Dethroned 2010 Bb. Pilipinas-Universe Maria Venus Raj was ecstatic that she may still represent the country in this year’s Miss Universe beauty pageant, the Bb. Pilipinas Charities, Inc. said Sunday.

“She was ecstatic!’’ said Genny Marcial, public relations manager, BPCI, when Raj learned that she will still represent the Philippines in the most prestigious beauty contest provided that she can present her passport to the local pageant organizers.

“Everything right now is being decided by her lawyers,’’ Marcia also said.

Last Saturday, the Bb. Pilipinas Charities, Inc., which holds the annual Binibining Pilipinas beauty contest, released a statement on the situation pertaining to Raj.

The statement read: “The Executive Committee, of Binibining Pilipinas Charities, Inc.(BPCI) announced today "that after due deliberation, we have reassessed the situation pertaining to Miss Maria Venus Raj and have decided, for humanitarian reasons, that if she is able to obtain a valid Philippine Passport, we will reinstate her as the reigning Bb Pilipinas-Universe."

The Committee emphasized, that "we are sensitive to her situation, but we are aware too, of our responsibilities, as an entity existing under Philippine Law."

"The BPCI being an organization concerned not just with the quest for the true Filipina Beauty but, more so, dedicated to the empowerment of women and the upliftment of the lives of marginalized  Filipinos, has always considered the welfare of our candidates paramount. Our intention with respect to Ms. Raj, was always to protect her in the way we felt appropriate."

"More than the yearly Bb. Pililpinas pageant, BPCI’s relevance as an organization lies in the many opportunities it provides to young and deserving Filipinas, and we are hopeful that Venus will be that Filipina to represent our country in this year’s Miss Universe Pageant."

Marcial said that Raj has until June to produce the passport. “Our representative to the contest has to leave in July if the Miss Universe contest will be held in August.

So far, the Miss Universe pageant organizers have yet to announce the venue for this years’ contest. But reports said that five countries are bidding to host the 59th edition of the international beauty contest. Among the bidders include Argentina, Las Vegas, Nevada (USA), and Macau.

Raj, 21, stands 5’9’’ tall and hails from Bato, Camarines Sur. Prior to winning the pageant, she worked as an Information Assistant at the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Region IV. She has a degree in BCA Major in Journalism. Aside from playing basketball and volleyball, she is also into singing.