MANILA, Philippines (AP) — Former Philippine first lady and art patron Imelda Marcos has joined Roman Catholic leaders in denouncing an art installation that combines religious symbols with phallic objects.

The exhibit at Manila’s Cultural Center of the Philippines by contemporary artist Mideo Cruz has provoked heated debate about freedom of expression in the predominantly Catholic nation.

Critics vandalized the installation last week by removing a wooden penis from a poster depicting Jesus Christ. Another sculpture shows a penis hanging from a wooden cross while another portrays Christ as Mickey Mouse.

Marcos said after a visit Monday that the work was a "desecration" and no longer represents art.

Mideo says the phallic objects are symbols of power.