DOT: Hosting of Miss Universe 2017 has ‘overwhelming public support’

The Department of Tourism (DOT) on Tuesday said the Philippines' hosting of next year's Miss Universe pageant has received "an overwhelming public support."

The department issued a statement on the matter after a petition from women advocates surfaced online, calling on the Miss Universe Organization "to reconsider" their decision to hold the pageant in the Philippines on January 30, 2017.

"The government’s decision to accept the offer of Miss Universe Organization to stage the spectacular pageant in the Philippines has gained an overwhelming public support, especially among Filipino women and their families," the DOT said, adding that it is "a special and proud occasion" given that the reigning Miss Universe, Pia Alonzo Wurtzbach, is a Filipino.

It also noted that the "massive attendance of international media" for the event "would be a big boost to the country’s tourism promotion program that will benefit local businesses and livelihood, as well as the travel and tour sector.?"

"While the DOT gives due respect to such opinion as signified by a group of women leaders and concerned citizens, we assure everyone that we deem it a great honor to host the distinguished event that portrays the most beautiful and talented women with highest regard," the DOT said.

It also thanked the Miss Universe Organization for "giving us the great opportunity to treat the world to genuine Filipino hospitality."

The petition, posted by a certain Annie Serrano, has been signed by 58 individuals, including business people, nongovernment organization representatives, and former government officials, who scored President Rodrigo Duterte "and his cohorts" for the "objectionable, scandalous, and demeaning sexist attitude" they demonstrate "towards womankind."

Among them were former Social Welfare secretary Dinky Soliman, former Commission on Human Rights chair Etta Rosales, former Presidential Peace Adviser Teresita "Ging" Deles, singer Leah Navarro, former Ayala Foundation president Vicky Garchitorena, and Filipino-American businesswoman Loida Nicolas Lewis.

"In recent months, chauvinism, brutal shaming, rape jokes and a sweeping disregard for women as persons deserving not merely of a token, but true respect, has been exhibited by the President of the Philippines with his salacious and sexist comments and treatment of female reporters and opposition figures, which has carried over to his allies in the Philippine Congress," the petition read.

It added: "To hold the Miss Universe Pageant in the Philippines at this time would serve as a reward of this intolerable behavior and excuse such behavior. It would reinforce a troubling trend in our society. It would make your organization a partner to these backward and dangerous steps, which are serious violations of the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women."

Earlier, it was reported that William Morris Endeavor/IMG, who owns the Miss Universe franchise, had cancelled its plan to hold the pageant here over political instability, security concerns, and the country not paying the hosting fee yet.

The DOT, however, insisted that the Miss Universe pageant will push through. —ALG, GMA News