Former Miss Earth titleholder Karen Ibasco has finally addressed rumors linking her to the Miss Philippines Earth organization's decision not to give outgoing queen Joy Barcoma a farewell walk during the Miss Philippines Earth 2026 coronation.
On her Facebook page, Karen wrote a lengthy post denying having any involvement in the organization's decision and clarified several issues that have circulated online in recent days.
“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. That is how I was honed as a person,” she said.
The former beauty queen also expressed disappointment over what she described as the spread of "fake news" regarding her relationship with the organization.
“It is disappointing to see #FakeNews rampantly spread, especially on social media,” Karen added. “I will never be where I am apart from the Miss Earth organization. They will always have my love and respect. So every time I get invited to host or judge locally or internationally, I show up as an expression of my gratefulness and appreciation for the organization.
“To clarify some rumors going around, 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.
“The day before the MPE coronation was the only time I learned that Joy wouldn’t have one. I can’t do anything but to respect the organization’s decision because it was already final.
Karen also dismissed claims that she did not want another Filipina to win the Miss Earth crown.
“It’s not true that I don’t want another Philippine representative to win the Miss Earth crown,” she stated. “When I won in 2017, all the past queens were there to support me, and it meant the world seeing them all there. I wanted that for Joy if ever she won the crown, even if it was just one former Miss Earth from the Philippines present. All the past queens had important commitments to attend to, which was completely understandable, that’s why they were not there last year.”
Meanwhile, Karen clarified a viral video from last year's Miss Earth pageant, saying it was never intended as criticism of Joy.
“The video that went viral after the ME 2025 coronation was not to attack Joy in any way, as it was completely misinterpreted by many. The decision was already made in the coronation night and it could no longer be changed. As an image consultant and a past Miss Earth winner, I analyzed what lessons we could have learned from her performance in order to have more crowns for the Philippines in the future.”
She also clarified a previous post that the netizens speculated was related to Joy. “Also my latest post was not to speak ill of Joy in any way. Never did I and never will I do that. I carefully craft content to post for the purpose of growth and learning. They are my personal take on things, not toward somebody.”
She ended her statement by urging the public to avoid making conclusions based on speculation: “For everyone, kindly know all sides to every story first before coming to a conclusion. Never base anything on assumption or speculation.”
She also congratulated newly crowned Miss Philippines Earth 2026 Rina Andrea delos Santos and wished Joy well in her future endeavors.
“To Joy, we may not have the same journey but I wish you well and all the best in your future endeavors,” she said.
Although Joy has yet to publicly comment on Karen's statement, pageant fans noticed that she reacted with a heart to the post.
Joy officially ended her reign during the Miss Philippines Earth 2026 coronation on June 27, but controversy surrounded the event after it was confirmed she would not be part of the program or be given the traditional farewell walk.
Fans had earlier speculated about her absence after she was noticeably missing from several pre-pageant activities and promotional events.
Before the coronation, Joy confirmed the decision in a social media post. "Tonight, I may not have a farewell walk. But perhaps that is the greatest reminder that a legacy is never measured by the number of steps she takes on stage but by footprints she leaves in the lives of others.”
She also thanked the Miss Philippines Earth organization for the opportunity to serve as its titleholder and encouraged supporters to continue backing the pageant and its environmental advocacy.
READ: EXCLUSIVE: Joy Barcoma dreams of working with Vice Ganda, shares message to next Miss Earth PH
On the same evening as the coronation, Joy had her own symbolic farewell walk during the LoveLaban Pride Festival 2026 at the University of the Philippines Diliman in Quezon City.