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Miss World Philippines national director Arnold Vegafria did not hold back to express his regret after hearing that Maureen Montagne declined the Miss Eco International 2019 crown after former titleholder Suheyn Cipriana was dethroned due to pregnancy.

In his post, under the Miss World Philippines Instagram account, Arnold said that Maureen could've brought glory to the country and made history with a back-to-back win if she accepted the title.

Explaining, “Being the next in line, she was automatically qualified to wear the prestigious crown which would have brought glory to our country, would have given her the rare opportunity to become a United Nations Ambassador for Ecotourism, and possibly would've made pageant history with the country's back-to-back wins for Miss Eco International 2018-2019.”

That being said, he also explained that Maureen violated pageant rules as her tenure with the Miss World Philippines Organization has not yet formally ended.

He claimed, “What disappointed me, even more, was that she chose to join another local pageant instead--without proper courtesy to the Miss World Philippines and Miss Eco International organizations.

“Based on my dialogue with Miss Eco International founder Dr. Amaal Rezk, Maureen could've still accepted the crown and waited until September when she can formally relinquish her title--but she refused. Her conduct, unbecoming of pageant queen, is a clear deterrent to her loftier aspirations for yet another crown.”

Despite all these, Arnold wrote, “I still send her my blessings.”

View this post on Instagram

As Miss World Philippines National Director, I am greatly saddened to hear that Miss Eco International 2019 1st Runner-Up Maureen Montagne declined her privilege as the rightful successor of recently dethroned Miss Eco International 2019 Suheyn Cipriani from Peru. Being the next in line, she was automatically qualified to wear the prestigious crown which would have brought glory to our country, would have given her the rare opportunity to become United Nations Ambassador for Ecotourism, and possibly would've made pageant history with the country's back-to- back wins for Miss Eco International 2018-2019. What disappointed me even more was that she chose to join another local pageant instead--without even according proper courtesy to the Miss World Philippines and Miss Eco International organizations. This is a clear violation of the prestigious international pageant's rules and regulations since her tenure has not yet formally ended. Based on my dialogue with Miss Eco International founder Dr. Amaal Rezk, Maureen could've still accepted the crown and waited until September when she can formally relinquish her title--but she refused. Her conduct unbecoming of pageant queen is a clear deterrent to her loftier aspirations for yet another crown. Despite all these, I still send her my blessings - Mr. @arnold_vegafria

A post shared by Miss World Philippines (@msworldphil) on Jun 2, 2020 at 7:57am PDT

In the comments section, Miss Eco International founder Amaal Rezk also shared her grief towards Maureen by replying, “Very disappointed @maureenmontagne!”

Amaal Rezk's reply on Arnold Vegafria's post. Source: @msworldphil (IG)

It was through a Facebook post that Maureen announced her polite refusal in taking the crown and that she'll be continuing her journey as a contestant at the Binibining Pilipinas pageant.

She expressed, “I have made a commitment to the Binibining Pilipinas Charities Inc. full-heartedly and I will continue to chase my dreams of competing on the BBP stage in the hopes of representing our country on the international stage.”

As of this writing, Maureen has yet to comment on Arnold Vegafria's post regarding her abdication of the potential title.

The Miss Eco International Organization has announced that Amy Tinie Abdul Aziz of Malaysia will be taking the throne.

Arnold Vegafria and Maureen Montagne clarify Miss Eco International rumors

Kelley Day asks for support as she vies for Miss Eco International crown