The nightmare is soon over--Maria Venus Raj, dethroned Bb. Pilipinas Universe could still be reinstated and could still get back the crown she won last March 6 at the Araneta Coliseum.
In a statement relased by the Binibining Pilipinas Charities Inc. (BPCI) through their Corporate Affairs and PR Manager Genny Marcial:
The Executive Committee of Binibining Pilipinas Charities, Inc. (BPCI) announced today that, "after due deliberation, we have assessed the situation pertaining to Miss Maria Venus Raj, and have decided, for humanitarian reasons, that if she was able to obtain a valid Philippine Passport, we will reinstate her as the reigning Bb. Pilipinas-Universe."
The Committee emphasized, that "we are sensitive to her situation, but we are aware too, of our responsibilities, as an entity, existing under Philippine Law.
The BPCI being an organization concerned not just with the quest for the true Filipina beauty but, more so, dedicated to the empowerment of women and the upliftment of the lives of marginalized Filipinos, has always considered the welfare of our candidates paramount. Our intention, with respect to Miss Raj, was always to protect her in the way we felt appropriate.
More than the yearly Bb. Pilipinas Pageant, BPCI's relevance as an organization lies in the many opportunities it provides to young and deserving Filipinas, and we are hopeful that Venus will be that Filipina to represent our country in this year's Miss Universe Pageant."