Pimentel shrugs off reports ex-wife planning to sue him

Sen. Aquilino Pimentel III. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines – Senator Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III on Tuesday shrugged off his ex-wife’s reported plan of filing a case against him, saying he too could also file cases against her.

“This is a free country. She can file what she wants,” Pimentel said of his former wife, Jewel Lobaton, in a text message to Senate reporters.

“But then I also have rights. I will defend myself against baseless and harassment charges. And of course, I can also file charges,” he added.

The senator was reacting to Lobaton’s reported plan to file a case against him for allegedly violating Republic Act 9262 or the Anti-Violence against Women and their Children Act.

In a separate text message, Pimentel said he would not dignify the accusations against him as he would rather concentrate on helping victims of typhoon “Labuyo.”

“Hindi naman ’yan national issue. Mag-concentrate tayo dun sa mga naapektuhan ng bagyong Labuyo (It’s not a national issue. Let’s just concentrate on those affected by typhoon Labuyo),” he said.

“Nabasa ko na ang batas. Alam ko rin ang mga karapatan ko (I have read the law, and I know my rights),” said Pimentel.