Wanda Teo: Miss Universe 2017 will NOT be held in the Philippines

MANILA, June 22 -- ABS-CBN news reported that Department of Tourism Secretary Wanda Teo, confirmed that Miss Universe 2017 will NOT be held in the Philippines as previously reported by several media outlets.  Teo made the announcement during the International Conference on Sustainable Tourism for Development.

About a month ago, local media and local pageant outlets reported that Miss Universe 2017 in the Philippines was not a possibility, but a done deal, even going as far as reporting possible sponsors, host hotel and the venue for the event, which was scheduled for November 26th.

MUO President Paula Shugart confirmed that the rumors were not true upon her arrival to Manila a few weeks ago, stating that it was a possibility but it was not confirmed.

Now the rumors are that the competition could return to Las Vegas, taking place in January of 2018.  The MUO is expected to release information about venue and dates in the fall.