Former Bb. Pilipinas denies third party destroyed marriage to senator

Bb. Pilipinas 1998 Jewel Mae Lobaton denied that her kababayan and close friend, Rep. Anthony Golez is the third party behind her separation from her husband, Sen. Koko Pimentel.

“Una sa lahat po gusto ko lang i-clarify na hindi po third party ang reason ng aming separation. Kasi, bago pa ho kami nagkakilala ni Congressman Golez, may problema na po kami ni Koko,” she said in an interview with GMA-7’s “Startalk” on Saturday, June 2.

“It’s unfair to him na medyo na-drag siya dito sa issue. But because it’s also political season, baka sinakyan po ng ibang politiko na gustong gumamit sa issue na ito,” she added.

While she admitted being friends and working closely with Golez, Jewel maintains it is all because they share the same advocacy.

“Number one, pareho kaming taga-Bacolod; number two, we share the same vision and programs,” she explains. “I would like to say that our friendship is good. We are doing programs together that are effective. Ang importante dito para sa’kin ay kung anong nagagwa niyong dalawa.”

Since October

While rumors about their separation have been going around for quite some time, the estranged couple admitted only last week that they have been separated since late last year.

The marriage lasted 11 years.

“I would like to confirm it also that last October nag-usap na kaming dalawa to end the relationship. Kasi, tulad ng sinasabi din niya (at) ako din, mahihirapan, masakit din para sa akin to have fought for this relationship for 12 years,” Jewel points out.

Aftermath

Jewel also clarified that she and Koko have agreed on the terms of custody of their two children. But she didn’t give details on what the arrangements are. She also said that they will be filing for annulment.

Meanwhile, Jewel admits feeling depressed more than six months after her marriage crumbled.

“Up to now I am still weeping at night. Up to now, nededepress (pa) din ako. I think we both deserve to be happy wherever we are, or whatever we’re doing,” the former beauty queen shared.

“Ang pagmamahal sa tingin ko nand’yan pa rin, kaya lang meron talagang incompatibilities. This will happen naturally. I don’t want to force (the) issue, kung makabalikan pa kami ni Koko, it could happen. Kung hindi na, maybe we are better for other people—or maybe just as a person, as I am, I can be okay,” she added.

Koko and Jewel tied the knot in 2000.

By Jozza Palaganas | Yahoo! Southeast Asia Newsroom