MANILA, Jan. 25 (PNA) – Two days after she returned to the country after winning the 2015 Miss Universe Pageant title in Las Vegas last Dec. 20, Filipina Pia Alonzo Wurtzbach visited the Philippine Senate on Monday to receive the senators’ commendation for her giving honor to the country.
Accompanied by the Miss Universe Organization Officials headed by its president, Miss Paula Shugart, the newly-crowned Miss Universe arrived at 10:45 a.m. with Senate Secretary Oscar Yabes leading all the Senate employees in welcoming Wurtzbach and her entourage.
Senate President Franklin Drilon and Senate Committee on Games, Amusement and Sports chairman Senator Juan Edgardo ‘Sonny’ Angara presented the Senate Resolution No. 111 congratulating and commending Wurtzbach.
”Miss Universe Pia Alonzo Wurtzbach exhibited not only classic Filipina beauty but also intelligence with her response to the final question,” the resolution principally authored by Drilon and Senator Lito Lapid stated.
Wurtzbach was the third Filipina to win the prestigious Miss Universe title after Gloria Diaz won it in 1969 and Margarita Moran did it again in 1973.
In his speech, Drilon promised to support Wurtzbach’s advocacy in increasing the awareness of the Filipinos against the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV).
”I understand that Pia has made the fight against HIV her main advocacy. I can assure you that the Senate is one with you in this campaign. We will look on legislation that will boost this campaign. We also have a champion. Our very own Pia, Senator Pia Cayetano,” Drilon said.
In her response, Wurtzbach said she is very honored and happy to visit the Philippine Senate to accept the commendation.
Drilon said Wurtzbach told him that she has expressed interest to join politics.
”Given her politically conscious responses to the questions, I am not surprised. You know the question was very political – the presence of the American bases, the presence of American troops, the matter of the HIV, her views on a number of critical issues,” Drilon said.
”I have advised her that if she’s really interested in joining government, she would be a very strong advocate of issues that she has expressed her opinions on. And, I advised her to first try her hand in some appointed position where she can push her advocacy, rather than join the politics in an elections,” he added.
Angara said Wurtzbach would have a good chance to win if she will run for an election position in government.
From the Senate, Wurtzbach proceeded to the nearby Sofitel Hotel for a well-deserved lunch. (PNA)