Miss Universe PH Organization announces Imelda Schweighart's resignation from 2026 competition
The Miss Universe Philippines Organization has officially announced that Imelda Schweighart will no longer join this year's pageant.
In their joint statement on May 2, the MUPH Organization said it was a professional decision mutually reached after careful consideration, with no hostility between Schweighart and the MUPH.
"Ms. Schweighart remains grateful for the opportunities provided by MUPh. Likewise, MUPh is grateful also for her brief participation and wish her well," the statement read.
"Both parties now consider this matter fully settled and respectfully request privacy as they move forward with their respective endeavors," it added.
This came after weeks of pageant buzz over her Miss Universe Philippines 2026 status. Rumors sparked that Schweighart had been removed from the Miss Universe Philippines competition after the organization announced that one contestant had been dropped.
Although the group did not name the candidate, fans noticed Schweighart was absent from the pageant’s promotional materials.
The Miss Grand International All Stars organization then announced on April 6 that she will represent the Philippines in the debut edition of the contest.
The coronation night on Saturday, May 2, will see Miss Universe Philippines 2025 titleholder Ahtisa Manalo hand over her crown to the next winner.
The chosen queen will then represent the Philippines in the 75th Miss Universe pageant, which is set to be held at the José Miguel Agrelot Coliseum in San Juan, Puerto Rico.
