Lawmaker denies being cause of Pimentel, wife breakup

https://www.congress.gov.ph/ photo

BACOLOD CITY—Representative Anthony Rolando Golez Jr. yesterday denied being the cause of the breakup of the marriage of Senator Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III and Jewel May Lobaton.

“I categorically deny having anything to do with the breakup of a relationship,” Golez said in a text message.

He explained that he had been working with Lobaton in the implementation of several projects.

“We have been implementing different advocacies that are very important to the people of Bacolod, most especially the children and the needy,” Golez said.

He also called on people to respect the privacy of Pimentel and Lobaton, who he said were undergoing a difficult time.

“Let’s pray for them and wish them the very best as they go on their separate ways,” Golez said.

In an e-mailed statement to reporters on Tuesday night, Pimentel announced his separation from Lobaton, his wife of almost 12 years. They have two sons.

The senator said he and his wife have been living separately since November 2011.

He explained that he had tried to resolve their differences for the sake of their two children but was unable to do so.

Originally posted: 7:19 pm | Wednesday, May 23rd, 2012