When the Miss Universe Philippines Organization (MUPH) released a statement announcing that a delegate would no longer continue in this year’s competition, many immediately assumed it referred to Imelda Schweighart, who represents Kalibo, Aklan.
However, MUPH insiders later clarified to Inquirer Entertainment that the statement pertained to another delegate, though they are withholding the individual’s identity pending legal proceedings.
The official statement did not name any of the initial 51 delegates who were dropped, but social media pageant accounts ran posts pointing to Schweighart as the subject. Many of these posts have since been deleted. “Following concerns that were brought to our attention, the organization undertook a careful and thorough review of the matter. The delegate was given both verbal and written guidance to help address the situation. Despite these efforts, certain behaviors continued in ways that were not aligned with the standards we aim to uphold,” the MUPH statement read. It added that the organization “believes in fostering an environment that is uplifting, respectful, and empowering to women” and remains committed to a “constructive and meaningful” experience for all involved.
Speculation surrounding Schweighart arose because her headshots and images were removed from some postings, and Kalibo did not have a tourism video posted on official MUPH channels, unlike other delegates. Schweighart previously faced controversy during the 2016 Miss Earth pageant after missing the first cut and being caught on video criticizing delegates with surgical enhancements, leading her to relinquish her national crown. She staged a pageant comeback in 2023, joining Germany’s search for a Miss Universe representative, and later returned to the Philippines in 2024 to compete in the Century Superbonds contest, earning the “Supermom” award.
On the day of the 2026 Miss Universe Philippines preliminary competition on March 29, Schweighart posted on social media: “To everyone sending strength and standing by the truth: I see you. Your support is the wind beneath my wings.”