LA TRINIDAD, Benguet — Miss Universe Philippines Benguet 2026 titleholder Longey has officially stepped down from her crown, effectively withdrawing from this year’s national competition.

Longey’s resignation followed months of intensive preparation, including fittings, photoshoots, and specialized training that began after her local coronation in October 2025.

The situation reached a turning point on 25 January 2026, when the organization allegedly informed her that it could no longer provide full support for her national participation.

She was reportedly given two options: extend her reign until 2027, when support would be available, or compete in 2026 without organizational backing. Seeking a fully supported campaign, Longey and her team initially agreed to defer her participation to the following year, trusting the arrangement would be honored.

Days later, tensions escalated when Longey said she learned through outside sources that another individual was being prepared to replace her as Benguet’s representative for the 2026 national pageant. When she sought clarification, she claimed her concerns were dismissed.

Longey also alleged that a draft transition statement given to her was vague and misleading, and that her calls for transparency led to her being labeled “difficult” and accused of disloyalty.

Beyond the representation issue, she raised concerns over unresolved financial obligations, saying she and fellow titleholders have yet to receive the cash prizes promised during their October 2025 contract signing.

Despite assurances that the funds would be released within a week, follow-ups reportedly yielded silence or vague responses. A late-January meeting set a new mid-February deadline, but the continued delay, she said, eroded trust.

Longey said her resignation was necessary to protect her dignity and honor the sacrifices she made while holding the title. She thanked the community for its support and said she would use the time away from pageantry to realign with her core values.