MANILA — Malacañang defended the honorary Doctor of Laws degree conferred by the Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila (PLM) on President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. following criticism over the recognition.

Palace Press Officer Undersecretary Claire Castro said the public should first understand that an honoris causa is an honorary degree and is not earned through traditional academic study, law school attendance or passing the Bar examinations.

“Ang titulong honoris causa ay isang honorary degree. Ito ay isang pagkilala o parangal para sa taong mataas ang naabot na posisyon, may mga mahahalagang naiambag sa komunidad o mga nagawa para sa bansa,” Castro said.

Marcos received PLM’s highest honorary degree during the university’s 58th commencement exercises on August 27. PLM said the recognition was given for his efforts related to the rule of law, economic development, access to education, public health services and social equity.

Castro cited several actions by the President that she said supported the conferment, including his administration’s position on the West Philippine Sea, the initiation of investigations into alleged corruption, and measures aimed at protecting the country from the effects of the crisis in the Middle East.

She also cited the government’s actions involving Filipino workers and nationals facing legal or security concerns overseas.

The Palace official also criticized those questioning the honorary degree, describing some of them as political opponents and “the usual obstructionists and destabilizers.”

“Marami kasi ang hindi nakakaunawa marahil ng katagang honoris causa,” Castro said, adding that some critics were reacting to social media posts without fully understanding the issue.

Among those who criticized the conferment was Kabataan Party-list Rep. Renee Co, who questioned whether Marcos deserved the honorary recognition amid allegations of corruption and government shortcomings. Castro rejected the criticism and maintained that an honorary Doctor of Laws should not be equated with a law degree earned through academic study and the Bar examinations.

Marcos, for his part, said he accepted the honorary degree “with gratitude” and with awareness of the responsibility attached to the recognition.

‍