Koko’s wife: No third party involved in split

BACOLOD CITY — The estranged wife of Sen. Aquilino Pimentel III denied that a third party caused the breakup of their marriage.

Jewel May Lobaton, former Miss MassKara and Binibining Pilipinas Universe titleholder who represented the country in the Miss Universe pageant in 1998, added that Bacolod Rep. Anthony Golez had nothing to do with what happened to her marriage.

“What is clear between me and Koko is that the third party was not the reason of the separation. It is unfair to Congressman Golez when his name was mentioned in the papers as the reason of the separation. And I would like to also say that Koko and I have remained good friends,” Lobaton said in a text message to the Inquirer.

She and the senator are discussing issues about their children and how they will proceed, Lobaton said.

“I also am asking for prayers from everyone and understanding that this is a very private matter between me and Koko. I hope that they will respect our privacy,” she added.

Lobaton said that the past months have been very tough for her emotionally and psychologically because “more than anything else, I am a mother to our two children who are minors (7 and 2 years old ).”

“I have to protect their rights as children as they are also affected by all these,” she added.

“As a woman, I am wearing different hats—wife, mother, child advocate, daughter, etc. One hat was unsuccessful and I just have to move on. There are other more important aspects in our lives as women. I am relieved that finally Koko and I have decided to move on so we can concentrate on our other responsibilities,” Lobaton said. /INQUIRER