FROM 51 delegates, the roster of 2026 Miss Universe Philippines participants has now gone down to 50, with one candidate no longer allowed to compete.
The Miss Universe Philippines Organization (MUPH) announced their decision in a statement posted on social media on Saturday afternoon, March 28, but did not name who the concerned delegate was.
“Following concerns that were brought to our attention, the organization undertook a careful and thorough review of the matter. The delegate was given both verbal and written guidance to help address the situation,” MUPH said in the statement.
“Despite these efforts, certain behaviors continued in ways that were not aligned with the standards we aim to uphold. As such, it has been decided that the delegate will no longer be allowed to continue in the competition,” the statement continued.
A review of the recent postings on the national pageant’s social media accounts will reveal that photos of seasoned aspirant Imelda Schweighart representing Kalibo, Aklan, no longer appears in the lineup.
On March 27, the Binibining Pilipinas and Miss Philippines Earth alumna posted on social media that her journey continues. “I didn’t come this far just to be a headline. I am here to be remembered,” she wrote.
Although it was not clear if it is related to her removal from the competition, Schweighart posted on social media on Saturday morning, seeking clarification from the medical community and the Department of Health (DOH).
In her post, she aired her concern about the handling of babies at a children’s hospital. “Does a pageant production team have any legal or medical standing to dictate how an infant is moved or handled within a DOH-accredited facility?” she asked.
Schweighart did not provide specific information related to any pageant activity that prompted her to raise the matter she brought out, and MUPH has not yet addressed the concerns that she enumerated.
But the organization’s statement mentioned, “[a]t MUPH, we value individuality and encourage each delegate to express herself authentically. At the same time, we remain committed to maintaining a positive and respectful environment for all–one that supports fellow delegates, honors our partners, and upholds the integrity of the organization.”
If indeed it was Schweighart who has been removed from the competition, this will not be the first time for her to get embroiled in a pageant controversy.
When she missed the first cut in the 2016 Miss Earth pageant held in Manila, she was caught on camera berating the other participants, and complained about their surgical physical enhancements. This was followed by her resignation as Miss Philippines Earth titleholder. (Armin P. Adina © Philippine Daily Inquirer)
