Category: Philippines Daily Inquirer

The Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (Bayan) believes that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. must also be held accountable for the massive anomalies in flood control and other infrastructure projects.

Marcos earlier on Friday said cases against his cousin, former House Speaker and Leyte 1st District Rep. Martin Romualdez, and former House appropriations committee chair and resigned Ako Bicol party-list Rep. Zaldy Co in connection with alleged corruption were already underway.

‘As chief executive and incumbent resident of Malacañang, Marcos has to be made accountable for the blatant delivery of kickbacks inside the presidential palace,’ Bayan said in a statement later on Friday.

‘If it were genuinely pursuing accountability, the ICI would have followed not just the paper and money trail but also verified the delivery of stolen funds, packed in luggage and delivered via armored cars, to the president’s alter-egos,’ it added.

In a video posted on his social media last Friday, Co accused Marcos of ordering P100 billion in insertions for public works for kickbacks in the 2025 national budget.

Co further alleged that he and his staff delivered suitcases of money to Romualdez and to Malacañang.

‘Any recommendation to file corruption and plunder charges against top government officials without including the role of Pres. Marcos in the Malacañang kickback scandal is merely performative and intended to shield the president from prosecution,’ Bayan said.

On World Fisheries Day, fisherfolk and coastal residents from Zambales and Ilocos Sur trooped to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) in Quezon City, demanding accountability for what they described as the ‘continued corporate plunder’ of the country’s marine and aquatic resources through dredging and reclamation.

The protest, led by the group Pambansang Lakas ng Kilusang Mamamalakaya ng Pilipinas (PAMALAKAYA), targeted ongoing dredging operations in Zambales and Ilocos Sur, which are reportedly supplying materials for reclamation projects in Manila Bay. Residents from affected coastal communities joined the group in a street conference outside the DENR central office.

‘Hindi lamang ang direktang korapsyon ng kaban ng bayan ang dapat imbestigahan, dapat din panagutin ang mga ahensya ng pamahalaan tulad ng DENR, na walang-habas mag-apruba ng mga proyektong nagpapalala ng kalamidad tulad ng reklamasyon at dredging,’ said PAMALAKAYA National Chairperson Fernando Hicap.

(It’s not only the direct corruption of public funds that must be investigated-government agencies like the DENR must also be held accountable for indiscriminately approving projects that worsen disasters, such as reclamation and dredging.)

Hicap noted that 13 reclamation projects in Manila Bay have already been granted environmental permits by the DENR. He said these have fueled destructive dredging operations in nearby provinces, such as Zambales and Ilocos Sur, damaging coastal ecosystems and livelihoods.

Vulnerability, not development

The group stated that these extractive activities, combined with mining and corruption-ridden infrastructure projects, are eroding the climate resilience of coastal communities and increasing their vulnerability to disasters.

‘Dahil sa kapabayaan, kundi man lantarang pakikipagsabwatan ng DENR sa mga malalaking kumpanya, lubog ang mga komunidad ng mangingisda at bagsak ang kabuhayan dahil sa pagkasira ng mga pook-pangisdaan,’ Hicap added.

(Because of the negligence, if not outright collusion, of the DENR with large corporations, fishing communities are now submerged, and livelihoods have collapsed due to the destruction of traditional fishing grounds.)

He pointed to the DENR’s own cumulative impact assessment, which warned that reclamation in Manila Bay could lead to massive flooding, biodiversity loss, and a sharp decline in fishery resources.

‘Bagama’t may pag-aaral na inilabas ang DENR kaugnay sa pinsalang dulot ng reklamasyon, hindi naman ito ginamit para tuluyang ipatigil ang mga naturang proyekto,’ he said.

(Although the DENR has released a study on the damage caused by reclamation, it was not used to put a stop to these projects.)

Fast-tracked permits, lack of consultation

PAMALAKAYA urged a formal investigation into how large-scale, ‘destructive’ projects continue to be greenlit by the DENR-particularly those that manage to acquire environmental compliance certificates (ECCs), despite, they said, failing to meet basic legal requirements, such as public consultations.

‘Nararapat lang na imbestigahan kung bakit ang mga mapanirang proyekto tulad ng pagmimina at reklamasyon-kapwa nagpapalala ng pagbaha, ay napapahintulutan ng DENR na dapat ay nangangalaga ng kalikasan,’ said Hicap.

(It is only right to investigate why destructive projects like mining and reclamation, both of which worsen flooding, are being allowed by the DENR, which is supposed to protect the environment.)

The group has previously warned against the irreversible damage caused by dredging operations in Zambales, including the uprooting of coastal trees, the erosion of shorelines, and the displacement of local fisherfolk.

Earlier this month, residents also sought a dialogue with the DENR over these issues, citing worsening floods and destroyed coastal roads in the town of San Felipe.

Global day of protest

The demonstration coincided with World Fisheries Day, first celebrated on November 21, 1997, when the World Forum of Fisher Peoples (WFFP)-a global fisherfolk organization in which PAMALAKAYA is a member-was formed in New Delhi, India.

The group vowed to continue mobilizing fisherfolk against environmentally destructive and corruption-tainted projects, especially those threatening small-scale fisheries-a lifeline for millions of Filipinos.

The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) reminded drivers and operators of public utility vehicles (PUVs) that the 20-percent fare discount for students still applies even during holidays or class suspensions.

It issued the statement after it received complaints about PUV drivers who ignore Republic Act No. 11314.

‘The law is very clear about this. There must be a discount [for] students even during holidays for as long as they are enrolled [in school],’ LTFRB Chair Vigor Mendoza II said.

Section 4 of RA 11314 states that fare discounts ‘shall be available during the entire period while the student is enrolled, including weekends and holidays.’

‘We are reminding the operators and drivers again to strictly follow the law,’ said Mendoza. ‘So conduct yourselves properly, because if not, I will arrange the cases against you personally so that you will not just face fines, you will also lose your franchise.’

The LTFRB noted that drivers may have their licenses suspended for three months on top of being fined P1,000 for not honoring the fare discount.

Operators, on the other hand, may have their certificate of public convenience revoked and pay a maximum fine of P15,000 for the offense.

Mendoza urged students, as well as senior citizens and persons with disabilities, to file a complaint with the LTFRB if a PUV driver or operator does not give them a discount.

‘All you have to do is to properly document it and we will take care of the rest,’ he said.

After a dramatic start to the Miss Universe 2025 pageant, the coronation show tied the ends together for Thailand and Mexico with the latter’s delegate Fatima Bosch emerging as the winner of the most coveted crown.

At the end of the coronation ceremonies held at the Impact Challenger Hall in Nonthaburi, Thailand, Bosch bested 119 beauty queens, including the Philippines’ Ahtisa Manalo.

Bosch, in a resplendent red cheongsam-looking gown with cape, received her crown from Victoria Kjær Theilvig, last year’s winner. She is the fourth Miss Universe winner from Mexico.

Andrea Meza, the country’s third titleholder, was a member of the selection committee. Miss Universe Organization Pres. Raul Rocha, who owns half of the organization, is from Mexico.

Settling for the first runner-up spot was Thai beauty queen Praveenar Singh, while Stephany Abasali of Venezuela was proclaimed second runner-up. Manalo and Cote d’Ivoire’s Olivia Yace respectively emerged as the third and fourth runners up.

Manalo is a seasoned pageant contestant who counts 2018 Miss Universe Catriona Gray as her Binibining Pilipinas batch mate. She competed at the 2018 Miss International pageant and finished second overall.

The coronation of the new queen marked the conclusion of a drama-filled edition of the international competition in Thailand, with tension between the Miss Universe Organization (MUO) and the Thai organizing team headed by Nawat Itsaragrisil overtaking the festivities.

Just days before the final competition, two selection committee members stepped away from jury duty. Omar Harfouch cited what he deemed were irregularities, while Claude Makelele cited ‘unforeseen personal reasons.’

Standing up to a ‘bully’ Bosch’s win served as a dramatic end for a 25-year-old at the center of the turbulent 74th staging of the popular beauty pageant in Bangkok who stood up to public bullying from one of the hosts.

The bad vibes at this year’s event sprang from a sharp-tongued scolding of the Mexican contestant, Bosch, which sparked a controversy marked by a walkout, feminist solidarity and a teary melodramatic apology from the local organizer who set it all off.

At the livestreamed sashing ceremony for virtually all 130 contestants on Nov. 4, Thai national director Nawat Itsaragrisil hectored Bosch for allegedly not following his guidelines for taking part in local promotional activities. He called security when she spoke up to defend herself.

Bosch walked out of the room, joined by several others in a show of solidarity, including Theilvig.

‘What your director did is not respectful: he called me dumb,’ an unbowed Bosch told Thai reporters. ‘If it takes away your dignity, you need to go.’

Rocha released a statement condemning Nawat’s conduct as ‘public aggression’ and ‘serious abuse.’

Even Mexico’s first woman president, Claudia Sheinbaum, piled on, saying at a news conference in her country’s capital that she wanted to give ‘recognition’ to Miss Mexico for voicing her disagreement in a ‘dignified’ way.

‘It seems to me that it is an example of how women should raise our voices,’ Sheinbaum said.

Sheinbaum recalled being told in the past a common phrase that ‘women look more beautiful when they keep quiet.’ ‘We women look more beautiful when we raise our voice and participate, because that has to do with the recognition of our rights,’ she said.

Nawat later made apologies for his actions, appearing both tearful and defiant at the same time. ‘If anyone (was) affected and not comfortable it happened, I am so sorry,’ he said in front of the contestants. He then turned to them and said ‘It’s past. OK? Are you happy?’

Bosch’s official Miss Universe biography says she studied fashion in Mexico and Italy and has focused on creating sustainable designs and working with discarded materials. It says she has volunteered with sick children, promoted environmental awareness, and engaged in supported migrants and mental health issues.

Shaky start

This year’s competition also saw a report that two judges had quit, with one of them suggesting that there was an element of rigging to the contest. The allegation was denied.

Separately, Thai police investigated the alleged illegal promotion of online casinos as part of the event’s publicity, a turn of events that may have been connected with the organizers’ feud.

Mishaps and controversies are not rare for the pageant. The 2021 event attracted criticism because it was held in Israel, to the dismay of supporters of the Palestinian cause.

An example of a minor misstep – literally – occurred Wednesday when Miss Universe Jamaica, Gabrielle Henry, fell off the stage during the evening gown competition. She was not badly hurt.

This is Thailand’s fourth time hosting the Miss Universe pageant. Next year, the competition will be held in Puerto Rico, which has hosted the international event in 1971, 2001, and 2002

After the temporary closure of several ‘lechon’ (roasted pig) stores in La Loma, Quezon City, when some of the pigs were found positive for African swine fever (ASF), the Department of Health (DOH) assured the public Thursday that the disease cannot be passed on to humans.

‘The ASF is a disease affecting pigs, not humans,’ the DOH said in a video message on its social media page. ‘Humans cannot be infected with ASF. It is still safe to eat the meat of pigs. Just make sure that the meat is thoroughly cooked before it is eaten.’

A Department of Agriculture (DA) official, on the other hand, said the ASF situation in La Loma remains an ‘isolated’ case. The cases were due to stock farm operators who violated standards set by the Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI), which is under the DA, resulting in overcrowding and poor ventilation.

DA spokesperson Arnel de Mesa, citing department data, noted the decline in cases, with only 121 barangays nationwide affected by ASF in the third quarter of the year.

Significantly lower

He pointed out that the figure was significantly lower than the 969 barangays affected during the same period in 2024, the highest ever to be recorded in the country.

De Mesa said that the BAI and the Quezon City government have agreed to address the situation, which led to the temporary closure of the 14 lechon shops.

According to the US Food and Drug Administration, African swine fever is a highly contagious and deadly swine disease that affects both farm-raised and wild pigs.

It said that feeding pigs with uncooked or improperly heated food waste that is contaminated with ASF can also result in the transmission of the virus.

The DOH noted the ‘huge effect’ of ASF on the businesses of lechon store owners in La Loma, which is dubbed the ‘lechon capital of the Philippines.’

‘Almost every pig that gets this illness dies. Pigs get ASF from other pigs with the disease or from contaminated food or items,’ it said.

Huge effect

The Quezon City government ordered the 14 lechon establishments temporarily closed last week after several pigs tested positive for the virus. It has since recommended the culling of affected animals to prevent the spread of the infectious disease.

‘We’re not allowed to sell [lechon],’ said Ramon Ferreros, one of the store owners. ‘There are many employees relying on us. If this [closure] lasts for one week, two weeks or more, [it will be] a huge loss for the lechon industry. It is sad, but we have to comply with the order because we need La Loma to be ASF-free.’

The DOH reported that the local government has already conducted disinfection activities in the area and also placed checkpoints to control the entry and exit of pigs within Quezon City.

Manila Water Foundation (MWF), in collaboration with Manila Water Philippine Ventures subsidiaries Cebu Water and Tagum Water, together with Tagum Water District, Metro Cebu Water District, and Better with Water, continues to champion its mission of expanding access to water, sanitation, hygiene (WASH), and promoting environmental sustainability in Cebu Province and Davao del Norte.

Promoting hydration and waste reduction in Cebu

In Cebu, MWF and Cebu Water led the handover of Refrigerated Drinking Fountains (RDFs) in the Municipality of Carmen and Cebu City. This collaborative effort under MWF’s Lingap program aims to enhance access to clean drinking water, reduce plastic waste, and support local solid waste management programs.

As part of Carmen’s 174th Fiesta Celebration, six RDF units were officially turned over to the municipality. These units will be strategically installed in high-traffic public areas such as the Municipal Hall compound, gymnasium, public market, and the Bureau of Fire Protection Headquarters.

In Cebu City, five RDF units were handed over to Mayor Nestor Archival, Jr., and one unit to Metro Cebu Water District General Manager Edgar Denoso. These will be placed at the Cebu City Municipal Building and the Metro Cebu Water District office, respectively. Through this initiative, MWF promotes the use of reusable water tumblers and contributes to flood risk reduction by supporting improved waste management practices.

MWF, under its Lunas program also led WASH Paaralan and WASH Pamayanan hygiene education sessions in Cebu City to heighten awareness on water access, sanitation and hygiene or WASH. At Inayawan Elementary School, student leaders were reminded of the 7 Steps to Proper Toothbrushing, the 7 Steps to Proper Handwashing and participated in a Solid Waste Management session led by Better with Water, which emphasized the 4Rs: Refuse, Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle.

The school also received one RDF unit and 300 hygiene kits, along with essential WASH assets such as dippers, buckets and water containers.

In Barangay Inayawan, community members joined a WASH Pamayanan session focused on hygiene practices to prevent communicable diseases. A total of 150 hygiene kits and WASH assets were distributed to residents, reinforcing the importance of sanitation in everyday life.

Empowering communities in Tagum City

In celebration of Tagum Water’s 5th anniversary, MWF conducted a series of Lunas WASH Paaralan and WASH Pamayanan sessions in Tagum City, Davao del Norte. These initiatives aim to empower learners and community members with reminders on hygiene for health.

During the WASH Paaralan at Col. Rosalio C. Saludares Elementary School, 200 students received hygiene kits to promote proper handwashing and toothbrushing habits. Additionally, Babanganan Elementary School received 100 hygiene kits for its learners.

To further support menstrual health management, MWF donated sanitary pads to both schools, along with WASH assets such as water containers, pails, and dippers for use in school washrooms.

Meanwhile, in Barangay Magdum, a WASH Pamayanan session brought together teachers and parents from Early Childhood Care and Development Centers. The session emphasized the importance of oral health and handwashing in early childhood development.

Over 100 hygiene kits and WASH assets were distributed to support Day Care and Health Centers in the barangay.

These efforts reflect the shared commitment of Manila Water Foundation, Tagum Water, and Cebu Water to make clean water, proper hygiene, and sustainable living accessible to more Filipinos, especially in underserved communities.

Local leaders from the DepEd Schools Division Offices of Tagum City and Cebu City, partner schools, and barangay officials from Barangay Inayawan in Cebu City and Barangay Magdum in Tagum City expressed their heartfelt gratitude to Manila Water Foundation and its partners for their continued support in improving community health and well-being

The Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) is targeting to livestream its next hearings as it investigates government infrastructure anomalies.

In a press briefing, ICI Executive Director Brian Keith Hosaka said all of the proceedings will be livestreamed, except when there is a need to hold executive sessions that are required by law.

According to the executive director, the resource persons may ask for executive sessions, but the commission will decide if these requests will be accepted.

‘The commission may grant such requests if it determines that these have a sufficient and factual basis, and that granting them will not delay or hinder the commission in fulfilling its mandate,’ Hosaka said.

He added that the ICI will have an executive session if the information must be kept secret in the interest of national defense or security, and if such disclosure will put the life and safety of an individual in danger, among others.

The ICI is set to have its next hearing next week.

When asked who are the resource persons in the next proceedings, Hosaka said they will reveal the names a day before the actual event.

Through Facebook or YouTube

According to Hosaka, the hearings would be livestreamed through Facebook or YouTube.

He added that media entities may also broadcast the livestream upon complying with the requirements of the commission, which he has yet to divulge.

Reporters, meanwhile, will not yet be able to personally witness the hearings.

‘For now, the media is probably waiting here in this room (press room). We will provide you with a monitor or some connection with regard to our main platform,’ he said.

ICI’s previous hearings

Hosaka noted that the livestreaming of hearings will also cover the those that the commission recently conducted with past resource persons.

‘It will retroactively act to the previous hearings,’ he emphasized.

‘So definitely, we will coordinate with them if they will agree. Well, if it’s something that has to be covered by executive privilege, in the sense that if it was discussed in an executive session, and it should be covered by confidentiality, then the resource person will be exempted,’ Hosaka said.

Starting on September 19, 2025, the ICI conducted series of hearings amid the infrastructure anomalies.

The resource persons who already attended the past hearings of the ICI include former House Speaker Martin Romualdez, former Public Works Undersecretary Roberto Bernardo, contractor couple Pacifico ‘Curlee’ and Cezarah ‘Sarah’ Discaya, and former DPWH-Bulacan First District engineers Henry Alcantara, Brice Hernandez and Jaypee Mendoza.

After four years, the Philippines again made it to the Top 5 of the Miss Universe pageant when Ahtisa Manalo cinched a spot in this year’s edition.

Manalo breezed through the lineup in a custom silver gown by Val Taguba with a sheer veil that made her look like floating as she was walking in front of the Impact Arena in Thailand.

Aside from Manila, Thailand’s Praveenar Singh, Venezuela’s Stephany Abasali, Mexico’s Fatima Bosch, and Cote d’Ivoire’s Olivia Yace.

The last time the Philippines made it to the Top 5 was in 2021 with Beatrice Luigi Gomez in Israel. Michelle Dee came close to the final round in 2023 in El Salvador.

It was also revealed via a taped announcement that Puerto Rico will be the host of the Miss Universe 2026 pageant.

After the Top 5 announcement, the remaining contestants are set to showcase their intelligence and wit in the question and answer portion. The segment will determine the candidates who will advance to the next round.

The coronation event of the 74th edition of the Miss Universe pageant is being held at the Impact Challenger Hall in Nonthaburi, Thailand on Friday, Nov. 21

Communications professionals across Asia are entering a defining new era, one where artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly evolving into a more accessible toolkit, bringing challenges and opportunities.

According to AI Adoption Among PR Professionals in Asia 2025-a landmark white paper by One Asia Communications (OAC), a leading network of independent agencies across the Asia-Pacific region-communicators are embracing AI with growing strategic intent, optimism and responsibility.

Unveiled at the annual One Asia Communications Forum in Bangkok, the study marks the first independent, agency network-led report that offers a regionally grounded perspective on how AI is reshaping communications in Asia.

The study highlights that AI is a crucial tool for enhancing efficiencies, generating insights and supporting the implementation of human-led communications strategies for brands.

Conducted in partnership with RB Consulting, the research surveyed nearly 300 in-house communications professionals across 12 Asian markets: Cambodia, China/Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand and Vietnam.

Execution to strategy

The findings reveal how PR professionals can elevate their roles to become more sophisticated strategic counsellors while using AI tools for the more tactical tasks.

As AI automates monitoring, drafting and data analysis, communicators are redirecting their focus toward higher-order skills, such as judgment, insight, ethics and strategic foresight.

‘AI is transforming communicators into better insight generators and trust builders,’ says Siwon Hahm, OAC chair and CEO of Hahm Partners. ‘We are moving from doing the work to directing how technology supports human understanding and truth.’

Across Asia, this shift is already visible. Marketing teams are using AI for audience insights and creative optimization. Corporate communications teams are integrating AI into stakeholder mapping, reputation tracking and predictive issues management. PR leaders are guiding organizations on the ethical, reputational and societal implications of AI use.

The paper identifies generative engine optimization (GEO) as the next frontier of communications-a discipline where AI, data and storytelling converge to deliver adaptive, personalized audience experiences.

The rise of GEO

In a world indexed by AI systems, brand visibility is no longer about coverage or impressions, but about how organizations are interpreted and trusted by intelligent engines.

To thrive, communicators are urged to explore:

Developing trustworthy, transparent content that algorithms can understand and amplify;

Designing dynamic audience experiences that evolve based on engagement and relevance; and

Building emotional intelligence into digital storytelling to maintain authenticity amid automation.

Beyond technology, the study underscores a second and equally vital definition of GEO-governance, ethics and oversight-forming the foundation for responsible AI integration in communications.

Across all 12 markets, communicators agree that maintaining GEO principles is essential for building and protecting trust:

Governance: Clear internal policies and accountability frameworks for AI use;

Ethics: Fairness, transparency and respect for truth embedded in every output;

Oversight: Human supervision ensuring that technology enhances, not replaces, judgment.

Moving forward

The report predicts that over the next five years, AI will become a strategic copilot for communicators, driving new levels of engagement, creativity and accountability.

Emerging trends include:

Hyper-personalized storytelling powered by predictive analytics and generative tools;

Experience-based measurement, focused on trust and relevance, not just exposure; and

Ethical leadership where communicators guide organizations through the reputational risks of an AI-first ecosystem.

‘The future of AI in communications isn’t about faster outputs, it’s about deeper outcomes,’ says Hahm. ‘Asia’s communicators are ready to lead this evolution.’

Across the region, sentiment toward AI adoption remains largely positive. Indonesia and Vietnam report strong optimism, viewing AI as a driver of creativity and innovation.

Thailand, Malaysia and the Philippines are integrating AI into analytics and engagement, with a growing emphasis on measurement and ethics.

Singapore, Japan and South Korea are taking a balanced, governance-led approach to adoption, while India and Taiwan are using AI for advanced analytics and stakeholder mapping.

Chinese mainland, Hong Kong and Cambodia show pragmatic and early-stage adoption shaped by compliance and foundational literacy.

Regional insights

Overall, 58 percent of respondents view AI as a positive force in communications, while 80 percent express a need for formal AI training.

Top applications include content development, trend analysis and performance measurement, with a rising focus on ethics, transparency and data protection.

Noel Rene Nieva, president and CEO of Perceptions Inc., the Philippines representative in the One Asia Communications network, says the findings reaffirm what many are experiencing on the ground.

‘AI is becoming an indispensable partner in our work as communicators, but its true value comes when it enhances, not replaces, human judgment and creativity,’ he says. ‘Our role now is to ensure AI is used responsibly to drive clearer insights, greater efficiency, and communications that remain deeply human at their core

Ahtisa Manalo was a vision of perfection in an archer-themed set of photos released ahead of the 74th Miss Universe final competition.

Holding a bow and arrow, and wearing a monochromatic brown ensemble, the entrepreneur from Quezon Province appeared to be aiming at the coveted crown.

The seasoned contender has declared the Miss Universe to be her final hurrah in the industry, the ultimate conclusion to a long and colorful pageant ‘career’ that she embarked on since she was 10.

This year’s Miss Universe pageant will culminate at the finale show at the Impact Challenger Hall in Nonthaburi, northwest of Bangkok in Thailand, today, Nov. 21, with 120 delegates from all over the world vying for the crown.

Manalo delivered a solid performance in the preliminary competition held in the same venue on Nov. 19, and her national costume presentation also earned the approval of many.

In a pageant-crazy country such as the Philippines, immense pressure falls on the shoulders of those who carry the flag in international competitions.

Manalo is targeting the Philippines’ fifth Miss Universe victory, seven years since her Binibining Pilipinas batch mate Catriona Gray clinched the crown in a competition also held in Thailand. And for many Filipinos obsessed with beauty contests, that is already a long time to wait for another win.

The Philippines is the best performing Asian country in Miss Universe history, having four wins to date. Before Gray, the crown went to Gloria Diaz in 1969, Margie Moran in 1973, and Pia Wurtzbach in 2015.

Danish queen Victoria Kjær Theilvig, who won in last year’s competition n Mexico, will relinquish her Miss Universe crown to her successor at the end of today’s competition. And many Filipinos are hoping that it will be Manalo