Cristeta Longey resigns as Miss Universe Philippines Benguet 2026 due to alleged lack of transparency, support
Cristeta Longey has let go of her Miss Universe Philippines Benguet 2026 crown.
The beauty queen announced in a statement shared on Instagram on Sunday, Feb. 8, that she won't be competing in this year's MUPh pageant as she recounted her bittersweet journey with the organization.
"After winning my local title on October 19, 2025. I immediately began preparing in earnest. I poured my time, energy, and heart into this journey," she said. "From the day I was crowned, I consistently moved forward with preparation as encouraged by the organization."
She shared that her preparations were always meant for competition on the national level. "We were proceeding with plans for the national competition. At no point during this period was I informed that there was any possibility that I would not be able to compete."
Longey shared that she was told by the management in late January that they would no longer be able to "fully support" her participation.
"I was presented with two options: (1) to extend my reign until 2027, by which time full support would be available, or (2) to compete this year without full support," she said.
She added that she chose the first option despite months of scheduled shoots and ongoing training. "I had already invested significant time, personal resources, and emotional energy, guided by the direction I had consistently been given," she pointed out.
According to Longey, her team learned "through another channel" on Jan. 30 that another individual was being trained to represent Benguet in this year's edition of the local pageant.
"We immediately sought clarification, and a meeting was held later that day. The manner in which these events unfolded was deeply hurtful and left me feeling dismissed and diminished as the titleholder," she said. "I had consistently shown up with sincerity and respect, and I had hoped for the same transparency in return."
She said the pageant management gave her a draft statement on Jan. 31 but she raised concerns as she found the communication vague. She also noted it did not reflect her as the titleholder.
"My responses were characterized as being difficult, and I was told that my reactions amounted to 'utter disloyalty' to the organization," she said, maintaining that she spoke with "courtesy, professionalism, and respect."
Per Longey, the individual who was being prepared to represent Benguet "is now being sent to compete under a different province."
She also alleged that there's been a delay in the release of cash prizes not just for her but also for her fellow candidates.
"While my fellow queens and I have waited patiently, the prolonged delays, lack of transparency, and repeated need to chase what was already promised have been deeply disheartening. It has been exhausting, not just physically, but emotionally," she said.
"Sometimes, choosing yourself means holding your ground, even when it feels heavy. Sometimes, it means protecting the work you have poured your heart into. And sometimes, it means stepping back when the process no longer aligns with the values you started with," she stressed.
Longey went on to thank everyone who has supported her in her journey and noted it's not the end of it—"only a pause to realign with what matters most."
"I hope and pray that no one else has to face a situation like this," she continued. "Let this serve as a reminder to speak up, to honor your voice and your worth, and to stand by your principles, even when it feels difficult."
Longey was crowned as Miss Universe Philippines Benguet in October last year.
Miss Universe Philippines Benguet, in its latest Instagram post on Jan. 28, still acknowledged Longey as its reigning queen. The organization has yet to react to Longey's statement as of writing.
