A transwoman from Cebu who teaches in Taiwan has come home to visit the Basilica del Santo Niño, but figured in a viral video when she was barred initially from entering the church premises for "wearing short pants and for not presenting a valid identification (ID) card."
The transwoman who bears the handle “Athena Marithé Daphne Xochilt” on her social media account figured in an argument with the security guards and a policewoman at the entrance to the basilica.
Athena said she was given a “tapis” or a piece of cloth for wrap-around since the length of her pants is above-knee.
To ensure that the piece of cloth be returned, the guards required that she leave a valid ID.
Athena said that because she has no other government-issued ID here aside from her passport, she opted to present her passport instead being one of valid IDs in the Philippines. But the guards refused to accept the passport. The tension started when even the policewoman cited that the passport could not be accepted as it might get lost.
Athena was allowed to enter after the commotion, but she felt that the incident was another case of discrimination. She said there were others who were wearing shorter than the length of her short pants paired with backless top, but did not receive the same treatment.
Athena pointed out that her dismay has nothing to do with the basilica since she learned that the church has not imposed a “No ID, No Entry” policy.
Athena returned home after years of working in Taiwan to visit the basilica, light candles, and purchase an image of the Santo Niño.
GMA Regional TV Balitang Bisdak went to the basilica to get the side of the guard on video, but she was not there. The Basilica has not issued a statement yet.
The news team also sought the comment of the Tourist Police Office and the policewoman involved but she was not around.
The Cebu City Police Office has no statement yet on the issue.
As of posting time, Athena is set to meet with the administrators of the basilica, the police, and members of the Cebu City council.
