Miss Philippines Posts Criticism of Flood Prevention Scandal
Responds to Concerns About "Backlash": "I Don't Care"
"A Crown Gained by Betraying the People and Mission Means Nothing"
As suspicions grow in the Philippines that up to 2 trillion won in flood prevention project funds have disappeared due to corruption, a woman in her twenties who recently won a title at the Miss Philippines pageant is drawing attention for publicly criticizing the scandal.
According to the South China Morning Post (SCMP) on September 10 (local time), Miss Philippines Earth Joy Bacoma, 26, has been posting sharp criticisms of the flood prevention corruption scandal on her social networking service (SNS) accounts.
Previously, the Philippines, which frequently suffers flood damage from typhoons and other disasters, allocated around 550 billion Philippine pesos (about 13.4 trillion won) to thousands of flood prevention projects over the past three years. However, allegations have emerged that due to corruption among politicians and public officials, between 42.3 billion and 118.5 billion Philippine pesos (about 1.03 trillion to 2.88 trillion won) in funds have vanished. On September 8, the names of about 20 lawmakers and public works administrators were revealed in connection with demands for bribes in exchange for flood prevention contracts.
In response, Bacoma posted a sarcastic comment on her SNS, saying, "Congratulations to all politicians who graduated with honors today," mocking the recent political controversy. When some fans expressed concern, saying, "Don't get involved now. Focus on the competition. You'll only get criticized," Bacoma replied, "Social injustice is environmental injustice. I don't mind being criticized for fighting for what is right."
When others voiced concerns that she might lose the opportunity to compete in international pageants, Bacoma countered, "The greatest loss is not using your voice when you have the privilege to do so." She added, "A crown gained by betraying the people and your mission is meaningless. My voice, my stance, and my beliefs are always for the Filipino people, and they weigh more than any title."
Bacoma was crowned Miss Philippines Earth on August 10 and will represent the Philippines at the international Miss Earth competition later this year. The Miss Earth pageant is considered one of the world's four major beauty contests, alongside Miss World, Miss Universe, and Miss International.
Despite some concerns, Bacoma is reportedly gaining popularity in the Philippines. One online user commented in support, saying, "As Miss Philippines Earth, it was only right for her to speak out about the flood prevention scandal, which is directly related to the environment."
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