Binibining Pilipinas still owns Miss Universe Philippines franchise — Stella Araneta

MANILA, Philippines — Binibining Pilipinas Charities Inc. Chairperson Stella Marquez Araneta has put an end to speculations that the local franchise of the Miss Universe pageant is now under the group of Ilocos Sur Gov. Luis Chavit Singson. 

In an ambush interview with the media, Araneta confirmed that the most prestigious beauty pageant is still with her organization.

“Well, it's still with us. If some people say something else, let them talk about it," Araneta told reporters. 

Araneta added that the search for the new batch of Binibining Pilipinas beauty queens would be announced soon. 

Recent reports said the international organization allegedly offered the franchise to Singson.

Singson, together with his daughter Richelle who was a judge in the Miss Universe 2018 competition, came home to the Philippines with Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray after the pageant.

Apart from Miss Universe, Binibining Pilipinas winners also represent the country in other international beauty pageants such as Miss International, Miss Supranational, Miss Intercontinental, Miss Grand International and Miss Globe.