Former Miss Earth 2017 Karen Ibasco and Miss Philippines Earth 2024 Irha Mel Alfeche have addressed circulating online rumors alleging that they were “throwing shade” at Miss Philippines Earth 2025 and Miss Earth 2025 runner-up Joy Barcoma, denying any malicious intent and urging the public to avoid misinformation.
In separate Facebook statements, both beauty queens clarified that their posts were being misinterpreted amid weeks of speculation involving the Miss Earth organization and its recent pageant developments.
Karen Ibasco: “I Choose Diplomacy and Professionalism”
In a lengthy post, Ibasco emphasized that she has always responded to controversies with professionalism and respect, stressing that she has no involvement in organizational decisions.
"Purpose has always been my drive before, during, and after the crown," Ibasco said. "I can never control how people react but I surely know how to respond in any or every situation. I always choose the path of diplomacy and professionalism."
She also dismissed allegations that she had prior knowledge of pageant decisions or had influenced outcomes, clarifying that she does not hold any position within the organization.
"I do not have any position/power in the organization to make any decisions. I do not know the production, program, format or questions ahead of time for the coronation night," she said.
Ibasco further denied claims that she disrespects fellow queens, including Barcoma.
"It’s not true that I don’t want another Philippine representative to win the Miss Earth crown... Never did I and never will I do that," she added, reiterating her continued support for the Miss Earth organization.
She also urged the public to exercise discernment in consuming online content.
"Disseminating the right, factual information is crucial. We have to do our due diligence in verifying details before jumping into conclusions based purely on speculation," Ibasco said.
Irha Mel Alfeche: “The Truth Will Reveal Itself”
Meanwhile, Irha Mel Alfeche also denied that her recent posts contained hidden messages directed at Barcoma, clarifying that the content being linked to the issue was unrelated.
"The post that resurfaced... was not about the person everyone is connecting it to. No. A big no," Alfeche stated.
She explained that the photos and captions in question were taken during a 2024 Independence Day event in Iligan City, where she participated in a military-related celebration.
"Those photos were taken during my participation in the Independence Day celebration... It was not AI-generated. It was real," she said.
Alfeche also stressed that she only learned of the controversy later and had no intent to be involved in any issue.
"Gusto ko lang i-clear na yung recent posts ko were never about anyone. Walang pinatatamaan, hindi para sa kahit sino and it never will be," she said.
She added that she respects decisions made by the organization regarding pageant proceedings and emphasized that she chose not to engage in online disputes.
"I remain unbothered not because I have nothing to say, but because I believe kindness will always speak louder than anger," she said.
Online Speculation Continues
The clarification from both titleholders comes amid ongoing online discussions surrounding the Miss Earth organization and interpretations of past social media posts involving pageant queens. Both Ibasco and Alfeche reiterated that they hold respect for fellow titleholders and the organization and that their statements were meant to correct misinformation rather than fuel controversy.
