Giving a rest to all the ongoing rumours, Miss Universe Organization (MUO) president Paula Shugart annulled the possibilities of President Rodrigo Duterte sitting as a judge in the Miss Universe 2016 pageant.

A Press Conference held with the 12 Miss Universe contestants in Makati, Paula Shugart mentioned the Miss Universe Organisation’s policy of not having any government official in the board of judges. Shugart said, “It’s very hard to be a government official and to be (a judge). We established the policy a long time ago. They have to be neutral.”

Earlier, the Department of Tourism expressed that the MUO would ease its rules and Duterte will be welcomed onboard as one of the judges for the night. DOT undersecretary Katherine De Castro said, “I think Miss Universe Organization is very much welcome to have him in the show. Apparently, it is a rule for the Miss Universe Organization not to have a judge from the host country but I think if it’s the President, I think they will make an exception to the rule.”

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This doesn’t seem to be happening anymore..!! The gala finale of Miss Universe 2016 is slated to be held on 30th January 2017, and at the conclusion of the pageant, Pia Wurtzbach will pass on her crown to her successor. Who do you think will win the coveted title this year?