Image: Instagram/@themissuniverseph
The Miss Universe Philippines (MUPh) organization said that it will take legal action to address the cyberbullying its delegates have been subjected to.
“The Miss Universe Philippines Organization strongly condemns any and all forms of cyberbullying towards the Organization, the delegates and anyone associated with the pageant. This includes but is not limited to bullying, threatening [and] derogatory remarks made in the MUPh social media platforms,” it said in a statement released on its Instagram page on Tuesday, March 26.
“We recognize the harmful effects of cyberbullying to a delegate’s mental and physical health that can last long after the pageant,” it added.
The organization pointed out how social media has become “a damaging, dangerous and toxic environment,” which brought about their goal to create a “safe space” for beauty queens and aspirants.
“We will be actively monitoring all MUPh platforms regularly to ensure that no derogatory, rude, mean, offensive comments persist and will be deleted immediately. Users, bloggers, accounts, persons or organizations that consistently engage in this toxic and negative behavior shall be immediately blocked and reported,” it noted.
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MUPh further underscored that legal measures under the Anti-Cybercrime Law (Republic Act No. 10175) will be observed for offenses such as online threats.
“Please join the Miss Universe Philippines Organization in this social media campaign to stop normalizing toxicity and cyberbullying on social media,” it urged fans.
“We can only control our own social media platforms. But it is our hope that other social media accounts and bloggers would be inspired to do it as well. Let us be proactive in uplifting and empowering women,” it concluded.
While the organization did not immediately state any particular incident, netizens presumed that this might be prompted by rabid pageant fans who support their bets by throwing hate against other candidates.
Image: Instagram/@themissuniverseph
Image: Instagram/@themissuniverseph
Image: Instagram/@themissuniverseph
Image: Instagram/@themissuniverseph
Image: Instagram/@themissuniverseph
Image: Instagram/@themissuniverseph
A total of 53 candidates will be competing for this year’s Miss Universe Philippines crown. The 2024 titleholder will represent the Philippines in the 73rd Miss Universe pageant in Mexico later this year.