Herlene Budol's bid at Miss Tourism World 2023 at risk after Hiyas ng Pilipinas issues cease and desist order
The Hiyas ng Pilipinas organization has issued a cease and desist order on all rights to their franchises that includes Miss Tourism World Philippines, putting Herlene Budol's victory and her bid to compete on the international stage at risk.
In a notice posted on its social media accounts, the annual national pageant asserted that all contracts, agreements, covenants, and memorandums made prior to Feb. 18 this year are considered null and void.
"This includes any franchises that have utilized the tradenames, logos, and music of Hiyas ng Pilipinas and its affiliates," the organization stated.
This affects several pageants such as Miss Tourism World Philippines, Miss Omninational Philippines, and Miss Summit International Philippines.
With this, all of the previous franchise holders are required to stop using any intellectual property associated with Hiyas ng Pilipinas in their operations.
"We kindly request your full and prompt cooperation in this matter. Otherwise, we will be constrained to file the appropriate legal actions to enforce our rights and seek remedies for incurred damages," the organization stressed.
As a result, Herlene, who was crowned Miss Tourism Philippines at the Miss Grand Philippines 2023 last July 13, will be unable to represent the country on the international stage.
The first-ever Hiyas ng Pilipinas pageant was held in Cebu in March 2022.
Dean Dianne Balogal was crowned Hiyas ng Pilipinas Tourism World 2022, while Tacloban City's Azriel Coloma was hailed Hiyas ng Pilipinas Elite World 2022. And finally, Phoebe Godinez of Lapu Lapu City was awarded the Hiyas ng Pilipinas Tourism Queen International 2022 title.
The reigning queens are set to crown their successors on November 11 at the Waterfront Cebu City Hotel and Casino in Cebu.