I am reposting the article published by Rappler.com about the Miss Universe franchise in the Philippines.
Some messages from contacts in my inbox are asking if this is a case of “She said, He said” after Madame Stella Marquez de Araneta was quoted as saying (during the Karen Gallman sendoff) that the franchise is still with BPCI. Now, Governor Chavit Singson is claiming that the franchise is with him (check the Screenshot below of his interview with Philippine Star).
Well, until the official announcement from MUO gets published, I will not give my personal opinion. Yet.
Here now is the Rappler article:
Chavit Singson: Miss Universe Philippines franchise ‘already with me’
The former Ilocos Sur governor says a formal announcement will be made by the Miss Universe Organization soon
Rappler.com
Published 12:18 PM, January 13, 2019
Updated 12:30 PM, January 13, 2019MANILA, Philippines – Former Ilocos Sur governor Luis “Chavit” Singson said that he has acquired the Miss Universe Philippines franchise.
In an interview with the Philippine Star published Sunday, January 13, Singson told columnist Wilson Flores that the Philippine Miss Universe franchise is “already with [him].”
“True, the franchise is already with me, but it has not yet been announced. I think it shall be formally announced this January or February, when Catriona comes back again to the Philippines,” Singson said.
“Binibining Pilipinas Universe will be replaced with ‘Miss Universe Philippines.’ Noon pa binibigay sa akin ‘yan (It was being offered to me since before), because I’ve been helping them since 2016.”
Candidates for the Miss Universe pageant are selected by local franchise owners. These local franchises are owned by either an individual or an organization. The Binibining Pilipinas Charities Inc (BPCI), which runs the Binibining Pilipinas pageant, has had the Miss Universe franchise since 1964.
Let the discussion begin now.