Cristeta Longey, reigning Miss Universe Philippines – Benguet 2026, officially resigned her title, citing a loss of trust in the local Miss Universe Benguet, following alleged administrative failures and a lack of financial support.
In a formal statement released on February 8, 2026, Longey revealed that while she had been preparing for the national stage since her October coronation, the Miss Universe Philippines – Benguet organization informed her on January 25 that they could no longer fully fund her participation.
In a statement Longey was given two options: compete this year without organizational backing or defer her reign to the 2027 edition.
Longey opted to defer, but by January 30, she discovered through third-party sources that the organization was already grooming a new representative for the 2026 national pageant, despite her active contract.
“The manner in which these events unfolded left me feeling dismissed and diminished as the titleholder,” Longey stated, alleging when she sought clarification, she was accused of “utter disloyalty” and labeled “difficult” by the local committee.
The resignation has also brought to light financial disputes within the local franchise, Longey claimed that she and her fellow titleholders have yet to receive the cash prizes won during the October 2025 pageant.
According to the beauty queen, the funds were originally promised within one week of contract signing but have been delayed for months. The latest deadline set by the organization is February 15, 2026.
Longey’s departure marks a controversial start to the 2026 pageant season for the province. She emphasized that her decision was made to “protect her dignity” and “honor the sacrifices” she made during her short-lived reign.
Meanwhile, Lyneree Wly Montero-Yodong was presented to the media, Sunday afternoon, February 8, hours after Longey statement, before after being crowned as Miss Universe Philippines – Mountain Province 2026. She is the first candidate to represent the province in the national stage.
Yodong is looking forward to turn the pageant spotlight toward the preservation of Cordillera’s indigenous weaving traditions.
Yodong, the first-ever candidate to represent the province on the Miss Universe Philippines stage, dedicated her crown to her community during a media launch Sunday, Feb. 8. Her campaign centers on a critical cultural challenge: the dwindling number of young people entering the traditional weaving industry.
Longey, added to her official statement that “On February 5, the organization informed us that Miss Universe Philippines – Benguet would no longer be sending a representative to this year’s national competition. While we acknowledge this update, it was already clear that our values no longer aligned. As of Feb 9, at 12:31AM, I have received the full amount of my cash prize.”
As of press time, the Miss Universe Philippines – Benguet organization has not issued an official rebuttal to Longey’s specific allegations regarding the secret replacement or the unreleased funds.
NLM reached out to both Longey and franchise holder of both MU Benguet and Mountain Province, Wynona Luis – Galvan, but received no feedback as of press time. Maria Elena Catajan with reports from Caryl Sumulong and Kyla Macapanas/UP Baguio interns