Miss Philippines Earth 2026 pageant opened its coronation night in Malitbog, Bukidnon on Saturday, June 27, notably without the presence of its reigning queen Joy Barcoma.
The event, hosted by TV host James Deakin, began with welcome speeches from Malitbog Tourism Officer Amalyn Morin, Malitbog Mayor Gary Casiño and Bukidnon 1st District Representative Jose Manuel Alba.
The 32 delegates then graced the stage in ethnic costumes and danced to traditional songs prior to introducing themselves.
The end of the show will see the coronation of the Miss Philippines Earth titleholder as well as her ‘elemental’ court-Miss Philippines-Air, Miss Philippines-Water, Miss Philippines-Fire, and Miss Philippines-Ecotourism.
As the program was starting many commenters during the Miss Philippines Earth livestream were asking why Barcoma was left out of the coronation, while others were demanding ‘justice’ for the embattled queen.
Barcoma had earlier confirmed that she would not have the traditional farewell walk as the pageant’s reigning queen. She did not disclose the reason for her absence at the event.
It can be noted, however, that speculations of her alleged fallout with the pageant organizer Carousel Productions surfaced on social media. Barcoma did not address such speculations in her statement, only thanking the pageant organization for entrusting her with the title.