Catriona Gray lights up House of Representatives

BEAUTY IN THE HOUSE. Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray visits the House of Representatives on Friday, Feb. 22, 2019. PATHRICIA ANN ROXAS / INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines  – Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray on Friday paid a courtesy call on the House of Representatives, a day after her grand homecoming parade aboard a fiery red float inspired by her “lava” gown and the Mikimoto crown.

LOOK: Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray’s lava-inspired parade float

Gray was welcomed by House members led by Deputy Speaker and Negros Occidental 6th district Rep. Mercedes Alvarez.

Alvarez said Gray “epitomizes the ideal modern Filipina.”

The House also presented to Gray House Resolution No. 178, congratulating and commending her for capturing the Philippines’ fourth Miss Universe crown.

“As legislators let us be reminded of her story, and like see situations with a silver lining,” Alvarez said, alluding to the beauty queen’s sterling response during the pageant’s question and answer portion.

Gray expressed her gratitude to the lawmakers and said she’s willing to discuss key national issues with them.

“It’s such a wonderful opportunity to see and speak with the leaders of our country. I am very much open to having conversations with you and learn more on the state of our nation,” Gray said.

The 25-year-old beauty queen, known for advocating children’s rights earlier said the government should re-focus its efforts on why children commit crimes in the country in light of the proposals to lower the age of criminal responsibility from the current 15 years old to 12.

Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray shares a light moment with some members of the House of Representatives on Friday, Feb. 22, 2019. PATHRICIA ANN ROXAS / INQUIRER.net

“I really think it’s important for us to readjust our focus to why these children are committing those crimes. I worked a lot with children and anyone knows that children are not disposed to that kind of act or to act in that kind of way,” Gray said in an interview with News5, Wednesday.

“And it really is probably a consequence of their circumstance or their environment or external pressure. So a nation, I feel like we should focus on eradicating those external pressures,” she added.

READ: Catriona Gray: Focus on why children commit crime

But Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo claimed Gray may have been “misinformed” of the facts surrounding the issue.

READ: Palace: Catriona must’ve been misinformed on lowering age of criminal liability

Last Jan. 28, the House of Representatives approved on third reading House Bill No. 8858 that seeks to lower the age of “social responsibility” to 12 years old, and not nine as earlier proposed by the chamber.

READ: House OKs on final reading bill lowering age of criminal responsibility to 12

In the Senate, Minority Leader Franklin Drilon filed Senate Bill No. 1603 seeking to lower the age of criminal liability to 12 years old, while Senate President Vicente Sotto III filed SBN 2026 seeking to lower the age to “above 12 years old.”

These bills have been pending at the chamber’s justice committee. / gsg