MUPH official defends Jonas Gaffud following viral cellphone incident
Jonas Gaffud, CEO and President of Miss Universe Philippines
A viral video showing Jonas Gaffud, CEO and President of Miss Universe Philippines, seemingly striking a man with his cellphone is now a major topic online.
The video was allegedly taken during the Miss Universe Philippines 2026 grand coronation nighr held at the SM Mall of Asia Arena last Saturday.
According to reports, Jonas was supposedly disappointed relating a technical issue that occured while "Pinoy Big Brother Celebrity Collab Edition” season 1 Kapamilya 2nd placer Ralph De Leon was delivering a spiel.
Miss Universe Philippines Executive Vice President Voltaire Tayag has since come out to explain what really happened.
"He was very frustrated when the mics were not working. He was trying to call the production...
"It was very clear he did not make hampas anyone. In fact, natawa nga ako. In my mind, ‘Oh my gosh, baka nasira niya yung phone niya."
"Later on, I was even joking at him, ‘At least meron tayong sponsor na phone," Voltaire told News5.
Voltairr understands Jonas’ frustration.
"Look, he spent so much. We’ve been trying so hard to make this production perfect. And then malapit nang matapos, all of a sudden, magkakaroon nang ganoon. You know, you do something 98 percent correct, and then the two percent is what people would focus on," he said.
In the end, Voltaire maintained, "It’s unfortunate, but it’s just out of frustration. I think anybody in production would feel that way. And it’s unfair for him to be judged by people. To be bashed for that one incident.
"All of this time, where are all the people talking about the good things that he’s done, the good things that he’s done for the pageant industry, for Miss Universe Philippines and the delegates?
"I hope people can do that and reconsider all of those things...But just to be clear, he didn’t threw the phone at anyone," he ended.