A social media firestorm erupted on Saturday, January 10, 2026, after photos of Senator Imee R. Marcos visiting the Basilica Minore del Santo Niño de Cebu (BMSN) in a red sleeveless top circulated widely online. The images sparked intense discussions about the selective and fair enforcement of the historic church's strict dress code.
Viral Photos Prompt Public Outcry
The senator herself posted the photos on her official Facebook page, documenting her visit to the Basilica where she lit candles and took pictures with other churchgoers. The post was framed as a gesture of solidarity with the Sto. Niño feast, with Marcos stating she prayed for the victims of the collapsed Binaliw landfill and their families.
However, the photos did not sit well with many Santo Niño devotees and Cebuano Catholics familiar with the Basilica's non-negotiable attire rules. The images quickly went viral, leading to accusations of double standards.
A Call for Fairness and Unity
The debate was notably amplified by a Facebook post from Jandyl Guia. By 5 p.m. on Saturday, his post had garnered approximately 3,900 shares, 3,500 reactions, and 288 comments.
Guia directly called on the BMSN to apply its dress code policy fairly to everyone, questioning why a senator was allowed entry wearing sleeveless attire. He emphasized that his critique was not aimed at Senator Marcos or any political figure, but at the Basilica's administration for what he perceived as selective enforcement.
"I hope the Basilica would apply the policy fairly to everyone," Guia wrote. He urged church authorities to demonstrate that devotees are "indeed one with the Santo Niño" by applying the policy to all, regardless of social status. This plea referenced the Basilica's 2026 fiesta theme: "In Santo Niño, we are one."
Guia shared that he was motivated by personal observations of ordinary churchgoers being denied entry for dress code violations, including an elderly woman who had traveled from the south.
Basilica's Stance and Dress Code Policy
In response to the controversy, BMSN media liaison Fr. Jules Van Almerez issued a public statement on behalf of the Augustinian Community. While not directly addressing the incident with Senator Marcos, the statement urged the faithful to remain disciplined and respectful.
"We remind the faithful that our standards of reverence do not change based on the actions of others," Almerez stated. "Even if some do not follow the dress code, it does not mean we should follow their example."
The Basilica's current dress code was officially implemented on October 1, 2024. The Augustinian priests managing the church instituted the rules to uphold reverence and solemnity. The policy mandates modest attire and notably stopped providing shawls to cover inappropriate clothing.
Allowable attire includes:
- Collared shirts, T-shirts, or tops with sleeves.
- Knee-length dresses or skirts.
- Jeans or slacks of proper length.
- Smart casual or office wear.
Prohibited items are:
- Sleeveless tops.
- Short skirts, shorts, and ripped jeans.
- See-through clothing.
The online discourse highlights a tension between institutional rules, their enforcement, and the call for equitable treatment for all devotees visiting one of the Philippines' most sacred sites.
