Lawmakers congratulate Catriona Gray for winning Miss Universe

Lawmakers from both the Senate and the House of Representatives on Monday congratulated Catriona Gray for winning the fourth Miss Universe crown for the Philippines.

In a statement to reporters, Senate President Vicente Sotto III said he thinks Catriona's answer in the Question and Answer (Q&A) portion was "superb."

"I think that, and the outsanding way she carried her gown was the final win. Her personality was there all along," Sotto said. "Congratulations, of course."

For his part, Senate Majority Leader Juan Miguel Zubiri said Catriona not only has the beauty but also the heart for the poor.

"Your answer in the final Q&A shows that not only do you have beauty but lots of Heart as well in caring for our under privileged children in the informal settlements in our country," Zubiri said.

"You showed the world what a truly empowered woman could do to help so many. Congratulations once again!" he added.

Senator Paolo Benigno "Bam" Aquino IV congratulated Catriona for "showing the world that Filipino beauty is intelligent, creative and full of heart," while Senator Grace Poe said the Filipina beauty queen is a "woman of style, substance and brave heart" deserving of the crown.

Lawmakers hailing from the Bicol Region, 1-Ang Edukasyon party-list Representative Salvador Belaro Jr. and Albay Representative Joey Salceda, were also elated by Catriona's win, especially that she herself came from the region.

Belaro said Catriona is a good example that her fellow Filipinos should follow.

"Catriona showed how the Filipino is the best asset of the Philippines. Catriona, true to her words, represented each Filipino with great honor, grace, brains, and beauty," Belaro said.

Meanwhile, Salceda believes that Catriona was the "most prepared candidate ever."

"She is regal as Mayon is majestic. She is beautiful, truly Daragang Magayon. The entire Albay is happy and proud of her achievement as proud she is of her roots," he said.

For Bataan Representative Geraldine Roman, Catriona wowed the world not only with her beauty but with her "intelligence, integrity and heart for the poor."

"She would make a great ambassador for Peace, Love, and Compassion in the international community," she said.

Catriona was crowned by outgoing Miss Universe from South Africa, Demi-Leigh Nel-Peters on Monday in Thailand.

Before joining Miss Universe, Catriona also competed in Miss World 2016 where she placed in the Top 5. — Erwin Colcol/RSJ, GMA News