Jewel May Lobaton, Bb. Pilipinas-Universe 1998, was arrested by authorities in a hotel in Laoag City, Ilocos Norte for her alleged involvement in an investment scam supposedly duping several people.
According to Batangas PPO Provincial Director Police Colonel Pedro Soliba, Jewel used the name of ex-husband Koko Pimentel in winning the trust of her supposed victims.
"Ginagamit nga niyang apelido 'yung sa dati niyang kinakasama na politician para maniwala itong mga would be victims niya sa kaniyang pang-i-scam,” he said.
Beyond that, Jewel, also claimed to be a producer for a talent agency.
“Nagpapakilala siyang producer (ng) talent agency...nagsasabi rin siya po na may party-list but she's actually not represented by any," Soliba added.
Most of Jewel's victims were supposed to be politicians.
“More than 10 siguro (ang nagrereklamo). Basta marami. Karamihan mga politician pa at kanilang mga kamag-anak,” Soliba related.
Jewel is yet to issue a statement.
Koko, meanwhile, was quick to distance himself from the issue.
He tweeted, Thursday: "Calling on all media practiotioners to desist from mentioning me or the Pimentel name in connection w/ news about the arrest of Jewel Lobaton. The marriage has long been dissolved/declared null & void by the court & by the church."
“Meaning, Jewel Lobaton has no right to use the surname Pimentel,” he added.