Joy Barcoma, binalikan ang dating kontrobersyal na isyu sa pageantry

Published 2 May 2026 at 8:57 AM

by Stacy dela Fuente

3 min read

Joy Barcoma revisited a controversial pageant issue she faced in 2021 involving rumors of illegal substance use
She denied initiating the rumor and said she took steps to clarify her side with the organization and fellow candidates
Barcoma revealed that she sent a demand letter requesting an apology from those involved
She also shared that she has learned to accept public criticism as part of being in the public eye

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Miss Philippines Earth 2025 Joy Barcoma looked back on a controversial chapter of her pageant journey during a recent interview, shedding light on a 2021 issue that once placed her in the center of public scrutiny.

Joy Barcoma, binalikan ang dating kontrobersyal na isyu sa pageantry — Photo: Joy Barcoma
Source: Facebook

Barcoma was previously accused of spreading rumors involving alleged illegal substance use among fellow contestants. However, she clarified that she was eventually cleared of the allegations after an internal review and statements from those involved.

“Ang kumalat na rumor, I was the one who initiated that chismis inside. So I came clean, I asked the organization to meddle, I called all the girls involved, and then I explained my side. Somebody admitted that it wasn’t me. I had my name cleared, but it wasn’t enough for me Tito Boy, kaya I had a presscon,” she recalled.

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Following the incident, Barcoma said she pursued further action to formally address the matter, including sending a demand letter to both the organization and the individuals involved.

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“We had a demand letter we sent out to the organization and to the girls who were involved. We said there specifically na I need na apology, if I don’t get an apology, I will be speaking about this matter publicly,” she said.

Despite the controversy, Barcoma admitted that dealing with public criticism has become part of her life, especially as someone in the public eye.

“I have to be used it –– I have to get used to it. Working in public service, I know I’m putting myself in a vulnerable position so I have to be ready for that. I know putting myself on a platform that faces a lot of people, you’re opening yourself up not just to positive feedback but also to criticisms,” she added.

Her statements highlight both her efforts to clear her name during the controversy and her acceptance of the challenges that come with public life.

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Joy Barcoma is a Filipino beauty queen and advocate who was crowned Miss Philippines Earth 2025 and later placed as a runner-up in the international Miss Earth 2025 competition. She graduated in Broadcast Communication from the Polytechnic University of the Philippines. Before joining pageants, she worked at the Presidential Communications Office and served as a government consultant for disaster resilience. She is also known for promoting mental health awareness and environmental sustainability initiatives like #SustainabilityIn60Seconds.

In separate news, Joy Barcoma called out content creators who profit from portraying gay personas without genuinely supporting LGBTQIA+ rights. In a Facebook post, she stressed that being gay is not the issue, but “cosplaying” for clout without real advocacy is problematic. The discussion was sparked by filmmaker Rodina Singh and later amplified by influencers such as Macoy Dubs and Baus Rufo. Joy urged creators to stand with the community during real struggles, not just imitate humor for online attention.