MANILA, Philippines (The Adobo Chronicles, Manila Bureau) – No one wears the Filipino terno like the First Lady. No, not the incumbent First Lady, but former First Lady Imelda Romualdez Marcos.

During her time as First Lady, the 94-year-old Marcos popularized the terno worldwide, eliciting “oohs and aahs” whenever she visits foreign countries.

Now, she has broken her silence on what seems to the bastardization of the Filipino terno. The traditional dress and representation of the Philippines has been dealt with all sorts of iteration: above-the-knee, single butterfly sleeve, repulsive colors, plunging necklines and even paired with maong jeans!

Marcos wants the terno to be included in Republic Act No. 8491 which prescribes the code of the national flag, anthem, motto, coat-of-arms and other heraldic items of devices of the Philippines.

“The terno is a Filipino symbol of the true, the good and the beautiful,” she told The Adobo Chronicles, “and we must treat it with love and respect.”

And we agree!