THE Miss Universe Philippines 2023 pageant has already concluded, but netizens still aren’t over the controversy that surrounded the Top 10 results of the competition. 

This is why the pageant’s National Director Shamcey Supsup has shed light on the events that took place during the coronation last May 13. 

It can be recalled that after the Top 10 candidates were named, the pageant organizers announced that all Top 18 qualifiers would be allowed to participate in the next round, which was the evening gown competition.

They cited a “technical issue” that affected tabulations of the scores of those who made it to the Top 10. 

When the Top 5 were announced, they included a candidate who was not in the original Top 10. 

The incident earned massive criticism from the public because no explanation was given to clarify what happened. 

Shamcey speaks up

Addressing the matter In a Facebook post, Supsup the Top 10 results were based on “independently tabulated results provided by the accounting firm.” The results were also submitted to the MUPh board. 

Supsup said she examined the figures herself, and particularly locked her attention on the “highly improbable nature of the numbers.”

“This gave rise to concerns that the integrity of the results may have been compromised,” she said. 

The board then decided to conduct a In the interest of fairness and transparency, the board then  manual counting of the judges’ votes in the interest of fairness and transparency, she said. 

“This meticulous process was conducted with the utmost diligence and in the presence of the accounting firm. As a result, it became evident that there were discrepancies in the initial top 10 results,” she said.

This was why all 18 candidates were allowed to compete in the evening gown portion of the competition, she said. 

“Our primary objective as an organization is to promote integrity, transparency, and accountability in all aspects of the pageant. We believe in providing equal opportunities for all candidates and to do what is right no matter the consequences,” she added. 

Supsup thanked all the loyal pageant supporters for their appreciation and unwavering belief in the organization. 

Actress Michelle Dee, who was a consistent crowd favorite, was crowned Miss Universe Philippines 2023, succeeding Celeste Cortesi. She will be vying for the country’s fifth crown at the competition’s global counterpart this year in El Salvador. 

Pauline Amelinckx was crowned Miss Supranational Philippines 2023, while Krishnah Marie Gravidez was crowned Miss Charm Philippines 2024. 

Christine Juliane Opiaza is the 1st runner up while Mary Angelique Manto was named the 2nd runner-up.