On July 31 2026,
Jser Leon announced on Facebook his withdrawal from the Mr. World Philippines 2026 competition. He said, "My decision to step down stems from a desire to protect my peace of mind and stay aligned with my personal values. Lately, the atmosphere within the group has been challenging due to some instances of unprofessional behavior among candidates." He left the competition "with a grateful heart and zero bitterness." and wished "the team, and all the remaining brothers the very best for a successful coronation night.".
