Miss Philippines Earth 2025 Joy Barcoma broke her silence on the controversy surrounding her absence from the recent Miss Earth coronation night, saying she was never informed that she had violated her contract despite speculation sparked by a social media post from a pageant official.
Speaking in an interview with veteran host Boy Abunda, Barcoma addressed questions about why she did not attend the coronation in Bukidnon, where she was expected to make her farewell walk and crown her successor.
According to Barcoma, she had already booked her flights and completed all necessary preparations after months of coordinating with the manager handling her participation.
“Everything was set na for me. On the day of the flight… I was told na huwag na daw akong tumuloy because my presence is no longer needed,” Barcoma said.
She explained that she respected the organization's decision after being informed that there would be no farewell walk for the outgoing queens.
“It was communicated to me as well na walang magaganap na farewell walk for all queens. So naintindihan ko na hindi ko na kailangan magpasa ng corona,” she added.
However, Barcoma later learned that the other outgoing queens were eventually given farewell walks after appealing to Miss Philippines Earth owner Lorraine Schuck.
Although disappointed, Barcoma said she chose to look at the situation positively.
“I was saddened at first... because that's what every beauty queen looks forward to—the end of my reign, the mark of my responsibilities and my legacy. But I told myself that my responsibility as Miss Philippines Earth did not end.”
During the interview, Abunda also asked Barcoma about a Facebook post by Miss Earth brand manager Astrid Schuck, which stated that “if a contract is breached, many times action is taken,” prompting online speculation that it referred to her.
Barcoma admitted she believed the post may have been intended to answer public questions about her absence but emphasized that the organization never directly accused her of violating her contract.
“Did I breach my contract? I don't know kasi it wasn't communicated to me. Wala pong conversation na nangyari between me and the organization na may nabreach akong contract,” she said.
She recalled that the only message she received was that her attendance was no longer necessary, despite already securing flights, accommodations, and a makeup artist.
Barcoma also revealed that she sent a message to Lorraine Schuck expressing her willingness to continue fulfilling her duties if needed.
“If you want me to continue my responsibilities, I'm still open to it. Wala naman po akong sama ng loob sa organization,” she said.
While she received no direct reply from Schuck, Barcoma said a manager later contacted her to thank her for her reign, commitment, and contributions to the organization.
When asked if she was aware of any conflict or contractual issue with Miss Philippines Earth, Barcoma maintained that none had been communicated to her.
“Ang alam ko lang po, hindi ako kailangan. Kasi wala naman pong na-communicate sa akin na may nabreach ako,” she said.
She acknowledged that she had previously received reminders from the organization regarding certain actions she had taken, but said those matters had already been resolved and was not in a position to confirm whether they were connected to the current issue.
Barcoma's interview comes weeks after she found a symbolic farewell during the Love Laban PH 2026 Pride celebration, where she was given the opportunity to celebrate the conclusion of her reign after missing the official pageant send-off.
