Daiana Menezes' husband rushed to hospital

MANILA -- A wounded Cagayan de Oro Representative Benjamin "Benjo" Benaldo was rushed to the hospital Thursday night.

Benaldo was brought to the New Era General Hospital in Quezon City from the House of Representatives between 7 p.m and 8 p.m. Thursday, according to Rica dela Cresta of the Public Relations and Information Bureau of the lower house.

The outgoing congressman was seen being rushed out of the south lobby of the House of Representatives, according to security personnel stationed there.

Benaldo was reportedly bloodied from an injury.

The cause of the wound was still under investigation, as of posting.

In recent weeks, Benaldo was the subject of headlines for his relationship with his wife, Brazilian model Daiana Menezes, who had aroused speculations that she was a victim of domestic violence.

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

Daiana Menezes' partner breaks silence on 'abuse'

MANILA, Philippines -- Outgoing Cagayan de Oro Rep. Benjamin Benaldo admitted "differences" with his partner, model Daiana Menezes, amid speculations about the Brazilian beauty's controversial messages of "domestic violence" early this week.

Benaldo, with "the consent of [his] partner," issued a statement Thursday to address the "issues that have recently come out."

"Like any couple, Daiana and I encounter problems. We try to resolve them privately. I have apologized to her and she has accepted," the congressman said.

He added: "On behalf of Daiana's actions on social media (Twitter, Instagram), we seek the understanding of everyone regarding her posts on her advocacies seeking help and support."

The lawmaker is referring to Menezes' controversial posts on the social networking sites early this week. The 25-year-old shared a series of images pertaining to violence against women, including ones showing the words "No to rape," "Real Men Don't use Violence," and "There is no excuse for abuse."

Another photo on Menezes' Instagram page showed an arm bleeding from cuts and wounds.

On Tuesday, a source disclosed to ABS-CBN News that Menezes, through a representative, has already raised her "situation" to a women's rights group.

In his statement, Benaldo said that he "[believes] that any woman, any foreigner (woman) who might be facing a situation worse than ours must find an avenue for the redress of her grievances in our country."

The congressman, however, did not give further details about the mentioned "situation" with his partner.

Benaldo likewise confirmed ABS-CBN News' earlier report that he and Menezes were married in December 2012.

"Daiana and I got married civilly in Las Vegas. Since then, we have been preparing for the big religious ceremony as we previously announced," he said.

Maintaining that they are still a couple, Benaldo said he and Menezes were able "settled our differences today."

"We are together out of love. We fought because of love. She has forgiven me because she truly loves me. I am truly blessed," he said.

He added: "We thank our friends & relatives for their patience and support. We thank everyone for respecting our privacy."

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

Daiana Menezes engaged to solon

MANILA, Philippines -- Brazilian model and host Daiana Menezes is now engaged to Rep. Jose Benjamin "Benjo" Benaldo of Cagayan de Oro.

Menezes revealed the engagement in an interview with "KrisTV" on Thursday.

"Engaged kami but we call ourselves 'asawa' na," the Brazilian beauty said, adding that they might get married next year.

According to Menezes, she met the congressman only last January.

"Parang ang bilis, hindi ba?" Menezes told host Kris Aquino.

She said the lawmaker proposed to her under the Eiffel Tower in Paris. After the proposal they went to Brazil, where Benaldo meet Menezes' parents.

Before Benaldo, the Brazilian was previously engaged to TV director GB Sampedro before their controversial break up last year.

source: abs-cbnnews.com