Politics · Philippines Bureau
Palace defends Marcos honorary law degree from PLM amid criticism
The presidential office said President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. merited the honorary Doctor of Laws degree from Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila, brushing aside objections from students and faculty members.
LSN Philippines ·
Palace press officer Claire Castro on Monday defended the decision to confer an honorary Doctor of Laws degree on President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. from Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila (PLM), arguing that the president deserved the recognition based on his contributions to the nation.
Castro's statement was issued in response to growing criticism of the conferment from various quarters, including PLM students, academic staff, and the Kabataan Party-list representation group.
The honorary degree, which was recently awarded to the president, has become a flashpoint for those questioning the appropriateness of the recognition. Critics have raised concerns about the basis for such an honor and what they view as the politicization of academic institutions.
The Palace's defense of the degree follows a pattern of the administration responding to controversies surrounding presidential honors and recognition from educational institutions during Marcos Jr.'s tenure.