Miss Universe PHL franchise still with Bb. Pilipinas — Stella Marquez-Araneta

The crown is still with Binibining Pilipinas Charities, Incorporated (BPCI).

“The franchise is still with us,” BPCI chair Stella Marquez-Araneta told members of the press in an ambush interview on Thursday.

WATCH: Stella Marquez Araneta says that the Philippine franchise of Miss Universe is still with the Binibining Pilipinas Charities, Incorporated (BPCI) pic.twitter.com/kE9RmFWwhq

— Aya Miura (@ayaruim) January 3, 2019

She said that the search for the new batch of queens will soon be announced and they are still preparing to crown Catriona Gray’s successor.

Madam Stella added that her meeting with the Miss Universe Organization remains as friendly as ever.

This is in contrast with talk spreading online of the local franchise of the Miss Universe changing hands this year, with Chavit Singson being tagged as an interested party.

The rumors gained more traction after Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray flew home in Singson’s private aircraft, accompanied by Miss Universe preliminary competition judge Richelle Singson-Michael. — LA, GMA News