Wynona Luis-Galvan, a co-director of Miss Universe Philippines – Benguet and Mountain Province, broke her silence on Cristeta Longey’s resignation and Lyneree Montero-Yodong’s appointment, saying the criticisms thrown against the latter are “unfair.”
Earlier this month, Cristeta Longey stepped down from her title as Benguet’s representative to the national pageant. Meanwhile, Montero-Yodong was appointed as Mountain Province’s first titleholder. This sparked an outcry among fans since the same director owns both franchises and Montero-Yodong was Longey’s runner-up in Benguet’s regional pageant.
Luis-Galvan defended Montero-Yodong’s appointment in a Facebook statement on Monday, Feb. 16, saying the latter’s crowning was meant to “extend opportunities” in pageantry and other fields.
“MILLIONS were spent from our OWN FUNDS, OUR OWN POCKETS. That is a FACT. We didn’t do it for applause. We did it to help our province be seen, recognized, and given the platform it deserves,” she said. “Our goal was clear and intentional: to extend opportunities not only in pageantry, but also in sports and other avenues that uplift individuals.”
Luis-Galvan then reiterated that only five sponsors provided monetary support to the organization. This appears to be a response to Longey’s claim that she was informed she would not receive support for her participation. As a result, the beauty queen was forced to decide whether to extend her reign or compete without any support.
“To be clear, and let me emphasize this, sponsors came in during our pageant last October, and we are genuinely grateful for every form of support. The love was overwhelming. However, only five sponsors actually provided monetary contributions,” she said.
“The production expenses alone exceeded what was received, and it still did not cover the total costs. Yet we willingly shouldered the remaining expenses from our own funds because our mission was never about profit, it was about purpose,” she continued.
‘Have the decency to verify first’
Luis-Galvan said her co-directors supported her in the regional pageant because they believe in the bigger picture. “I have seen firsthand the lack of genuine support, the kind where some only wanted photo opportunities so it would appear they contributed something. Those are realities we quietly dealt with behind the scenes.”
“My co-directors are not even from Benguet, yet they chose to stand beside me and support this vision because they understood the bigger picture,” she continued. “They believed in the cause, the impact, and the heart behind the work.”
The pageant co-director urged the public to verify the facts rather than believe and spread rumors. Without disclosing what kind of “numbers” she was referring to, she reiterated that “numbers don’t lie,” which would speak for themselves.
“Our financial records are open for transparency. Numbers don’t lie (you might be even shocked) and when the proper time comes, they will speak for themselves. We are fully prepared to present them to the appropriate parties who are authorized to review them,” she said. “This is not for public trial or social media speculation. Matters like this are handled through proper legal channels, not online commentary.”
Emphasizing her point, Luis-Galvan said the organization supported its candidates, and while it didn’t meet expectations, it “was not absent.”
“Continuing to dissect every detail publicly serves little purpose when conclusions have already been made and narratives have been shaped. Not all internal discussions can or should be litigated on social media. Responsible management is not abandonment. It is operating within realistic limits,” she said.
Montero-Yodong was among the candidates of the Miss Universe Philippines 2026 pageant who were presented to the public during the opening parade on Monday, Feb. 16, at the Mall of Asia in Pasay City. After the parade, the candidates attended a press presentation. /ra