Pia Wurtzbach stands by her opinion on US military presence in PH

For some Filipinos, Steve Harvey's flub wasn't the only controversial thing that happened during the Miss Universe 2015 Coronation Night. Eventual winner Pia Alonzo Wurtzbach was asked about US military presence in the Philippines during the Question and Answer segment for the Top Five candidates—and not everyone was satisfied with her response.

Wurtzbach touched on the Philippine's history as a US colony, but pointed out that the two nations have maintained a good relationship. "I think that we're very welcoming with the Americans. And I don't see any problem with that at all," she said.

Some groups thought that Wurtzbach was being a little too welcoming to the idea of a military presence in the Philippines, with women's rights group Gabriela and Senator Miriam Defensor Santiago both expressing a desire to have a conversation with Wurtzbach about the issue.

On Sunday (January 24), the beauty queen faced the Philippine press at Novotel and she was given the chance to clarify what she meant by her answer.

"You have to understand that it is a different experience to be watching at home and have the time to think about the answer," Wurtzbach said, but immediately added, "Nevertheless, I stand by my answer and believe that there is no second best answer that I could have given. Military presence to me is an aid, or a helping hand—very different from military bases."

The reigning Miss Universe added that she would be willing to discuss the topic.

"I accept anyone who has a different opinion and will be willing to discuss it if necessary," Wurtzbach told the press. After all, she did say that communication is the key to world peace. — Aya Tantiangco/BM, GMA News