Nazareno Hijos deny queue cutting during Pahalik at Quirino Grandstand
Catholic devotees line up to touch, wipe, and cross the feet of the image of Jesus Nazareno with handkerchiefs and towels during the first day of the Pahalik at the Quirino Grandstand in Manila on Wednesday, Jan. 7, 2026. (Photo by John Louie Abrina)
Hijos ushers assigned to the Quirino Grandstand denied claims of some devotees of line cutting and the implementation of a so-called "prioritization system" for volunteers on Thursday, Jan. 8, following the start of the traditional Pahalik of the image of Jesus Nazareno, attended by thousands.
The ushers made the statement following controversy over some individuals wearing the uniforms of volunteers seen entering the grandstand together with their companions and allegedly cutting the queue of devotees wishing to touch the image of the Jesus Nazareno first on Wednesday, Jan. 7.
According to them, there is no priority system being done during the event, stressing that the first participants of the Pahalik were volunteers allowed to pay their respects to the Nazareno at around 5 p.m. during the preparations for the Pahalik.
The general public was allowed to venerate the image at 7 p.m., which is the official start of the Pahalik following the mass for volunteers held at 6 p.m.
Manila Police District (MPD) Spokesperson Maj. Philipp Ines said more than 5,000 devotees flocked to Quirino Grandstand as of 8 a.m. on Thursday, Jan. 8, with the number expected to grow even more as the Traslacion procession nears.