Showbiz personality Mariel Rodriguez Padilla was questioned for wearing academic regalia despite allegedly not having the credentials to do so.
The actress-host attended the graduation ceremony of Teodoro M. Luansing College of Rosario (TMLC) in Batangas as a representative of her husband, Sen. Robin Padilla.
Padilla is a senator-judge in the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte.
“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,” the senator said on Facebook on Tuesday, July 7.
“Saludo ako sa galing ninyong lahat!” he added.
The photos showed Mariel wearing doctoral regalia at the graduation ceremony despite not having earned a doctoral degree.
The doctoral regalia features a long black or university-colored gown with bell sleeves and velvet panels, a long hood indicating one’s degree discipline and university and a velvet tam.
Mariel drew criticism for wearing such attire at the graduation ceremony despite not having a doctoral degree.
“Uy, nakita ko ‘yan. Nagtataka ako sa suot niya pero parang representative siya ni Robin. So kung nandyan si Robin, naka-three stripe toga siya? ANG LALA, KAHIT SINO PA SA KANILA MAGSUOT NG GANIYAN. TEODORO M. LUANSING COLLEGE OF ROSARIO. GRABE NA KAYO AH, HAHAHAHAAH,” a Pinoy commented.
“Nagiging cheap ‘yung buong regalia ‘pag sinusuot ng mga tulad nito, especially ‘pag hindi nila alam significance. I wonder if that also reflects the school as a whole?” another wrote.
“Does she even have a PhD, JD, or an MD? If not, then this is so freaking disrespectful. It took us many years of studies and sleepless nights to reach this doctorate degree, only for her to parade the regalia around like it’s some sort of costume or OOTD? Also, what kind of higher educational institution would allow her to do this? This is so distasteful,” a different Reddit user commented.
“Ginawang pang-cosplay ang academic gown,” another Pinoy wrote.
An academic gown is worn during ceremonial occasions, with the design and colors reflecting the wearer’s specific degree level (such as bachelor’s, master’s, and doctorate) and field of study.