Bb. Pilipinas 2012 winners respect Miss Universe’s new rule

The newly-crowned Bb. Pilipinas winners respect the new rule of Miss Universe organizers to allow transgenders to join the international pageant.
 
“Actually, they don’t want me to comment on it, pero iyon nga, I respect the Miss Universe Organization for that. I respect them, their rules, kung ‘yun ang gusto nila at napag-usapan nila, then it’s okay. I’m fine with it,” Bb. Pilipinas-Universe Janine Mari Tugonon said in an interview after the coronation night on Sunday, April 15.
 
Against protests

Janine, a clinical specialist, is also against protests against the new rule, saying that it will not solve the issue.
 
“I don’t think maso-solve ang issue na iyan through protests. They can voice out their ideas, pero huwag naman protesta. Let’s respect the Miss Universe Organization. I’m sure they have their reasons,” she explained.

Bb. Pilipinas-Tourism Katrina Jayne Dimaranan echoed same sentiments, saying that she would rather wait for the guidelines set by the Miss Universe Organization and the decision of the Bb. Pilipinas Charities, Inc. about it.
 
“I really have no comment on that. If ever Binibining Pilipinas decides to or not, I will support their decision. So I think I’m just gonna wait on what the Binibining Pilipinas Charities Inc. will decide on,” Katrina said.

Equality

Bb. Pilipinas-International Nicole Schmitz, on the other hand, is all for equality. She said people should “all respect each other.”
 
“All I have to say to that is I think we’re all created equal, but in our own unique ways. So, in terms of competing against other transgenders in pageants, I think what we need to do is just understand the essence of being a woman.”
 
Meanwhile, Janine feels pressured  about competing in the Miss Universe tilt because her immediate predecessors, Shamcey Supsup and Venus Raj brought honor to the country by placing third runner-up and fourth runner-up respectively.
 
“Actually iyon agad ‘yung naisip ko nung tinawag ako. Sabi ko, ‘Shocks, pressure ito!’ Siyempre, it’s normal for people to feel that way. Pero siyempre kasabay noon dapat mag-pursige ka rin. You have to work on it,” Janine said.