Miss Universe-Philippines 2024 second runner-up Ahtisa Manalo withdraws poll candidacy
CANDELARIA, Quezon – Miss Universe-Philippines 2024 second runner-up Ahtisa Manalo withdrew her candidacy for municipal councilor here on Tuesday, Feb. 25, to compete in this year’s edition of the pageant.

CANDELARIA, Quezon Mayor George ‘Ogie’ Suayan (right) answers questions on the withdrawal of Miss Universe 2023 second runner-up Ahtisa Manalo as candidate for municipal councilor in a press conference on Tuesday, Feb. 25, in Candelaria. Also in photo is Manalo's mother Elsie (second from right). (Danny Estacio)
The decision of Manalo, dubbed “Pambansang Manika” (national doll), was revealed by her mother Elsie in a press conference by her political party Suayan-Maliwanag Leaders Manalo.
"Sa mga mahal kong kababayan sa Candelaria, Quezon, to Mayor Ogie Suayan, his wife Emma, Vice Mayor Bong Maliwanag, SM Leaders Manalo, gusto ko pong personal na ipaabot ang aking mensahe sa inyo (To my townmates in Candelaria, Quezon, to Mayor Ogie Suayan, his wife Emma, Vice Mayor Bong Maliwanag, SM Leaders Manalo, I would like to convey a message to you. I am officially withdrawing my candidacy as municipal councilor of Candelaria. This was not an easy decision, and I know it might come as a surprise," Manalo said.
"I was given an unexpected but incredible opportunity to represent not just myself, but also our beloved town, as I compete in Miss Universe Philippines once again, I want to sincerely apologize for this sudden change of plans, at higit sa lahat, sa aking mga kababayan sa (most of all to the people of) Candelaria. I am truly sorry if I have caused any disappointment or inconvenience,” she said.
Manalo said that her decision is her personal choice based on her principle. "I am making this choice because I believe this new opportunity allows me to serve and represent again our province in a different but meaningful way."
This opportunity came unexpectedly, and while it means stepping away from my candidacy, I promise to carry the pride of Candelaria with me as I take on this new journey, Manalo added.
“I hope I can still count on your support and prayers, as I aim to make our town proud on the national stage,” she said.
Suayan said the new journey of Manalo once she wins in the pageant will contribute to the tourism industry here and will bring pride to Candelaria and to the province as well.