Miss Universe Philippines Benguet 2026 titleholder Cristeta Longey has resigned, citing a lack of transparency and support from the organization despite months of preparation for the national pageant.
The beauty queen on Sunday, February 8 said she will no longer compete for this year’s edition of Miss Universe Philippines, adding that her decision was not easy since she “immediately began preparing” for the national stage after winning her title in October 2025.
She cited reaching out to designers, going through fittings and photoshoots, as well as trainings, including makeup workshops, saying that “every day was spent working toward the national stage.”
“I was reassured that we would keep pushing forward, that the proposed budget was reasonable, and that we were proceeding with plans for the national competition. At no point during this period was I informed that there was any possibility that I would not be able to compete,” Cristeta said.
“I entered this journey trusting that it would be one built on support, clarity, and shared commitment. Then on January 25, 2026, the organization informed me that they would no longer be able to fully support my participation,” she added.
Options offered
The beauty queen said she was given two options — to extend her reign until 2027, when full support would be available, or to compete for the Miss Universe Philippines (MUPH) stage this year without full support.
“During this same meeting, I was informed that a joint press release would be issued on February 1, 2026 to explain why I would not be representing Benguet this year. It was also agreed that the draft statement would be sent to me first for review,” she said.
Cristeta said she and her team chose the first option, saying that she “deeply” believed the organization and its process.
But by January 30, her team learned that another individual was already being prepared to compete in MUPH 2026 as Benguet’s representative.
“This information did not come directly from the organization, despite my title and agreement still being in effect at the time,” she said.
The beauty queen said that a meeting was later held, and by January 31, a draft statement was sent to her, which she described as “vague” and not reflecting her reality as a titleholder.
“I was not asking for sensitive details to be disclosed, but only hoped for a statement that was fair, clear, and truthful. Instead of addressing these concerns, my responses were characterized as being difficult, and I was told that my reactions amounted to ‘utter disloyalty’ to the organization,” Cristeta said.
‘Choosing yourself’
Longey said that moment prompted her decision to resign.
“It was at that moment that I realized I had to stand up for myself. Not out of anger. Not out of pride. But because I could not allow months of preparation, sacrifice, and quiet perseverance to be set aside without proper process, transparency, or respect for the commitment I had already made,” she added.
The beauty queen said that speaking up for herself should not equate to “disloyalty,” adding that she “approached every conversation with courtesy, professionalism, and respect.”
Cristeta also learned that the contestant who was being prepared as Benguet’s representative was “now being sent by the organization to compete under a different province.”
The initiative further led her to resign, realizing that her “values and expectations for follow through and clear communication” were no longer aligned with the circumstances surrounding her position.
She also cited “the prolonged delays, lack of transparency, and repeated need to chase what was already promised” concerning the promised cash prizes, which also felt “deeply disheartening.”
“Sometimes, choosing yourself means holding your ground, even when it feels heavy. Sometimes, it means protecting the work you have poured your heart into. And sometimes, it means stepping back when the process no longer aligns with the values you started with,” Cristeta said.
She thanked those who stood by her in her journey and said that she remains “grateful” for the experience, despite the chapter “ending differently” than she imagined.
“This is not the end of my journey, only a pause to realign with what matters most. I move forward with faith, grace, and hope for what’s ahead,” the beauty queen said.
“I also hope this moment opens space for reflection on how important it is to honor commitments, communicate transparently, and stand by the titleholders who place their trust in the organizations meant to support them,” Cristeta added.
“I hope and pray that no one else ever has to face a situation like this. Let this serve as a reminder to speak up, to honor your voice and your worth, and to stand by your principles, even when it feels difficult,” she concluded.
Meanwhile, there are no statements from the Miss Universe Philippines Benguet organization yet concerning her resignation.
Cristeta is a beauty queen from Atok whose advocacy focuses on youth, with an emphasis on HIV awareness, mental health, and gender expression.
Meanwhile, the Miss Universe Philippines Benguet titleholder will represent the province at the upcoming Miss Universe Philippines 2026, in which Ahtisa Manalo will crown her successor.
