Koko to formalize split from wife of 12 years

MANILA, Philippines - Sen. Aquilino Martin “Koko” Pimentel III said yesterday he is preparing the annulment papers to formalize his separation from his wife, Jewel May Lobaton, after 12 years of marriage.

Asked who between them should file the annulment, Pimentel – a lawyer – said he will prepare his own case.

“The law says we should not be cooperating. That’s the problem with our law, actually the law says there should be no collusion between the parties. Who decides to file, should file. I will prepare, on my own,” Pimentel said in television interview yesterday.

“In annulment, legal separation one of the parties must be at fault. At least one. The law requires that because there’s also a consequence, somebody forfeits something, that’s how it is,” he added.

Asked if a third party was involved, Pimentel said he did not know of any.

Pimentel lamented that his marriage did not last, noting that he “never thought about how long we’ve had some incompatibilities or problems because I assumed this is normal.”

On the filing of a divorce bill before the Senate, Pimentel said he is now reconsidering his stand on the matter following his experience.

“Given my experience and after hearing from some other people share their own experiences, I think I should keep an open mind,” Pimentel said, but added that “we should not necessarily follow the most liberal model, like no-fault divorce. That’s pushing it too far.”

A re-electionist, Pimentel said he will campaign normally and he will “even ask her to campaign for me.”

Since their separation in November last year, Pimentel said he and Jewel are “on speaking terms. We have agreed to try our best to remain as friends and good parents to our sons,” of whom they will have shared custody.