Albee Benitez Biography: Wife, Age, Children, Net Worth, Height, Parents, Politics, Business, Controversy

Albee Benitez is a Filipino politician, businessman, and television producer known for his tenure as a congressman, mayor of Bacolod, and his leadership in the gaming industry through Leisure & Resorts World Corp.

His public life has been marked by significant achievements and recent personal controversies.

Profile

• Full Name: Alfredo Abelardo Bantug Benitez
• Stage Name: Albee Benitez
• Born: December 20, 1966
• Age: 58 years old
• Birthplace: Palo Alto, California, United States
• Nationality: Filipino
• Occupation: Filipino Politician, Businessman, and Television Producer
• Height: 5’7
• Parents: Jose Conrado Benitez (father), and Betty Bantug Benitez (mother)
• Siblings: 1, Jose Francisco “Kiko” Benitez (younger brother)
• Spouse: Dominique “Nikki” Lopez (married 1992, annulment filed 2024)
• Children: Javier Miguel “Javi” Benitez (born 1994), Bettina Marie Benitez; alleged daughters with Daisy Reyes and Andrea Del Rosario
• Relationship: Divorced
• Net Worth: $30 million to $70 million

Early Life and Education

Albee Benitez was born on December 20, 1966, in Palo Alto, California, to Jose Conrado Benitez and Betty Bantug, both from Negros Occidental, Philippines. Raised in a family with strong ties to Negros, he spent his early years in the U.S. before moving to the Philippines.

He attended La Salle Green Hills in Manila for primary and secondary education, excelling academically and athletically. A former national water ski athlete, he won a silver medal at the 1984 Southeast Asian Games.

Benitez pursued higher education at the College of William & Mary in Williamsburg, Virginia, earning a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics. His analytical background influenced his later success in business, particularly in the gaming industry. His family’s roots in Negros Occidental shaped his commitment to public service in the region.

Career

Albee Benitez began his career in 1993 by founding Bingo Bonanza Corporation, where he served as president and CEO, establishing it as the Philippines’ largest bingo operator with a 50% market share by 2001. In 1994, he founded AB Leisure Exponent Inc. (ABLE), which became a subsidiary of Leisure & Resorts World Corp. (LRWC) in 1999.

As LRWC president from 2005 to 2010, he oversaw a net income of ₱64.1 million in 2005 and ₱167.9 million in 2007, also acquiring 35% of First Cagayan, a key online gambling licensor.

Benitez divested his LRWC presidency in 2010 to enter politics but remained a majority shareholder, returning as chairman in 2019 until resigning in 2021 to run for mayor of Bacolod. His political career began in 2010 as a congressman for Negros Occidental’s 3rd district (2010–2019), where he chaired the Committee on Housing and was a lead convenor of the Visayan Bloc.

Elected mayor of Bacolod in 2022, he focused on infrastructure and healthcare projects, including a new City Health Complex and Old City Hall rehabilitation.

In 2025, he was elected representative of Bacolod’s lone district, set to take office on June 30, 2025. As a television producer, Benitez owns Brightlight Productions, creating shows like Game Changer (ANC), Sunday Noontime Live!, and Tropang LOL (TV5). He briefly operated the e-sabong platform Sabong International PH until its 2022 ban.

Awards and Nominations

• Winner: Silver Medal, Water Skiing – Southeast Asian Games (1984)
• Winner: Multiple business and civic awards for contributions to education reform and poverty reduction (specific awards not detailed in sources)

Social Media

• Instagram Handle: @albeebenitez
• Facebook Handle: @albeebenitez
• Twitter/X Handle: @albeebenitezph

Personal Life

Albee Benitez, resides primarily in Bacolod, with homes in Victorias, Negros Occidental, and Forbes Park, Makati. An Aquarius, his height is not publicly disclosed. He married Dominique “Nikki” Lopez in 1992 at Manila Cathedral, and they have two children: Javier Miguel “Javi” Benitez, mayor of Victorias, and Bettina Marie.

In February 2024, Benitez filed for annulment, sparking controversy. Nikki filed a complaint in May 2025 under the Anti-Violence Against Women and Children Act (RA 9262), alleging economic and psychological abuse and claiming Benitez fathered daughters with actresses Daisy Reyes and Andrea Del Rosario around 2002–2003, which he denied.

A 2024 Tokyo airport sighting with actress Ivana Alawi fueled romance rumors, which Benitez dismissed as professional interactions tied to his role at Brightlight Productions. His son Javi publicly supported Nikki, emphasizing family unity.

Benitez is a former national water ski athlete and serves as secretary general of the Philippine Badminton Association (since 2011). He founded the Betty Bantug Benitez Foundation (1982) and Kaayong Lawas Foundation Hospital, reflecting his commitment to philanthropy.

Filmography

• Game Changer (ANC, TV Series) – Producer
• Sunday Noontime Live! (TV5, TV Series) – Producer
• Tropang LOL (TV5, TV Series) – Producer

Net Worth

Albee Benitez’s estimated net worth ranges from $30 million to $70 million. His wealth stems from his leadership in Leisure & Resorts World Corp., ownership of Bingo Bonanza and AB Leisure, and investments in properties like residences in Forbes Park and Dasmariñas Village, luxury vehicles, and publicly listed shares.