archive-date=July 10, 2024}}</ref>
In 2020, Benitez established the production company Brightlight Productions, of which he was president and CEO. In the same year, Brightlight secured blocktimer slots from TV5 and produced shows featuring ABS-CBN talents, after the latter network was shut down by Congress on July 10, 2020.<ref>{{cite news |title=ABS-CBN's big stars will have shows on TV 5 soon |url=https://www.rappler.com/entertainment/series/abs-cbn-stars-to-have-new-shows-tv5/ |access-date=May 31, 2025 |work=Rappler |date=September 14, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250425193521/https://www.rappler.com/entertainment/series/abs-cbn-stars-to-have-new-shows-tv5/ |archive-date=April 25, 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=What you need to know about Albee Benitez and Brightlight Productions |url=https://www.rappler.com/entertainment/series/things-to-know-albee-benitez-brightlight-productions/ |access-date=May 31, 2025 |work=Rappler |date=October 18, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250123093921/https://www.rappler.com/entertainment/series/things-to-know-albee-benitez-brightlight-productions/ |archive-date=January 23, 2025}}</ref>
==Political career== ===House of Representatives (2010–2019)=== Benitez entered Philippine politics in 2010 when he was elected as Liberal representative of Negros Occidental's third district. He had renounced his American citizenship before filing his certificate of candidacy in 2009.<ref name="SSdismisses" /> He held a satellite congressional office at Talisay.
Benitez began his term on June 30, 2010. During his time in the House of Representatives, Benitez was required to file a statement of assets, liabilities, and net worth (SALN). In 2011, he declared a net worth of ₱686 million, making him the fourth-richest congressman at that time.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Balana |first1=Cynthia D. |date=May 4, 2012 |title=SALNs show richest, poorest congressmen |url=https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/187079/salns-show-richest-poorest-congressmen |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120626011401/https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/187079/salns-show-richest-poorest-congressmen |archive-date=June 26, 2012 |access-date=May 31, 2025 |newspaper=Philippine Daily Inquirer}}</ref> His last publicized net worth was for 2018, which amounted to ₱1.23 billion, making him the second-richest in Congress behind Mikee Romero.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Rosario |first1=Ben |date=June 12, 2019 |title=Billionaires Mikey Romero, Albee Benitez are richest in Lower House |url=https://mb.com.ph/2019/6/12/billionaires-mikey-romero-albee-benitez-are-richest-in-lower-house |archive-url=https://archive.today/20250531150652/https://mb.com.ph/2019/6/12/billionaires-mikey-romero-albee-benitez-are-richest-in-lower-house |archive-date=May 31, 2025 |access-date=May 31, 2025 |work=Manila Bulletin}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=May 21, 2015 |title=Who are richest congressmen |url=https://www.abs-cbn.com/focus/05/21/15/who-are-richest-congressmen |work=ABS-CBN News}}</ref><ref name="billionaire">{{cite news |last=Cabico |first=Gaea Katreena |date=June 14, 2019 |title=Who's who: Richest, poorest House lawmakers in 2018 |url=https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2019/06/14/1926445/whos-who-richest-poorest-house-lawmakers-2018 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20190619212806/http://www.philstar.com/headlines/2019/06/14/1926445/whos-who-richest-poorest-house-lawmakers-2018 |archivedate=June 19, 2019 |accessdate=October 21, 2019 |publisher=The Philippine Star |location=Manila}}</ref>
During his tenure, he helped draft and oversee the passing of the Sugarcane Industry Development Act, a piece of landmark legislation that supports sugarcane farmers. He also implemented a scholarship program.{{Citation needed|date=October 2017}} He was also involved in the implementation of various projects in Negros Occidental, such as the Tourism Highway and Loop of Silay, upgrade and beautification of Bacolod–Silay International Airport roads, and the construction of other bridges and barangay hall buildings. He was also notable for his implemented of some house bills at the congress including House Resolution No. 5237,{{vague|date=June 2025}} House Resolution No. 875,{{vague|date=June 2025}} proposed admin capital city planning act, House Bill no. 85,{{vague|date=June 2025}} House Bill no. 84,{{vague|date=June 2025}} House Bill no. 82.{{vague|date=June 2025}}<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.albeebenitez.ph/bills-and-resolutions-filed-congressman-alfredo-abelardo-b-benitez|title=bills-and-resolutions-filed-congressman-alfredo-abelardo-b-benitez|website=Albee Benitez|date=July 27, 2016 }}</ref> Benitez initiated the Silay Negros Occidental Convention Center project near the Bacolod-Silay Airport.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Guadalquiver |first1=Nanette |title=NegOcc poised to become convention hub with landmark facility|url= https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1228847|accessdate=July 13, 2024 |work=Philippine News Agency |date=July 12, 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1= Adiong|first1= Eugene |title=P1-B convention center to rise in Silay City|url= https://www.manilatimes.net/2024/07/13/regions/p1-b-convention-center-to-rise-in-silay-city/1956939|accessdate=July 13, 2024 |publisher= The Manila Times|date=July 13, 2024}}</ref>
Benitez completed his three-term limit in 2019. His younger brother, Jose Francisco Benitez, was elected as his successor.<ref name="farewell">{{cite news |last1=Canet |first1=Carla |title=Albee Benitez bids farewell |url=https://www.sunstar.com.ph/article/1811926 |accessdate=October 21, 2019 |publisher=SunStar Bacolod |date=June 28, 2019 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20190630003136/https://www.sunstar.com.ph/article/1811926 |archivedate=June 30, 2019}}</ref> In June 2019, Negros Occidental governor Eugenio Jose Lacson appointed Benitez as the provincial government's consultant for economics and investments. He was serving ''pro bono''.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Yasa |first1=Dolly |title=Ex-congressman is now Capitol consultant |url=https://dailyguardian.com.ph/ex-congressman-is-now-capitol-consultant-2/ |accessdate=August 22, 2020 |agency=Daily Guardian |date=July 1, 2019 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20200822101338/https://dailyguardian.com.ph/ex-congressman-is-now-capitol-consultant-2/ |archivedate=August 22, 2020 |location=Bacolod}}</ref>
===Mayor of Bacolod (2022–2025)=== {{Expand section|date=June 2025}} On October 5, 2021, Benitez changed his voter address from Victorias to Bacolod and officially announced to his bid for mayor of Bacolod against incumbent mayor and rival Evelio Leonardia in the May 9, 2022, elections.<ref>{{cite web|title=Ex-NegOcc solon eyes Bacolod mayoral seat with 'unity ticket'|url=https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1155698|access-date=April 5, 2022|website=www.pna.gov.ph }}</ref> On March 26, 2022, Benitez formally launched his campaign, together with his slate known as Team Asenso or Grupo Asenso, a PDP–Laban led-coalition.<ref>{{Cite web|date=March 27, 2022|title='Tumandok' vs 'pangayaw' in heated Bacolod City mayoral race|url=https://www.rappler.com/philippines/elections/tumandok-pangayaw-heated-bacolod-city-mayoral-race-2022/|access-date=April 5, 2022|website=RAPPLER |language=en-US}}</ref>
On May 10, 2022, the Commission on Elections declared Benitez elected Mayor of Bacolod.<ref>{{cite web |title= Benitez wins Bacolod mayoralty race|url=https://mb.com.ph/2022/5/10/benitez-wins-bacolod-mayoralty-race|access-date=2025-05-16 |website=www.mb.com.ph }}</ref>
===House of Representatives (since 2025)=== {{Expand section|date=June 2025}} In 2024, Benitez announced his candidacy for congressional bid in Bacolod's lone district under Team Asenso. He faced Leonardia again in the contest.<ref>{{cite web |title=Bacolod Mayor Albee Benitez sidesteps reelection bid, eyes Congress |url=https://www.rappler.com/philippines/elections/bacolod-mayor-albee-benitez-sidesteps-reelection-bid-eyes-congress/ |access-date=May 16, 2025|website=www.rappler.com |date=October 8, 2024 }}</ref> On May 13, 2025, the Commission on Elections proclaimed Benitez the elected representative of Bacolod's lone district.<ref>{{cite web |title=Bacolod City mayor wins in congressional bid; proclaimed |url=https://www.gmanetwork.com/regionaltv/news/108053/bacolod-city-mayor-wins-in-congressional-bid-proclaimed/story/ |access-date=2025-05-14 |website=GMA News Online}}</ref>
==Personal life== Benitez met Dominique "Nikki" Lopez, an employee of Continental Airlines, at the Euphoria discotheque in Makati in 1992; they married at the Manila Cathedral in Intramuros, Manila, on September 27, 1992.<ref name="Affidavit">{{Citation|last=Lopez-Benitez|first=Dominique "Nikki" A.|type=Affidavit|date=April 11, 2025|place=Office of the Makati City Prosecutor|title=NPS Docket No. 25-1963|quote=It is significant to mention that the Psychological Evaluation reveals that Respondent [Albee Benitez] admitted to having two (2) daughters outside of his marriage with me.}}</ref> They have two children, including former Victorias mayor and Negros Occidental 3rd district Representative Javier Miguel "Javi" Benitez (born 1994).<ref>{{cite news |last1=Delilan |first1=Edwin |title=Annulment buzz involving Albee Benitez, wife causes ripples in Bacolod |url=https://www.rappler.com/newsbreak/inside-track/albee-benitez-wife-annulment-buzz-ripples-bacolod/ |accessdate=February 13, 2024 |publisher=Rappler |date=February 5, 2024}}</ref> Benitez's family has resided in Forbes Park, Makati since 2016,<ref name="Affidavit"/> while he has maintained residences in Victorias, Negros Occidental, and in Bacolod during his tenures as congressman and mayor.
Benitez is a former national athlete. He became secretary general of the Philippine Badminton Association in 2011.<ref>{{cite news|author=JVP|title=Binay supports teenage shuttler Alcala's Olympic dream|url=https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/sports/content/221264/binay-supports-teenage-shuttler-alcala-s-olympic-dream/story/|access-date=July 11, 2024|work=GMA News Online|publisher=GMA Network|date=May 21, 2011}}</ref> He is the founder of Betty Bantug Benitez Foundation, Inc. in 1982, and the Kaayong Lawas Foundation Hospital.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web|url=http://www.albeebenitez.ph/about-cong-albee|title=About Cong Albee|website=Albee Benitez|date=July 29, 2016}}</ref>
In August 2024, Benitez filed for the annulment of his marriage with Lopez.<ref name="Affidavit"/>
===Accusations of marital infidelity and abuse=== In 2024, Benitez publicly apologized after images emerged online of him and actress Ivana Alawi at an airport in Tokyo, fueling speculation of a relationship. Benitez had previously said that he had received an annulment of his marriage to his wife several years prior, which Lopez denied.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Delilan |first1=Edwin |title=Bacolod mayor apologizes to Ivana Alawi amid noise over Tokyo encounter |url=https://www.rappler.com/newsbreak/inside-track/bacolod-mayor-albee-benitez-apologizes-ivana-alawi-amid-noise-tokyo-encounter-february-12-2024/ |accessdate=February 13, 2024 |publisher=Rappler |date=February 13, 2024}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url= https://www.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/2024/2/12/bacolod-mayor-apologizes-to-ivana-alawi-846| title= Bacolod mayor apologizes to Ivana Alawi|first=Josh|last=Mercado|website=ABS-CBN News and Current Affairs|date=February 12, 2024}}</ref>
In late May 2025, a criminal complaint submitted by Lopez to the Makati prosecutor's office against Benitez surfaced online, where Lopez accused Benitez of committing violence against women and children (VAWC) by causing "severe mental and emotional distress" through his extramarital affairs, including an alleged affair with Alawi, which she had suspected but not confirmed until he filed for annulment.<ref name="Affidavit"/> Lopez also alleged that he admitted in his 2024 annulment petition to fathering two illegitimate children with beauty pageant titleholder Daisy Reyes and actress Andrea Del Rosario.<ref name="Affidavit"/><ref>{{Cite web |date=May 29, 2025 |title=VAWC and the vixen: Ivana Alawi entangled in Albee and Nikki Benitez's scandalous split |url=https://bilyonaryo.com/2025/05/29/vawc-and-the-vixen-ivana-alawi-entangled-in-albee-and-nikki-benitezs-scandalous-split/business/ |access-date=May 29, 2025 |website=Bilyonaryo}}</ref> Benitez denied his wife's accusations as "baseless and retaliatory" while accusing her of "unnecessarily dragging" a third party into their marital affairs.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Mallorca |first=Hannah |date=May 29, 2025 |title=Ivana Alawi alleged as mistress of film producer-politician Albee Benitez |url=https://entertainment.inquirer.net/612422/ivana-alawi-alleged-as-mistress-of-film-producer-politician-albee-benitez |access-date=May 29, 2025 |newspaper=Philippine Daily Inquirer}}</ref>
==Electoral history== {| class="wikitable" style="font-size:90%; text-align:center;" |+ Electoral history of Albee Benitez ! rowspan="2" style="background:#eaecf0;" |Year ! rowspan="2" style="background:#eaecf0;" |Office ! colspan="2" rowspan="2" style="background:#eaecf0;" |Party ! colspan="4" style="background:#eaecf0;" |Votes received ! rowspan="2" style="background:#eaecf0;" |Result |- ! style="background:#eaecf0;" |Total ! style="background:#eaecf0;" | % ! style="background:#eaecf0;" |{{abbr|2=Position|P}}. ! style="background:#eaecf0;" |Swing |- !2010 | rowspan="3"|Representative (Negros Occidental–3rd) | style="background:{{party color|Nationalist People's Coalition}};" | |NPC |116,772 |62.21% |1st | {{n/a}} | {{Won}} |- !2013 | style="background:{{party color|Liberal Party (Philippines)}};" | |Liberal |107,422 |59.04% |1st | -3.17 | {{Won}} |- !2016 | rowspan="2" style="background:{{party color|Independent politician}};" | | rowspan="2"|IND |177,232 |90.37% |1st | +31.33 | {{Won}} |- !2025 |Representative (Bacolod) |164,145 |56.96% |1st | {{n/a}} | {{Won}} |- !2022 |Mayor of Bacolod | style="background:{{party color|Partido Demokratiko Pilipino}};" | |PDP–Laban |171,893 |61.53% |1st | {{n/a}} | {{Won}} |}
==Filmography== Benitez made a guest appearances in shows and events at some films and television. His well-known television show was the ''Game Changer'' which is aired at ANC every Sunday. Benitez also guested in many interviews. He also founded and owns Brightlight Productions, one of the blocktime partners of Cignal Entertainment for TV5, which temporarily houses stars and talents of ABS-CBN and GMA Network. {| class="wikitable" !Program !Notes |- | ''Game Changer Philippines'' | First Brightlight Productions program.<ref name=":1">{{Cite news|last=Red|first=Isah V.|url=https://manilastandard.net/?p=213658|title='Game Changer Philippines' launches 4th season|date=August 18, 2016|website=Manila Standard}}</ref> |- | ''Sunday Noontime Live!'' | rowspan="4" | Creator / Producer under Brightlight Productions |- | ''I Got You'' |- | ''Sunday 'Kada'' |- | ''Lunch Out Loud'' |- | ''Serbisyo Pilipinas'' | Creator / Producer under Brightlight Productions; The new public service program in over the Philippines |- | ''Rated Korina'' | rowspan="2" | Creator / Producer under Brightlight Productions |- | ''Oh My Dad!'' |- |}
==Notes== {{reflist|group=fn}}
==References== {{reflist}}
{{Philippine House deputy speakers}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Benitez, Albee}} Category:1966 births Category:Living people Category:21st-century Filipino politicians Category:21st-century Filipino businesspeople Category:21st-century mayors of places in the Philippines Category:College of William & Mary alumni Category:Filipino chief executives Category:Hiligaynon people Category:Visayan people Category:Independent politicians in the Philippines Category:Liberal Party (Philippines) politicians Category:Nationalist People's Coalition politicians Category:Partido Demokratiko Pilipino politicians Category:Partido Federal ng Pilipinas politicians Category:Deputy speakers of the House of Representatives of the Philippines Category:Members of the House of Representatives of the Philippines from Bacolod Category:Members of the House of Representatives of the Philippines from Negros Occidental Category:Mayors of Bacolod Category:People from Negros Occidental Category:People in the games industry Category:People who renounced United States citizenship Category:Television series by Brightlight Productions