When the Miss Universe Philippines Organization (MUPH) released a statement announcing that a delegate was no longer allowed to continue with this year’s competition, many assumed it was Imelda Schweighart representing Kalibo, Aklan.
As it turned out, it was not her that the MUPH statement referred to, but another delegate, MUPH insiders told Inquirer Entertainment. But they are withholding the identity of the concerned delegate for now, pending the resolution of legal proceedings.
The statement did not mention who among the initial 51 delegates had been dropped from the roster, but online pageant pages ran the announcement and pointed to her as the one the statement pertained to.
Many of the social media posts from pageant pages identifying Schweighart as the supposed delegate referred to in the MUPH statement have already been deleted as of this writing.
“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. Despite these efforts, certain behaviors continued in ways that were not aligned with the standards we aim to uphold,” read the MUPH statement.
“MUPH believes in fostering an environment that is uplifting, respectful, and empowering to women. We remain dedicated to ensuring that the experience is constructive and meaningful for evervone involved,” the statement continued.
Comments poured in on the various posts that carried the statement, including the one MUPH’s own social media accounts, citing Schweighart as the supposed delegate.
Speculations grew because many observed that her headshots and other images were no longer found in some postings. There was also no tourism video for Kalibo whereas the other delegates already have theirs posted on official MUPH pages.
Schweighart had previously found herself in a pageant controversy when, after missing the first cut of the 2016 Miss Earth pageant held in Manila, she was caught on video lambasting the other delegates who had surgical enhancements. She subsequently gave up her national crown.
She staged a pageant comeback in 2023, and joined Germany’s search for a Miss Universe representative. She then returned to the Philippines in 2024 and joined the Century Superbonds contest where she received the “Supermom” award.
On the day of the 2026 Miss Universe Philippines preliminary competition on March 29, Schweighart posted on her social media account: “To everyone sending strength and standing by the truth: I see you. Your support is the wind beneath my wings.” (Armin P. Adina © Philippine Daily Inquirer)
