NEWSFLASH

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'99 BB. PILIPINAS UNIVERSE DETHRONED, REPLACED

Quezon City, March 24, 1999 - 1997 Binibining Pilipinas World Miriam Quiambao was crowned new Bb. Pilipinas Universe after winner Janelle Bautista voluntarily relinquished her title due to legal problems stemming from her citizenship and residency.

The 23-year-old Quiambao will represent the country in May to the Ms. Universe Pageant to be held at the island country of Trinidad and Tobago.

This was in accordance with Binibining Pilipinas Charities Inc. (BPCI) Executive Committee's decision, based on rules of the competition.

According to a news report, Bautista's passport has been withheld by the Department of Foreign Affairs after it was submitted and checked by pageant organizers.

No other details are available as of press time.

The Bb. Pilipinas beauty pageant has been hounded year after year by controversies involving candidates with questionable qualifications in terms of citizenship, length of Philippine residency and age.