(SPOT.ph) Although it was earlier announced that the next Miss Universe pageant will be held in the Philippines in January 2017, it's looking as though things may not entirely be set in stone.
Women's rights advocates wrote a letter to the Miss Universe Organization appealing for their reconsideration. In the letter, they cited the "objectionable, scandalous and demeaning sexist attitude demonstrated by the newly elected leaders of our country, by no less than President Rodrigo Duterte" as reason behind their appeal.
The Department of Tourism released a statement yesterday, October 11, saying the hosting has "overwhelming public support" and that the big event will be a "boost to the country's tourism promotion program."
— Pia Alonzo Wurtzbach (@PiaWurtzbach) October 10, 2016
Meanwhile, reigning Miss Universe Pia Wurtzbach also vowed (above) to ensure that the pageant would push through.
An earlier report from Inquirer.net claimed that William Morris Endeavor/IMG, who owns the Miss Universe franchise, has cancelled the plans over "political instability," "security concerns," and the still-unpaid hosting fee. The Department of Tourism (DOT) has denied the cancellation.
If it pushes through, the pageant will be held on January 30, 2017.