Jewel Lobaton worried about sons with ex-husband Koko Pimentel

MANILA – Jewel Lobaton, the ex-wife of Senator Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III, could not stop her tears as she expressed her worry for their two sons, who are both living with their father.

Lobaton broke her silence a day after Pimentel announced that he tested positive for COVID-19.

In an exclusive interview with ABS-CBN News’ Jeff Fernando, the former beauty queen said all she wants is to be certain that her children are safe.

“In my prayers, umiiyak ako. I trust the Lord that He will guide my path, my walk, today. Pero today, I want to make sure my children are tested. Just that muna. Ang next step would be judicial issue,” she said.

As the kids’ mother, Lobaton said she is anxious that neither Pimentel nor his current wife is able to look after her two sons at this crucial time.

Pimentel is supposed to be in isolation after testing positive for the coronavirus, while his current wife is about to give birth.

“We have minors who are left behind by two parents that were taking care of them during the time that these parents were under exposure or at least 'yung isa positive,” she said.

Loboton said the last time she spoke to her two sons was on March 13. "I had an access to chat with [my younger son] and we said I love you to each other. He knew that I was sick also at that time, not COVID. He said, ‘Please take care, mama,’” she said.

Physically, Lobaton said she hasn’t seen both her children since 2017.

“It is a suffering that only a mother can understand na kailangan ko tumahimik at hindi ko kailangan bulabugin ang set up because mahal ko ang mga anak ko,” she said.

“There are no words to describe the difficulty. Noong alam kong wala silang sakit [nag-aalala na ako], how much more now na exposed sila? [I feel] helplessness, worry, anxiety, sometimes rage and anger. Kaya I asked forgiveness from God,” she added. 

At the end of the day, Lobaton said she just wants to assure her children that she is there for them no matter what happens.

Lobaton and Pimentel were married in 2000 and separated in 2011. 

source: news.abs-cbn.com

Koko's wife breaks down, files for annulment

MANILA -- Jewel Lobaton, the estranged wife of Sen. Aquilino "Koko" Pimentel, turned emotional as she filed Wednesday her petition seeking the annulment of her 13-year marriage to the lawmaker.

The former beauty queen formalized the legal step at a Quezon City court, accompanied by her legal counsel, Atty. Salvador Panelo.

"We have cited several instances that show that there have been abuses from Day 1 of the wedding up to the day of the separation, and continuing up to the present," the lawyer said, explaining what motivated the petition.

The case was raffled to Judge Jose Bautista of the QC Family Court.

Lobaton and Pimentel were married in 2000 and separated in 2011. They have two children, aged 8 and 2.

Further steps

Speaking exclusively with ABS-CBN News' Mario Dumaual shortly before filing the petition on Wednesday, Lobaton pointed to her kids in explaining her initial hesitation to take the legal step.

"[I feel] sad and helpless, because I'm thinking of the children. Atsaka natatakot po ako," said Lobaton, who appeared to be holding tears.

"It took me sometime because I really want to give it a try, a chance. I don't want to harm...," she added, before breaking down and requesting to end the interview.

Lobaton's legal counsel, Atty. Salvador Panelo, brought up his client's "emotional outburst" in requesting to excuse her from the interview.

Panelo nonetheless detailed further steps they are planning to take in relation to Lobaton's alleged abusive relationship with Pimentel, saying they are set to file a petition for a temporary protection order against the senator.

'No stone unturned'

According to Lobaton, who resumed with the interview after appearing to compose herself, she had sought the support of her friends in taking the matter to court.

"Bago ako pumunta dito last weekend, pumunta muna ako sa mga kaibigan kong pari, madre, atsaka mga kaibigan namin sa community. Actually sinabi sa akin hanggang kanina, 'You did your best, no stone was left unturned. God be with you'," she said.

She added she had tried numerous times to speak with Pimentel, "pero hindi niya ako pinagbigyan."

"I am really entrusting everything to God. Siya na ang bahala. Basta deep in my heart, alam ko ginawa ko na po lahat ng kaya kong gawin for the sake of our children," she said.

Pimentel opted to put off addressing the issue when sought for his statement on Wednesday.

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com