EDITORIAL — Sending the wrong message

Senator Imee Marcos caused a buzz recently when she was seen entering the Basilica Minore del Sto. Niño de Cebu last Saturday, January 10, in a sleeveless blouse, which is against the dress code being required of basilica visitors.

The bone of contention of many was that she wearing something that could have had anyone else turned away.

The basilica has issued a message encouraging people to still follow the dress code even if others don’t, an act that has many people scratching their heads. So we have to follow rules but others can break them? Aren’t those rules supposed to apply to everyone?

On one hand we can say that her being allowed into the church despite not following the required dress isn’t that big of a deal. We mean it’s a matter of what someone wore to somewhere. It’s not something involving life or death or a matter that will affect many.

But, on the other hand, it can also be a big deal because it sends the wrong message. The message that some are exempt from the rules that everyone ought to follow; the message that some people are special, untouchable, and that the penalties don’t apply to these people.

It tells the public that those who have power and influence don’t have to follow the rules and regulations those who don’t have power and influence do.

It also tells the public that some institutions are willing to look the other way when certain individuals are involved. And that is a terrible message.

Yes, this can be thought of as just a trivial issue, but at its core it can also be cited as an example of how inequality operates in our society.

But we can cast issues involving social class, power, and influence aside. Regulations, especially involving hallowed ground, should exclude no one. To at least acknowledge the fact that she was in a sacred place, she should have followed the dress code.