Miss Universe Philippines ‘vehemently denies’ claims of trophy designer Jef Albea

Miss Universe Philippines issued an official statement on its social media pages after Jef Albea, the artist who designed the pageant's trophies, alleged he was not paid for his work at this year’s pageant.

“The Miss Universe Philippines Organization vehemently denies the unfounded allegations made by Jef Albea regarding the payment for the trophies he supplied. Contrary to his claims, we have had communications with his staff on this matter,” the organization said.

According to the MUPh, they "categorically deny" the allegations Albea set forward about refusing to pay, disregarding or ignoring payments for the trophies.

“In accordance with the standard procedure of billing for suppliers to sponsors, MUPh needs proper documentation for the said transaction," MUPh added, as it said they "will not hesitate to pursue legal action to address and resolve this unfounded accusation.”

In its statement, MUPh also urged the public to refrain from spreading misinformation and "have faith that the truth will ultimately prevail.”

In a viral post late Wednesday, Jef Albea said the local pageant “vanished into thin air" and "refused to pay" for the trophies he "designed and crafted for the coronation night."

In his post, Jef said he will no longer accept money from the organization, but he calls for respect for himself and his fellow artists.

Following his statements, Miss Universe Philippines Project Head and Empire Philippines’ Account Manager Borg Roxas addressed the issue, saying Jef was immediately paid P150,000 at The Miss Universe Philippines finals in 2023 but that he did not issue an official receipt.

“Pero on the day of the finals pinadala yung mga artwork, and on that day din namin nalaman through his [assistant] na need magbayad ng 75,000 pesos,” he said.

Borg said it wasn't just because of the backstage situation that the team was unable to pay Jef. They also needed proper documentation, such as billing statements.

“Magulo na lahat backstage and wala naman may hawak ng cash. So sinabi namin na kailangan proper documentation like billing etc.,” Borg said.

He also disproved Jef’s claims that the production “vanished.”

“Kailangan din namin sa production mag-submit ng tamang papeles kasi walang kasulatan with Sir Jef sa terms. Pero kahit ganun man, wala naman TINATAKASAN. Pero yung tatakasan ang 75k, bakit namin gagawin yun eh last October binayaran namin sya.”

“Again, hindi ang MUPh ang nagkamali dito. Sa production side, kailangan namin idefend sa management kahit walang billing or invoice. Nag yes naman agad management sa amin,” Borg said.

Chelsea Manalo, a beauty queen from Bulacan, was crowned the new Miss Universe Philippines. She will compete at the upcoming international pageant in Mexico.

 

 

 

 

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— Carby Basina/LA, GMA Integrated News