Binibining Pilipinas followers jubilant over reinstatement

LEGAZPI CITY , Philippines  – Bicol organizers of the One Million Signature for Raj Movement had expressed jubilation over the reinstatement of Maria Venus Raj as Binibining Pilipinas-Universe winner have vowed to remain vigilant of any development on the controversy since the pageant organizer’s action is with attached condition.

Gerome Balute, OSRM leader based in Camarines Sur, said that before the return of Raj’s crown was announced on Saturday afternoon, they had already put on cue the formal launching of the signature campaign in Naga City and in Legazpi City today.

“But because of the latest development, we decided to postpone these mass protests and signature campaign,” Balute told media here, adding that they would continue should negative developments crop up again.

In an official press statement written in Filipino, the group said:” We felt the pain of Venus because she is one of us. Venus’ story is also the same story of the majority of our Bicolano youth.”

The statement added, “And now that her crown as Binibining Pilipinas Universe is given back to her we are very happy. Her dreams are also the dreams of the Bicolano youth. Her triumph is also the triumph of everyone of us.”

Jomel Gruta, OSVM head in Albay, said that they would remain vigilant since the Binibining Pilipinas Charities Inc.’s return of Raj’s crown is with condition – to secure a valid passport.

“We will adopt meantime a wait-and-see stand,” Gruta said.

Lawyer Rodel Batocabe, president of the Bicol-based AKB Party-list, expressed dismay over the conditional return of Raj’s crown.

Batocabe said that BPCI has no right to strip Raj of her title as Binibining Pilpinas Universe if she fails to secure a valid passport.

“If Raj fails to secure a valid passport, then BPCI can send the next qualified representative. But Raj should remain as the title holder,” Batocabe told The STAR.

Batocabe was one of several Bicolano lawyers who had immediately extended free legal advice and assistance to Raj shortly after her dethronement.