Metro Manila (CNN Philippines) — The Department of Tourism (DoT) acknowledged an online petition pushing for the Miss Universe pageant to be held elsewhere.
In a statement, the DOT said it respects the opinion of the petitioners. But at the same time, the agency said hosting the pageant would be “a great honor,” and the plan has already seen “overwhelming public support.”
Read: Philippines to host Miss Universe 2016
What’s the reason for the petition?
Concerned citizens and women professionals wrote to the Miss Universe Organization, urging them to stop the plan of hosting Miss Universe in the Philippines.
They said doing so would reward the “demeaning sexist attitude” of President Rody Duterte and his men:
“To hold the Miss Universe Pageant in the Philippines at this time would serve as a reward of this intolerable behavior and excuse such behavior. It would reinforce a troubling trend in our society,” the petition said.
Read: Duterte still against Steve Harvey hosting Miss Universe 2016
The letter said Duterte’s apparent “chauvinism, brutal shaming, rape jokes, and a sweeping disregard for women” has carried over to his allies in Congress.
Duterte previously drew flak for whistling at a news reporter and for making a rape joke.
Recently, Vice President Leni Robredo and some lawmakers — including Sen. Leila De Lima, one of the president’s fiercest critics — objected to some congressmen’s interest in playing De Lima’s alleged sex video at a House hearing.
Pullout?
It was reported that William Morris Endeavor-IMG, which owns the Miss Universe Organization, is canceling the plan to host the pageant in the Philippines.
The petition letter mentioned that organizers are concerned about political instability and security in the country.
Reigning Miss Universe Pia Wurtzbach, who personally met with Duterte to discuss hosting plans, said she will fight for the pageant to be held in the Philippines:
“Kalma lang. Ipaglalaban ko yan. [Keep calm. I will fight for it.] I want the competition in my home country!”
In August, the DoT announced that the Miss Universe pageant will be held in the Philippines next year, with the coronation night scheduled on January 30.
The DoT said the pageant will boost tourism and benefit local businesses.
The Philippines has hosted the beauty contest twice: in 1974 and 1994.
