Jaehwa Bernardo

Candidates of the Miss Universe Philippines 2026 pageant. Photo from MUPH on Facebook

Article (news)

Miss Universe PH removes delegate from 2026 competition

ABS-CBN News

<div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1774755411342MUPH.jpg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="960"/>Candidates of the Miss Universe Philippines 2026 pageant. Photo from MUPH on FacebookMANILA — The Miss Universe Philippines (MUPH) Organization said Saturday it has removed one of the candidates from its 2026 edition, citing behavior that was not aligned with the pageant&#x27;s standards.</div>In a statement, the MUPH said it had earlier given &quot;verbal and written guidance&quot; to the candidate following &quot;concerns that were brought to our attention.&quot;&quot;Despite these efforts, certain behaviors continued in ways that were not aligned with the standards we aim to uphold,&quot; the organization said.&quot;As such it has been decided that the delegate will no longer be allowed to continue in the competition,&quot; it added.<div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1774755458580MUPH STATEMENT.jpg" style="width:633px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="633"/>Photo from MUPH on Facebook</div>The organization stressed it believed &quot;in fostering an environment that is uplifting, respectful and empowering to women.&quot;MUPH did not name the candidate, though other media reports, citing recent posts on the pageant&#x27;s social media pages and an official list, suggested that Imelda Schweighart of Kalibo, Aklan was the beauty queen in question.<div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/lifestyle/pageants-beauty-queens/2026/3/27/imelda-schweighart-speaks-up-amid-rumors-she-s-out-of-miss-universe-ph-1303">READ: Imelda Schweighart speaks up amid rumors she&#x27;s out of Miss Universe PH </a></div>Schweighart earlier issued a statement, declaring she is not letting anything get in the way of her pageant journey.The <a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/lifestyle/pageants-beauty-queens/2026/3/24/miss-universe-philippines-2026-ticket-prices-seat-plan-1138">coronation </a>for MUPH will be held on May 1 at the Mall of Asia Arena.

The Miss Universe Philippines Organization said Saturday it has removed one of the candidates from its 2026 edition, citing behavior that was not aligned with the pageant's standards.

The Miss Universe Philippines Organization said Saturday it has removed one of the candidates from its 2026 edition, citing behavior that was not aligned with the pageant's standards.