In photos: Duterte meets Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray

Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray paid President Rodrigo Duterte a courtesy call on Thursday, Dec. 20./Malacanang/

(Eagle News) — In these pictures released by Malacanang, President Rodrigo Duterte is seen meeting newly crowned Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray at the Villamor Air Base on Thursday, Dec. 20.

Gray is the fourth Filipina to have been named Miss Universe, after Pia Wurtzbach, Margie Moran and Gloria Diaz.

In a previous statement, the Palace hailed Gray, saying she showcased the “genuine qualities” of the Filipina: “confidence, grace, intelligence and strength in the face of tough challenges.”

“Ms. Gray’s triumph sets the bar high in empowering more Filipino women to believe in themselves and to fight for their own place in the universe. We salute and admire her victory,” the Palace had said.