Metro Manila (CNN Philippines) — Who is the new Miss Philippines Earth 2016?
There were a number of guesses as to who would take over the role left by Imelda Schweighart who resigned as Miss Philippines Earth 2016 following a viral video which showed her badmouthing Katherine Espin, the newly-crowned Miss Earth 2016.
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By succession rules, beauty pageants usually name the first runner-up as successor to the crown if the winner fails to fulfill her duties.
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That would have been Kiaragiel Gregorio, Miss Philippines Air 2016.
However, Lorraine Schuck, executive vice-president of Carousel Productions which owns Miss Philippines Earth pageant, said Loren Artajos, Miss Philippines Water or the second runner-up, succeeds Schweighart.
Speaking to CNN Philippines Senior Anchor Pinky Webb, Schuck explained that the crown was supposed to go to Gregorio after Schweighart quit. However, Gregorio declined the offer Wednesday, saying she is unable to take on the role as she is still studying in London.
Schuck said that at around 7 in the evening on Wednesday, the crown was offered to Artajos. She accepted the offer and became new Miss Earth Philippines 2016.
