Women's group asks for cancellation of Miss Universe pageant in PH

They cited President Rodrigo Duterte as main reason why organizers should not hold Miss Universe in the Philippines next year.

MANILA - Leaders of various women's group has petitioned to the organizing committee of Miss Universe asking them not to hold the pageant in the country this January 2017.

The group, which includes Miss International 1970 titleholder Aurora Pijuan, former Social Welfare Secretary Dinky Soliman, former Commission on Human Rights chairperson Etta Rosales, former presidential peace adviser Ging Deles, and Black and White Movement convenor Leah Navarro, signed the letter also posted online in social media.

The signatories are mostly critics of the President, and supporters of Liberal Party.

The main reason they want the event held somewhere else is "objectionable, scandalous, and demeaning sexist attitude demonstrated by the newly elected leaders of our country, by no less than President Rodrigo Duterte, and his cohorts towards womankind."

"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," the letter added.

Here's the full text of the letter and the signatories:

We appeal to you as organizers of the Miss Universe Pageant to reconsider your decision to hold the 2017 pageant in Manila.

We understand that you already have concerns over issues of political instability and security, and with the Philippines not yet paying the hosting fee for the event. We, however, believe there is a more fundamental reason why you should not hold the event in the Philippines

This reason is the objectionable, scandalous, and demeaning sexist attitude demonstrated by the newly elected leaders of our country, by no less than President Rodrigo Duterte, and his cohorts towards womankind. Filipino society has always granted a great amount of freedom and respect to women, but at the same time the gains of womankind in the Philippines have been hard won. True gender equality in terms not only of the law but how laws are applied, and in terms of the attitudes of men towards women, still has a long way to go.

In recent months, chauvinism, brutal shaming, rape jokes and a sweeping disregard for women as persons deserving not merely of a token, but true respect, has been exhibited by the President of the Philippines with his salacious and sexist comments and treatment of female reporters and opposition figures, which has carried over to his allies in the Philippine Congress.

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. It would make your organization a partner to these backward and dangerous steps which are serious violations of the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW).

Do not hold Miss Universe in the Philippines. Be a partner for the liberation and not the subjugation of women. Take your pageant elsewhere and do not reward a regime that is trying to turn back the clock as far as women's causes are concerned.

Sincerely yours,
1. Aleta Tolentino Lawyer/Professor
2. Angie Quiambao Concerned Citizen
3. Annie Montano-Gutierrez Businesswoman
4. Annie Vicencio-Trinidad Businesswoman
5. Asuncion Santos Y2ML
6. Aurora Pijuan Gising Barangay Movement
7. Carmen Lazaro Retiree
8. Carolyn Sobritchea VicePresident, UP Center for Women's Studies Fdn
9. Charito Benipayo USP4GG
10. Charito del Carmen OFW / FilCom Japan
11. Chato Maranan Writer
12. Cleofe Llamas Alliance of Women for Action towards Reform
13. Consuelo Katrina Lopa NGO
14. Dani Tan Businesswoman
15. Dinky Soliman Social Worker
16. Elizabeth Doria Owner, Crafts and Curio
17. Elizabeth Nelle AWARE
18. Ellen Gamboa Democratic Warriors
19. Etta P. Rosales Former Chair, Commission on Human Rights
20. Fatimah Dupitas South Cotabato
21. Ging Quintos Deles Former Cabinet Secretary
22. Imelda Nicolas Consultant, Intl. Migration and Devt
23. Ines Bautista STDLK
24. Jaz Parado PPVR
25. Jinky Tallod Bayang Matuwid
26. Jozy Acosta-Nisperos The Silent Majority
27. Junie Sanchez PPVR
28. Karina Constantino-David Former Civil Service Commission Chair
29. Leah Navarro Convener, Black & White Movement
30. Lirio Mapa Consultant, Organizational Devt
31. Lot Ortiz Luis Management Consultant
32. Ma. Asuncion Carlos Professional
33. Mae Lagunday Convener, PPVR Makati
34. Mardi Mapa-Suplido Vice-Chair, InciteGov
35. Maricar Garado STDLK
36. Maridol Mabanta AWARE
37. Mercy Abad President, Ahon sa Hirap
38. Micci Lopez Bayang Matuwid
39. Mila Marquez Blanquera Concerned Citizen
40. Myrna T. Pagsuberon ED, Women Interacting for New Growth & Services
41. Narzalina Lim Alliance of Women for Action towards Reform
42. Norma G. Amata Businesswoman, Zambales
43. Ofelia Samar Sy Cardiologist / Academician
44. Rosanita Serrano Gender and Development Specialist
45. Socorro Reyes Governance Adviser, Center for Legislative Devt
46. Susie Quiros AWARE
47. Sylvia E. Claudio
Professor
48. Teresita Manto Concerned Citizen
49. Tesa Casal de Vela Concerned Citizen
50. Tosca Feria Unit Manager, Philamlife
51. Vicky Garchitorena Former President, Ayala Foundation
New signatories since the letter was sent:
52. Loida Nicolas Lewis, chair and CEO, TLC Beatrice LLC
53. Mary Racelis
University Professor, Sociology and Anthropology
54. Aimee (Amelia Alado)
Attorney-at-law
55. Anabel Mayor
President,I colori del mondo adda Councilor, Citta mondo ,Milan, Italy
Member, Consultant Di voluntariato Inzago Donne in rete Italy
56. Derly Fernandez- retired VP, Finance and Admin. Western Mindanao State Univ., Zamboanga City
57. Mary Ann Mendoza, Social Development Practitioner
58. Luz Lopez Rodriguez, gender and human rights consultant
59. Nina Somera