CEBU CITY — Cebu Governor Pam Baricuatro defended Senator Imee Marcos after she wore a sleeveless dress at the Basilica Minore del Santo Niño, saying the senator was not informed of the church’s dress code.

“To my fellow Cebuanos: let’s not be quick to judge. Let’s embody the Sinulog spirit—kindness and generosity to everyone. To our guests: you are welcome here, and we appreciate your respect for our traditions,” Baricuatro said in a Facebook post that included a photo of her with Marcos.

Baricuatro added that Marcos had told her earlier in the day that she planned to wear a sleeveless outfit. “Allow me to share a photo of us earlier of the day during our meeting & she proudly informed me that ‘modagkot ako mamaya’ my mistake also as I forgot to warn her to not wear sleeveless outfit,” she said.

The Basilica Minore del Santo Niño had earlier reminded devotees and visitors to dress appropriately when visiting the church. Fr. Jules Van Almerez, OSA, the Basilica’s media liaison officer, said on Saturday that visitors must honor the home of the Holy Child “with the dignity it deserves.”

Thousands of devotees visit the Basilica during the Fiesta Señor, the religious component of the Sinulog Festival, particularly for the daily Novena Masses.