A churchgoer was denied entry to the pilgrim area of the Basilica Minore del Santo Niño in Cebu for allegedly failing to comply with the church’s dress code.
Facebook user John Campilanan posted a video on Monday, January 12, showing a security guard preventing a woman from entering the site after noticing her outfit.
The woman was wearing a sleeveless top with a cardigan and a skirt that reached nearly to her knees.
“Did you notice the one who was wearing a sleeveless top and red? I felt sorry for the people who were sent back outside and then had to wait in line for a long time just to get in,” Campilanan wrote, as translated into English.
He was referring to Sen. Imee Marcos, who visited the Basilica Minore del Santo Niño on Saturday, January 10, wearing a red sleeveless top.
Meanwhile, the video was shared on a Reddit community, where some users also questioned the guard’s decision to deny entry to the female churchgoer.
“Disenteng casual office attire naman ‘yung kay ate girl. Hindi naman siya naka-pekpek shorts at spaghetti strap,” a Redditor wrote.
“Mali ng simbahan. May isang simbahan na if mali ‘yung dress code is, binibigyan ng balabal, lalo ‘pag babae,” another commented.
“Ang higpit nga diyan. Gusto ko pa naman sana makapasok diyan noong punta namin ng Cebu. Disente naman ‘yung dress na suot ko, hindi sleeveless at hanggang tuhod naman, hindi pa rin pinapasok,” another Redditor said.
Marcos was also criticized for not following the church’s dress code during her visit.
However, she was defended by Cebu Gov. Pam Baricuatro, who said that she forgot to remind the senator about avoiding sleeveless outfits in the church.
Meanwhile, the Basilica Minore del Santo Niño had previously shared its dress code policy, describing it as “gently implemented to help preserve the dignity of the house of God and to encourage all pilgrims, Mass-goers, and visitors to express their faith and respect through modest and appropriate attire.”
Thousands of Filipinos visit the basilica during the Fiesta Señor, the religious component of the Sinulog Festival.
The Sinulog is an annual cultural festival held on the third Sunday of January in Cebu that honors Sto. Niño, or the Child Jesus.
Various activities take place during the celebration, including street parties, dancing and singing contests, art exhibits, beauty pageants, cultural shows, fireworks displays, and street fairs.
