Leni camp: VP to cheer for Maxine despite absence in Miss Universe coronation

MANILA, Philippines — Vice President Leni Robredo will still show support for Miss Universe Philippines bet Maxine Medina although she will not attend the pageant on Monday.

On Sunday, the Office of the Vice President’s (OVP) spokesperson Georgina Hernandez confirmed that Robredo will be skipping the coronation slated at Mall of Asia Arena.

“While the Vice President will not be there during the event, she will be praying and cheering for Maxine. She hopes that Maxine will make the country proud and bring home the crown again,” she said in a statement.

Hernandez said the OVP was only informed of the invitation to attend the Miss Universe coronation on Friday evening. Robredo earlier said she would not attend the pageant since she was not invited.

Tourism Secretary Corazon Wanda Tulfo Teo, however, said that the invitation was only delayed since they want to allot two VIP tickets worth P50,000 each to Robredo but only lower box tickets were available during the previous days.

Robredo’s camp then thanked the organizers for its effort to provide her tickets for the prestigious pageant.

“We are thankful for the effort the organizers have exerted to secure tickets for the Vice President upon finding out she hadn't received any,” the OVP said.

Meanwhile, there is no word yet regarding President Rodrigo Duterte's attendance on the coronation. Teo earlier said the president will be seated beside her.

Medina will compete against 85 others on Monday, January 30, 8 a.m. at the Mall of Asia arena.