Metro Manila, Philippines- President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. received an honorary doctor of laws from the Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila (PLM) on Thursday, Aug. 27, the highest honorary degree conferred by the university.
The Doctor of Laws, honoris causa was awarded to Marcos during the university’s 58th commencement exercises at the Philippine International Convention Center in Pasay City.
“Today, I stand before you, humbled as the Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila confers upon me the degree of doctor of laws, honoris causa – its highest honorary degree,” Marcos said.
“I receive this honor with gratitude, mindful of the responsibility that comes with it,” he added.
Marcos said the recognition reflects a shared belief between his administration and PLM in the importance of education as a pathway to opportunity, progress and nation-building.
“And that, more than any degree or title bestowed today, is the standard to which I hold myself,” Marcos said.
The president also acknowledged his family’s connection to PLM through First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, who previously taught at the university’s College of Law.
He also pointed to PLM’s history as evidence that opportunities in higher education can allow Filipinos from different backgrounds to realize their potential.
“I therefore accept this recognition with a renewed commitment to uphold the values that this university has long championed: Karunungan, Kaunlaran, Kadakilaan—Wisdom, Progress and Greatness,” Marcos said.
Criticizing conferment
Kabataan Rep. Renee Co, however, criticized PLM’s decision to confer the honorary degree on Marcos, citing corruption allegations involving the Marcos family and controversies confronting the administration.
“There is no honor in widespread corruption and criminal negligence. Paano masasabing huwaran si Marcos Jr. sa batas kung siya mismo ay nakinabang sa bilyon-bilyong nakaw niya at ng pamilya niya?” Co said.
{Translation: How can Marcos Jr. be considered a model when it comes to the law when he himself benefited from the billions allegedly stolen by him and his family?]
Co also questioned the timing of the conferment just days before the 2027 Bar examinations.
“This is not a good example for our examinees rigorously studying law just days before the 2027 Bar examinations,” she said.
“This is an insult to the hundreds of lawyers, the abogado ng bayan, who studied day-in and day-out to refine their knowledge of the law and ensure that said knowledge serves the most vulnerable—malaking kabaliktaran kay Marcos Jr.,” Co added.
[Translation: This is a stark contrast to Marcos Jr.]
Manila Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso, Pasay Mayor Imelda Calixto-Rubiano and other government officials attended the commencement exercises.
