Malacañang commended Miss Philippines Beatrice Luigi Gomez for bringing joy to the Filipino people and honor to the country at the 70th Miss Universe competition in Israel on Monday morning, Manila time.

In his statement, Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles said Gomez's participation in the Miss Universe allowed the world to witness the exceptional qualities of Filipino women.

"The Palace commends Miss Philippines Beatrice Luigi Gomez for bringing joy to our people and honor to our country at the 70th Miss Universe competition in Israel," he said.

"A member of our armed forces, an athlete, and a youth advocate, Ms. Gomez is an inspiring figure whose participation in Miss Universe allowed the world to see what we in the country witness every day: the strength, grace, and beauty of the Filipino woman," he added.

The Palace official likewise wished the Filipino beauty queen the best in her other endeavors.

"We wish Beatrice all the best in her future plans and undertakings. We are all proud of you," Nograles said.

The 26-year-old Cebuana was the fifth candidate to be called for the Top 5 during the competition on the morning of December 13 (Manila time). However, she failed to advance to the next round of the competition. India's Harnaaz Sandhu was eventually crowned as the new Miss Universe.

During the question and answer portion, Gomez was asked by Miss Universe 2016 Iris Mittenaere about her opinion about mandating a universal vaccine passport. She said she was for mandating such a document.

"I believe that public health is everyone’s responsibility, and to mandate vaccine inoculation is necessary," Gomez said.

"If mandating vaccine passports would help us in regulating the rollouts of the vaccine, and mitigate the situation of the pandemic today, then I would agree on mandating the necessary passport of vaccination. Thank you," she added.