Las Vegas, Nevada (The Adobo Chronicles) – There has been a lot of speculation that the 2014 Miss Universe Pageant will be held in Manila, Philippines. After all, this Southeast Asian country has hosted two of the previous pageants, once in 1974 and again in 1994. It has also produced two title holders, Gloria Diaz in 1969 and Margarita Moran in 1974, not to mention several runners-up in recent years.

Filipinos will not be happy with today’s announcement by Donald Trump, owner of the Miss Universe Organization: the 2014 pageant will definitely not be held in Manila.

In a press briefing at the Trump Towers in Las Vegas, Trump said that while he has not made a final decision on the venue for the 2014 pageant, ” I have ruled out Manila.”

Trump said that he has been closely watching developments in Manila, particularly the pork barrel scandal that has rocked the Philippine government and has sent business persons and top politicians to prison.

“The pork barrel scandal in the Philippines is directly contrary to my beliefs and lifestyle,” Trump said, “and I will be sending the wrong message to the world if I bring the Miss Universe Pageant to Manila at this time.”

Trump does not eat pork. He is a vegetarian.