Newly crowned 2007 Bb. Pilipinas-World Margaret Wilson is under fire. Some people are questioning her eligibility to participate in the prestigious beauty pageant.
Points were raised to the organizer, Binibining Pilipinas Charities, saying that Margaret, or Maggie, violates two requirements of the pageant: the participant should be a high school graduate and at least 18 years old.
Maggie's manager, Neil de Guia, says that Maggie is set to graduate high school this month. He adds that she is indeed only 17 years old, but will be turning 18 by the time she represents the country at the Miss World pageant in October or November.
Among the judges of this year's Bb. Pilipinas are 1993 Miss World Second Princess Ruffa Gutierrez-Bektas, 1994 Bb. Pilipinas-Universe Charlene Gonzalez-Muhlach, and 2005 Miss International Precious Lara Quigaman.
Ruffa defends Maggie against the controversy.
"We [the judges] like her. I mean I've never met these girls, you know. Kinuha kami as judges and ibinigay sa amin ‘ yong list of names and it's the very first time that we met them on stage... I feel that all the winners are deserving," says Ruffa.
She adds, "You know what, noong pinasok nila si Margaret Wilson sa Binibining [Pilipinas], I'm sure, kumbaga hindi naman siya magiging winner at hindi naman siya puwedeng ma-qualify to join the pageant kung may problema sa age and sa high school whatever."
The Philippines' Next Top Model host also says that Maggie has what it takes to be a beauty queen.
"I believe she has poise... On stage napaka-regal niya. Nag-away pa nga kami nung Japanese ambassador, 'no! Gusto nung ambassador Miss International siya, so kami naman ni Charlene, No! We want her for Miss World!' So talagang nagde-deliberation," remarks the TV host-actress-beauty queen. (Japan is the host of the Miss International beauty pageant.)
Ruffa raises a question: "Why is it only now that the poor girl won 'tsaka lang sila tumitira?"