Koko Pimentel admits split with beauty-queen wife

Senator Koko Pimentel on Tuesday confirmed his separation from his wife of almost 12 years, Jewel May Lobaton, a former Binibining Pilipinas-Universe titleholder who represented the country in the Miss Universe pageant in 1998.

 

"We have been living separately since November 2011," Pimentel said in a statement.

 

The senator said they tried to resolve their differences for their two sons but failed.

 

"Now that we have separated, my main concern is the welfare of the boys.  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," he said.

 

"This may well be the most difficult public pronouncement I will ever be making in my entire life. And painful too, as every separation involves a certain degree of pain," he added. —With Kimberly Tan/VS/HS, GMA News