Miss U PH Nagbawas ng Isang Candidate, Pero Tikom Pa Rin sa Pangalan

Miss Universe Philippines 2026 is now down to 50 contestants after the organization removed one delegate from the competition. The pageant body confirmed the decision in a public statement but chose not to identify the contestant involved, kaya lalong uminit ang usapan online.

Philstar.com reported that the organization said it values individuality, but also wants a positive and respectful environment for all delegates, partners, and organizers. After concerns were raised about one candidate, MUPH said it conducted a careful review and even issued both verbal and written notices before making the final call.

The organization said some of the behavior in question continued and no longer matched the standards it wants to uphold. Because of that, the delegate was no longer allowed to continue in the pageant. MUPH stressed that it wants the competition to remain uplifting, respectful, and empowering to women.

Although no name was officially released, pageant fans have been speculating that the removed delegate may be Imelda Schweighart, the representative of Kalibo, Aklan. The report noted that this speculation grew after online chatter about alleged friction with other contestants and after her photos no longer appeared in recent sponsored pageant shoots.

For now, the competition moves forward toward its May 1 coronation night, when reigning queen Ahtisa Manalo will crown her successor. Whoever wins will represent the Philippines in this year’s Miss Universe pageant in Puerto Rico, so kahit may issue, the race for the crown is still very much on.

Source: Philstar.com — https://www.philstar.com/lifestyle/fashion-and-beauty/2026/03/28/2517472/miss-universe-philippines-removes-delegate-2026-pageant