PRESIDENT Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. was conferred an honorary Doctorate of Laws by the Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila (PLM) during its 58th commencement exercises at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) on Aug. 27, in recognition of his contributions to Manila and the country in law, education, and governance.

In a resolution read by University Secretary Atty. Elvira Cruz, the PLM Board of Regents said Marcos was granted the honorary doctorate for his “outstanding service” to Manila and the nation, as well as his contributions to law, education, and governance.

Honorary Degree

The university described the degree as honoris causa, or “for the sake of honor.” The Legal Education Board (LEB) described the degree as an extraordinary degree conferred by a legal educational institution to individuals who distinguished themselves through contributions to society and the country, as well as prestige in philosophy, science, literature, and community service.

Under Section 4(d) of the LEB Memorandum Order No. 033, recipients of the honorary degree must have obtained at least a baccalaureate degree. The order states that “it is not necessary for the honoree to be a lawyer or a law graduate.”

Marcos has said that he received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Philosophy, Politics and Economics from the University of Oxford. However, Oxford has said that, based on its records, he did not complete the course and instead received a Special Diploma in Social Studies in 1978.

Marcos also acknowledged that he did not complete his Master of Business Administration at the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, where he enrolled in 1979, before being elected vice governor of Ilocos Norte the following year.

During the ceremony, the president accepted the recognition with gratitude and said the honor came with a responsibility to uphold the values championed by PLM: “Karunungan, Kaunlaran, Kadakilaan.” 

“This recognition affirms a principle that my administration shares with the PLM: that education must remain a pathway to opportunity, a catalyst for progress, and a cornerstone of nation-building,” he said.

Marcos also highlighted his family’s connection to PLM, noting that First Lady Louise Araneta-Marcos previously taught at the university’s College of Law.

Drawing criticisms

The conferment drew criticism from PLM students, student organizations, professors, and lawyers who questioned the decision of the LEB to honor a sitting president amid concerns surrounding his administration.

Kabataan representative Renee Co, a lawyer, stated that the awarding of an honorary degree to Marcos did not set a “good example” for examinees who were rigorously preparing for the 2027 Bar Examinations days before the test.

“This is an insult to the hundreds of lawyers […] who studied day-in and day-out to refine their knowledge of the law and ensure that said knowledge serves the most vulnerable—the complete opposite of Marcos Jr.,” Co said in a post published on Kabataan partylist’s Facebook page

Lawyer Frederick Mikhail “Spocky” Farolan, a former presidential appointee to the University of the Philippines Board of Regents, quoted the LEB M.O. stating that for a recipient to receive an honorary Doctor of Laws degree, a bachelor’s degree is a requirement.

“Does [Bongbong] Marcos have a bachelor’s degree? Is this ‘bend the law’ or ‘bend the rules'?” he said.

PLM students also raised the legacy of Liliosa Hilao, a PLM student journalist who was detained and died during the martial law period under the administration of Marcos’ father, the late President Ferdinand Marcos Sr.

“Her story, together with the lives of countless others who suffered, were silenced, and were taken during that dark chapter of our history, must never be forgotten or erased,” the PLM students said.

Pushing back against the criticisms

In a statement released by Palace press officer Claire Castro on Aug. 31, the president is deserving of the recognition brought about by his numerous contributions to the country. Citing Marcos’ action in defending and asserting the country’s right in the West Philippine Sea by removing the 300-meter floating barrier installed by the China Coast Guard in 2023.

Castro also highlighted Marcos’ campaign against alleged corruption in government and his efforts to maintain an adequate fuel supply amid the Middle East crisis.

Castro said an honoris causa is not an academic degree earned through the usual course of study or professional examinations, but an honorary recognition granted to individuals for their significant contributions to a particular field or society.

“Ang titulong honoris causa ay isang honorary degree. Ito ay isang pagkilala o parangal para sa taong mataas ang naabot na posisyon, may mga mahalagang naiambag sa komunidad o mga nagawa para sa bansa, at hindi ito nakukuha sa pamamagitan ng tradisyonal na pag-aaral, pagpasok sa law school o pagpasa sa bar examination,” Castro said.

In a resolution, the PLM Board of Regents said Marcos “has demonstrated exemplary leadership” through his efforts to advance national development, uphold the rule of law, promote social equity, and expand educational opportunities for the youth.