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Cristeta Longey resigns as Miss Universe Philippines – Benguet 2026
Cristeta Longey has officially resigned from her Miss Universe Philippines – Benguet 2026 title and will not be competing in this year’s national pageant.
On Instagram, the beauty queen released a statement detailing the reasons for her resignation, saying the decision to step down was a decision that “did not come easily.”
According to Cristeta, she immediately began preparations, including fittings, photoshoots, and skill trainings after winning her local title in October 2025.
But in January 2026, "the organization informed me that they would no longer be able to fully support my participation," Cristeta wrote, adding she was offered two options: extend her reign until 2027 to receive full support, or compete this year without it. She chose to wait.
They planned to release a joint statement on February 1 to inform the public why she'll be sitting out on the national pageants this year. They agreed to a draft text for her review, Cristeta said.
But later in January, she learned that another candidate was already being prepared to compete as Benguet’s representative.
“The manner in which these events unfolded left me feeling dismissed and diminished as the titleholder,” she said.
Cristeta also raised concerns over the draft statement, saying it “was vague and did not reflect my reality as the titleholder,” and noted delays in the release of promised cash prizes.
“Weeks turned into months. Despite repeated follow-ups, we were met with silence or vague assurances. The prolonged delays and lack of transparency have been deeply disheartening,” she said.
“Sometimes, choosing yourself means holding your ground and stepping back when the process no longer aligns with the values you started with,” she said.
She thanked her supporters: “To everyone who stood beside me and reminded me of my worth, thank you from the bottom of my heart.”
She ended her post by saying that her pageant journey doesn’t end here.
“This is not the end of my journey, only a pause to realign with what matters most,” she said.
Meanwhile, Sparkle artist Roxie Smith is appointed as one of the delegates in Miss Universe Philippines 2026, representing Baguio.
GMA News Online has reached out to Miss Universe Philippines – Benguet via SMS, but has yet to receive a response as of writing.
— Hermes Joy Tunac/LA, GMA Integrated News
