Duterte tells DSWD not to hide homeless during Ms. Universe pageant
The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Judy Taguiwalo on Thursday said that President Rodrigo Duterte has told her not to hide the homeless as the Philippines hosts the Miss Universe pageant for the third time in January 2017.
"Ang instruction ni Presidente, huwag sila itago," Taguiwalo said in a text message to reporters.
The Aquino administration was criticized in 2015 after the homeless were taken on excursions outside Metro Manila during Pope Francis' visit in January and the country's hosting of the APEC Summit in November.
Beauty queens from all over the world will be in the Philippines for two weeks in January 2017.
While there will be ancillary events in other destinations, the Miss Universe coronation night will be held at Mall of Asia Arena on January 30, 2017. —NB, GMA News