Miss Universe Catriona Gray is back home! And she’s not afraid to speak her mind.
During her homecoming media appearance yesterday, the Filipino-Australian beauty queen said that the government should study why children commit crimes instead of lowering the age of criminal liability.
The Philippine House of Representatives has already approved a bill lowering the age of criminal liability from 15 years old to 12. The Senate failed to approve its own version of the bill but it is expected to do so once sessions resume.
President Rodrigo Duterte has complained that child criminals have gone in and out of jail because the government couldn’t prosecute them.
But if Gray has her way, these children should be given a chance.
She told News 5 in an interview: “I really feel that it’s important for us to readjust our focus as to why these children [are] committing those crimes because I [have] worked a lot with children and anyone knows children are not disposed to do that kind of act (crime) or to act that way.
“It is probably an outcome of their circumstance or their environment and social pressures. As a nation, I think we should focus on eradicating these external pressures.”
Gray said that the government should work on educating the parents or the adults surrounding the children to prevent them from committing crimes.
Gray has worked with a non-governmental organization based in the Philippines called Young Focus that seeks to give quality education to impoverished Filipino children.
Beauty queens are respected influencers in the Philippines. The media often ask for their opinions on important social issues. In fact, many credit Gray for partly influencing the support that the medical marijuana bill is getting because she said she was all for it during the Miss Universe pageant in Bangkok in December.
During her press conference, Gray also mentioned that she wants to promote Mindanao as a tourist destination and that she’s planning to pursue a career in music after her reign.
But Gray’s homecoming wasn’t the only thing that kept her busy. It was also yesterday when Gray was featured on Vogue’s website, where she recreated the makeup look that she wore during the Miss Universe coronation night.
Fans who want to see more of Gray can watch her homecoming parade this afternoon. The parade will start in Sofitel Manila on Roxas Blvd. in Pasay City and end in Ayala Ave. in Makati City.
Expect her to look queenly for the rest of her homecoming festivities. Mak Tumang, her favorite designer, showed photos today of Sampaguita, a green-colored jumpsuit/terno inspired by the national flower that Gray will be wearing.
Welcome home, Queen!
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