Leaders of different women’s groups on Monday released a letter to the Miss Universe organizing committee asking them to not to hold the Miss Universe 2016 pageant in the Philippines in January 2017.

The petitioners said to hold the pageant in the Philippines next year will be a “reward” to what others believe was “objectionable, scandalous, and demeaning sexist attitude demonstrated by the newly elected leaders of our country, by no less than President Rodrigo Duterte, and his cohorts towards womankind.”

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Reigning Queen, Pia Wurtzbach promised to the Filipinos that she will do her best to make sure that the next edition of Miss Universe pageant takes place in Philippines.

Pia posted, “Akong bahala, guys. Kalma lang. (I’ll take care of it, guys. Calm down).”

Pia Wurtzbach took over twitter to post:

Miss Universe 1999 first runner-up, Miriam Quiambao has also reacted to the petition saying that she believes that holding the pageant in the country next year will do more ‘good than harm’, citing the expected tourism boost, among others.

In a TV interview, Quiambao said, “sadly, we have heard stories and quotations of disrespect from certain leaders in this country… In fact, I chose not to elect certain officials just because of what they have said in the past against women.”

“But I think holding Miss Universe nonetheless in the Philippines will do a lot more good for this country because it will bring in a lot of tourism. We can also use it as a campaign for empowerment of women.”

“Naiintindihan ko ‘yung side nila (I understand where they are coming from). But instead of trying to stop this, why don’t we just focus on what we want?” she added. “We want women to be held in high regard, with respect. We want women to be empowered. We want women to be educated. Why don’t we focus on that instead? The more we focus on what we want; all the more we will achieve it.”

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No official announcement from the Miss Universe organizing committee regarding the hosting of Miss Universe pageant in Manila has been made yet. Filipinos are eagerly waiting for the same. Are you excited for the magnificent finale of Miss Universe 2016?