InterAksyon.com
The online news portal of TV5
MANILA, Philippines—Senator Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III confirmed in a statement issued Tuesday that he and his wife, former beauty queen Jewel May Lobaton, have officially separated.
The announcement may well be “the most difficult public pronouncement I will ever be making in my entire life,” said Pimentel, who in recent months has reportedly been living separately from his wife of 12 years.
Both tried to resolve their differences for the sake of their two children but failed, the senator said.
“Now that we have separated, my main concern is the welfare of the boys,” Pimentel explained.
At the same time, he said the separation and the difficult times he is going through will not distract him from performing his duties as senator-judge in the impeachment trial of Chief Justice Renato Corona.
“Hence, I am asking for prayers from my supporters and the understanding of our people whom I serve. I want to assure them that this situation will not affect the discharge of my duties as a Senator,” the son of former Senate President Aquilino “Nene” Pimentel Jr., said.