Carmel Shrine in Quezon City and St. John the Baptist Parish Church in Ilocos Norte – have been declared as minor basilicas by the Vatican. Cubao Bishop Honesto Ongtioco said the Vatican has approved his diocese’s application to elevate the status of the popular parish church. Carmel Shrine to be a Minor Basilica was approved. A minor basilica is a church granted with special ecclesiastical privileges by the pope. The most noteworthy churches in the country earlier granted such status by the Vatican are Quiapo Church or Minor Basilican of the Black Nazarene and Manila Cathedral or Minor Basilica of Immaculate Conception.

Source: Philippine Star December 16, 2018 21:56 UTC