Arnold Vegafria frustrated over Maureen Montagne's decision
4 Jun – Arnold Vegafria, the national director of Miss World Philippines, recently expressed his frustration over Maureen Montagne's decision not to succeed Suheyn Cipriani as Miss Eco International 2019.
In a statement he released on social media on 3 June, Vegafria stated that Montagne was automatically qualified to replace the Peruvian beauty after the latter was dethroned due to her pregnancy, which would mean that they would have made pageant history by winning Miss Eco International back-to-back for 2018 and 2019.
"What disappointed me even more was that she chose to join another local pageant instead--without even according proper courtesy to the Miss World Philippines and Miss Eco International organizations. This is a clear violation of the prestigious international pageant's rules and regulations since her tenure has not formally ended," he said, referring to Montagne's participation in Binibining Pilipinas.
Vegafria stated that according to Miss Eco International founder Dr. Amaal Rezk, Maureen could've still accepted the crown and waited until September when she can formally relinquish her title, but refused to do so.
"Her conduct unbecoming of pageant queen is a clear deterrent to her loftier aspirations for yet another crown. Despite all these, I still send her my blessings and wish her luck in all her future endeavours," he added.
Cipriani has recently been replaced by the fourth runner-up Amy Tinie from Malaysia.
(Photo Source: Arnold Vegafria Instagram)
