Cover image via amazonaws.comNewly crowned Miss Earth 2016 Katherine Espin of Ecuador reacted to Imelda Schweighart's resignation as Miss Philippines Earth
Espin said that despite the controversies following the pageant night, she respects Schweighart's decision to quit.
"I believe that each one of us has her own decision towards life, whether you want to do something or not. She is a woman; she has dreams. If she decided this, it's her decision. She's a grown up already and she knows what best for her," Espin said.
"I've heard some rumors, some things that aren't going on. I don't know why it's happening but I respect her as a woman and I will eventually clarify all the rumors, we will clarify so there will be no misunderstanding," she added.
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Schweighart relinquished her crown as Miss Philippines Earth on Monday, following her controversial statements
Organizers of Miss Earth and Miss Philippines Earth accepted her voluntary resignation at 5:52 p.m. Monday.
Miss Philippines Earth first runner-up Kiara Giel Gregorio will fulfill all of Schweighart's remaining obligations.
Meanwhile, Espin said she is excited to start her reign as Miss Earth 2016
"I am very committed to work as Miss Earth. I have so many projects in mind," she said.
According to the South American beauty queen, she is willing to drop everything to focus on her environmental advocacy.
"I really want to dedicate the whole year on working for the environment. I will leave everything else in my life and just focus on my reign as Miss Earth."
