Mariel Padilla criticized over doctoral regalia at graduation ceremony

Mariel Padilla drew criticism after she attended a graduation ceremony at a college in Batangas donning doctoral regalia, the academic attire worn by those who have earned or received a doctoral degree.

Mariel attended the recent graduation ceremony at Teodoro M. Luansing College of Rosario in Batangas on behalf of her senator husband Robin Padilla, who was apparently invited as a commencement speaker.

“Maraming salamat sa aking mahal na asawa, sa paghalili at sa pagpapa-abot ng aking mensahe sa mga bagong Criminology graduates mula sa Teodoro M. Luansing College of Rosario. Saludo ako sa galing ninyong lahat!” Robin said on his Facebook page last July 7, showing photos of the TV host at the event.

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READ: Mariel Padilla joins INC rally on behalf of husband Robin Padilla

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During the commencement ceremony, Mariel was wearing doctoral regalia and a ribbon that had the word “guest” on it. It was not immediately known if Mariel received an honorary doctorate from the said educational institution.

Netizens questioned Mariel’s academic credentials to wear such an academic attire.

“Sa tuwing makikita ko yung master’s regalia ko sa cabinet ko palaging pinaaalala nito ang mga paghihirap, tiyaga, at sakripisyo ko. May purpose po ang pagsusuot ng regalia. Hindi lang siya sinusuot basta-basta,” one X user said. “Mariel Padilla, hindi siya sinusuot dahil gusto mo lang.”

“I didn’t work my ass off for a PhD degree just for Mariel Rodriguez to wear a regalia as if she’s a doctorate degree holder,” another netizen stated.

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“As a doctor, this is insulting on so many levels,” wrote a netizen on Threads.

Mariel, who earned an undergraduate degree from De La Salle University, has yet to publicly address the backlash as of this writing. /ra

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