The Miss Philippines-Cosmo Chelsea Fernandez. Image: Armin P. Adina/INQUIRER.net
Reigning The Miss Philippines-Cosmo Chelsea Fernandez released a video on social media to encourage Filipinos to speak up and continue to call out the corruption taking place in the country.
The seasoned beauty queen spoke in a mix of English and Filipino in a video she posted on her page past midnight on Sunday, Aug. 31, with the caption “GISING NA PILIPINAS (Wake up, Philippines)!”
“With so many issues happening not just here in the Philippines but around the world, it’s only right that we raise our voices. Your voice matters,” Fernandez said.
Many Filipinos are currently engaged with the issue of the botched flood control projects funded by taxpayers’ money, with the surfacing of videos of personalities related to the contractors that show an ostentatious display of wealth.
READ: Bianca Gonzalez slams kids of ‘corrupt’ officials for flaunting lavish lifestyle
Fernandez, however, cited how fickle-minded netizens are and shared how she found it frustrating when people dismiss beauty queens who discuss social issues, accusing them of just riding on a trend.
“But when you stay silent, they will say that beauty queens should use their platform to speak out. ‘Why are you silent? Are you just all beauty?’ So I ask, what is it you really want?” she said.
In her video, Fernandez said the issue of corruption has been “longstanding” in the Philippines, and it also happens in other countries like Indonesia.
She said she has been made aware of the current situation in the neighboring Southeast Asian archipelago through the Instagram post of reigning Miss Cosmo Ketut Permata Juliastrid.
The Indonesian beauty queen released a video where she spoke about the public outcry against the corrupt practices of Indonesian government officials, and did not hold back in dropping names of certain political personalities and the affront they committed against her countrymen.
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Fernandez said, “That moment made me realize the power of platforms like these. That’s why I now have the courage to speak up.”
She said she was “silenced” in the past. “I was attacked for speaking the truth. [But] now I am braver, and I have grown. I have learned to stand firm in what is right,” she declared. She did not say what instance the supposed attack happened, and when.
Fernandez said what she finds admirable in the current social climate is that the young ones are leading the conversations on current affairs, such as the topic of corruption.
“We are louder now, more informed, and more empowered because of digital platforms. We are no longer limited to television, radio, or even newspapers,” she said.
“We can call out injustice and raise awareness whenever and wherever. So I hope we do not stop. Let’s keep pushing and fight for what is right for our beloved country, the Philippines. God bless everyone,” Fernandez said as she ended the clip.
Before her, 2021 Miss Intercontinental Cinderella Faye Obeñita and reigning Miss Philippines Earth Joy Barcoma spoke up on their respective social media platforms to express their thoughts on the extravagant lifestyle of the families of government contractors.
Fernandez was in Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam, recently for the launch event of the second edition of the Miss Cosmo pageant happening later this year.
She will represent the Philippines in the 2025 Miss Cosmo pageant taking place in Vietnam in December. Last year’s delegate was Ahtisa Manalo, who is now the country’s entry to the 2025 Miss Universe pageant. /edv
