As the deadline for voter registration nears and Filipinos face another election season, a number of Miss Universe Philippines 2021 candidates emphasized the importance of having a good government.

At the pageant’s preliminary interviews aired on KTX on Friday, September 24, the candidates were give 30 seconds to answer each of the five questions.  

The fourth question was: “If you have the power to do ONE of the following: eliminate poverty and hunger, a government with no graft and corruption, or solve all environmental problems, which would you choose?”

Davao del Sur’s representative Jedidah Herfevez Korinihona was among the candidates who chose a non-corrupt government, emphasizing that the upcoming elections is an opportunity for voters to choose better leaders.

“I believe that in the coming election for next year, I really need to amplify the fact that we need to vote not just strong leaders, but leaders who possess the qualities of wise leadership, and I think that’s one thing that we need to amplify right now,” she said.

Several candidates said that a good government would be able to solve many other problems. 

“I strongly believe that everything stems from the top, so if we have good governance with no corruption and we have great leaders that are seated, it’s easy for us to remove poverty and also tackle the issue about environment,” said Albay’s Janela Joy Cuaton.

“I would definitely choose the second, a government with no graft and corruption, because they can touch on both of the issues mentioned. They can help the environment by allocating enough funds, and they can also help the people by being fair and being just,” Michelle Angela Navarro Okol of Siargao Island said. 

“I would choose a government without corruption, because if you don’t have corruption, we would also not see the poverty, we would see a government that takes care of its people, we would see a government who prioritizes safety, healthcare, and then of course our environment, which is all very important,” Pangasinan’s Maureen Wroblewitz answered.

“I think [corruption] has always been the issue, and if there is no corrupt government, I think we would be able to solve poverty,” said Negros Oriental’s Grace Charmaine Vendiola of Negros Oriental.

Some candidates also said that a good government would be able to empower people and communities, and help create a better world for people. 

“I would probably choose to eliminate graft and corruption in the government, because I believe that as people we have so much power to do more, and if we can start with the people in power to do things maybe better, do things transparently, and do things with more accountability, then perhaps we can address all the other issues that are affecting us today,” said Ayn Bernos of San Juan.

“I think I would rather solve the problem with the government because the government, they help us become productive in every other aspect within our community and that’s why I think that is the problem that I would love to address above everything else,” said Simone Nadine Bornilla of Marinduque.

“I would eliminate graft and corruption from the government, because with a government that allows us to use our own power as people, we would be able to develop into our own power as a country, especially coming from a third world country. If we have a government that allows us to use our own power, then we will become a better nation,” Maria Ingrid Teresita Santamaria of Parañaque answered.

“I would choose to eliminate corruption in our government, because in that way we are able to uplift the poor, we are able to see what we can do for the marginalized sectors in our society, and once we do that we are able to have leaders who can make a better world, who can make a better society for everyone and I think that is one of the ways that we become a better world and we have something to look forward to, we become a beautiful nation,” Chella Grace Falconer of Misamis Oriental said.

After a long pageant journey done mostly online due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Miss Universe 2021 candidates will be competing in the coronation night, which will be held in Panglao, Bohol on September 30.

The initial top 30 was narrowed down to 28, after two candidates dropped out – Joanna Marie Rabe of Zambales due to dengue fever, and Davao City’s Ybonne Ortega. 

Reigning Miss Universe Philippines Rabiya Mateo will crown her successor among the remaining queens. The winner will go on to represent the Philippines in the international pageant, which will be held in Israel in December. – Rappler.com