The Philippines’ bet for Miss Grand International 2017 Elizabeth Clenci finished as second runner-up at the prestigious pageant on Wednesday night, Oct. 25, held on Phu Quoc Island in Vietnam.
Miss Peru Maria Jose Lora was declared the winner, while Miss Venezuela was named first runner-up.
Miss Puerto Rico and Miss Czech Republic were named third runner-up and fourth runner-up, respectively.
The last five candidates standing tackled the question and answer portion before the announcement of winners.
Only one question was asked: “If you have to issue a law to punish criminals of war and violence, how would you punish these people and why?”
Clenci answered, “They say a nation is judged not by the criminals and the crimes that they commit, but how the nation punishes them.
“If I were to create a law, it would be to implement rehabilitation and mental rehabilitation
“Because character is such a complex phenomenon, but we cannot judge someone’s character based on the crimes that they commit.
“If we punish somebody just as equally as the crimes that they have committed, then what does that say about us?
“I would implement better rehabilitation. Thank you.”
Before the winner was announced, the pageant gave out special awards to the following candidates:
- Miss Paradise Cave Heritage Award – Thailand
- Best in Social Media Award – Paraguay
- Best in Evening Gown – China
The 27-year-old new Miss Grand International, who is an entrepreneur and business owner of L’belle Model Management, dedicated her victory to her country, especially among women.
Last year, Philippines’s bet Nicole Cordoves placed first runner-up in the competition.
Watch the full final show here:
