MANILA, Philippines (The Adobo Chronicles, Manila Bureau) – Just weeks ago, Gabriela Rep. Arlene Brosas opposed the hosting of the Miss Universe pageant in the Philippines, calling it an objectification of women and a cover-up of the country’s societal problems.

Brosas said the hosting was a “manipulative and deceptive tool that projects an image of peace and stability to cover up the creeping influence of fascist repression of poor women’s rising protests.”

Now, the activist women’s group is again making headlines, saying that it doesn’t want the Philippines’ representative, Maxine Medina, to win in next week’s pageant.

A spokesperson for Gabriela said that “for Miss Philippines to win the crown when the pageant is being held here will reflect badly on the country.  It will be perceived as a “hometown decision.”

“Furthermore, a back-to-back win by the Philippines in the popular pageant will give the wrong impression that Filipinas are desperate to wear beauty crowns,” the spokesperson said.

Gabriela however said that it will be okay if Miss Philippines won first runner-up, especially if Miss Colombia ends up winning the title. (Last year, pageant host Steve Harvey erroneously announced Miss Colombia as the winner, instead of Miss Philippines.)