Senator Imee Marcos is at the center of a social media debate after photos showed her wearing a sleeveless red blouse inside the Basilica Minore del Santo Niño.
The images, taken during her surprise visit on Saturday, January 10, went viral after she shared them on her official Facebook page while lighting candles and offering prayers amid the Sinulog festivities.
The outfit, however, is prohibited under the Basilica’s dress code, which bans sleeveless tops, short skirts, shorts, ripped jeans, and see-through clothing.
Shawls are no longer provided to cover inappropriate attire.
In her post, Marcos said her visit was meant to offer prayers in solidarity with the Sto. Niño feast and to include the victims of the collapsed Binaliw landfill and their families.
“We lit candles for their recovery from the tragedy,” she wrote.
The Basilica, which formally implemented its current dress code on October 1, 2024, aims to uphold reverence and discipline inside the sacred space.
Following the online reactions, the Augustinian community reminded devotees that the church is open to all, but standards of respect remain unchanged.
Fr. Jules Van Almerez, OSA, the Basilica’s media liaison, stressed that the dress code is meant to preserve the solemnity of prayers and the dignity of the sacred space.
“We sincerely thank the vast majority of our devotees for their vigilance,” he said. “By following the dress code, you show your love for the Holy Child and maintain the reverence of our prayers.”
Almerez added that the Basilica welcomes everyone, regardless of status or position.
“The standards of reverence inside the Basilica do not change based on the actions of others. Even if some visitors do not follow the dress code, it does not mean others should follow their example,” he said.
He also reminded devotees that humility and discipline are at the heart of worship.
“The Basilica is a house of prayer for everyone. We hope that all who enter do so with respect, reflecting devotion and care for the sacredness of this place,” Almerez said.
