Arnold Vegafria is disappointed, as beauty queen declined abdicated crown

The rumors of Miss Eco International 2019 Suheyn Cipriani being officially stripped of the crown were doing the rounds for violating the terms as she got pregnant while fulfilling her reign and as the first runner-up of Miss Eco International 2019 Maureen Montagne was supposed to get the crown. She then increased the curiosity of the pageant fanatics by stating that she is in talks with both the organization to reach a decision.

However a few days later she thanked the entire Miss Eco International Organization for giving her an opportunity, but said she would like to honor the commitment she made to the Binibining Pilipinas Charities Incorporated (BPCI). In the post on Instagram she said, "First and foremost, I want to say that this past year, I have poured my heart and soul to Binibining Pilipinas. I am eternally grateful for everyone's support on my pageant journey and I would like to say – I’m sticking with it, I have made a commitment to the Binibining Pilipinas Charities Incorporated [whole] heartedly and I will continue to chase my dreams of competing on the BBP stage in the hopes of representing our country on the international stage."

After Maureen turned down the opportunity to be crowned Miss Eco International 2019, Miss Eco Malaysia 2019 Amy Nurtinie who was adjudged the fourth runner-up at the grand finale took over the duties of the crown. If Maureen would have accepted the opportunity, it would have been a back to back win for Philippines as Miss Eco International 2018 winner was Cynthia Thomalla of Philippines.

Things however did not go well with Arnold Vegafria, the National Director of Miss World Philippines. Maureen’s decision came as a shock to him and soon he took to social media to express his disappointment with her decision to move ahead with Binibining Pilipinas 2020. Arnold said, “I am greatly saddened to hear that Miss Eco International 2019 1st Runner-Up Maureen Montagne declined her privilege as the rightful successor of recently dethroned Miss Eco International 2019 Suheyn Cipriani from Peru.”

“Being the next in line, she was automatically qualified to wear the prestigious crown which would have brought glory to our country, and possibly would've made pageant history with the country's back-to- back wins for Miss Eco International 2018-2019,” he said and further added, “Maureen could've still accepted the crown and waited until September when she can formally relinquish her title--but she refused. Her conduct unbecoming of pageant queen is a clear deterrent to her loftier aspirations for yet another crown.” Despite his disappointment Arnold concluded the post by blessing and wishing her luck for all her future endeavors.