No Filipino judge in Miss Universe pageant —Chavit

Miss Universe 2016 candidates from all over the world have started to arrive in the Philippines to prepare for the upcoming events leading to the Grand Coronation Night on January 30 at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.

The organizers have already chosen the people to fill the panel of judges, and it has been decided that no Filipino will serve as a pageant judge this year.

According to Gov. Chavit Singson in a “24 Oras” report on Wednesday, “Noon pa, rule na ng Miss Universe 'yan. Nangyari na kay Hugo Chavez (of Venezuela), gusto niya maging judge noon sa kanila, pero hindi siya pinayagan.”

A check, however, showed that Venezuela had won seven Miss Universe crowns, but had yet to host the pageant itself.

Chavez, however, ran against Miss Universe 1981 Irene Saez in the 1998 Presidential Elections.

Singson did not specify if Chavez wanted to be a judge in a Miss Universe pageant hosted outside Venezuela.

In an earlier statement, Miss Universe Organization president Paula Shugart also denied the rumors saying President Rodrigo Duterte would be judging the competition.

“We established a policy a long time ago not to have government officials be judges because it’s very hard on everybody. (The judges) are going to have to be neutral," Shugart said.

"It’s very hard. I think there’s a lot of pressure for the (representative of the) host country” she added.

The MUO president added, “That’a a policy we really have to impose, unfortunately. But I’m sure everybody will be there rooting and giving their opinions.”

READ: Miss Universe organizers: Duterte won’t be judge due to MUO policy

Aside from the panel of judges, the list of foreign and local artists to perform during the Grand Coronation Night has also been finalized.

American TV personality Steve Harvey and model Ashley Graham will be flying to the Philippines soon to prepare for their roles as hosts of the prestigious pageant.

While the candidates are busy preparing for the 65th Miss Universe pageant, local organizers have prepared a team of trainers in case some of the ladies need additional help.

“Kani-kaniya sila (ng training), pero kung kailangan nila, mayroon naman tayong nakahanda na tutulong sa kanila. Bawat candidate naman ay may entourage—kasama na nila lahat doon,” Singson said.

The governor has also bought a yacht for the candidates' use during their weeks-long tour in several tourist destinations in the Philippines, including Vigan, Baguio, Boracay, Cebu, Batangas, and Davao. —NB, GMA News