PLM BOR Chair on PBBM conferment controversy: ‘I respect your right to question our decision’

Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila Board of Regents (PLM BOR) Chairman Atty. Edward Serapio addressed the controversy on the conferment of an honorary Doctor of Laws, Honoris Causa, to President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., saying that he respects the community’s right to question the decision, in a statement issued on Aug. 29.

Atty. Serapio mentioned that criticism from students and organizations were taken seriously and added, “Still, it is especially hurtful to receive condemnation from those who are expected to uphold due process and the disciplined fairness it requires.”

He further explained that the conferment was intended as a recognition of “gratitude” for the President’s support for education, particularly in the construction of the new PLM Allied Health Sciences Building at the Ospital ng Maynila Medical Center (OMMC).

“The intention was to acknowledge this tangible contribution that advances learning and strengthens opportunities for our students,” he added.

He concluded his statement by reaffirming his commitment to listen and ensure institutional decisions reflect PLM’s shared educational mission.

Atty. Serapio was a founding partner of the former MOST Law Office, alongside First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, former Executive Secretary Paquito Ochoa Jr., and the late lawyer Joseph Tan, according to an article released by the Inquirer on Aug. 30.

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Under Commission on Higher Education (CHED) Memorandum Order No. 9, Series of 2021, an Honoris Causa is granted to individuals with meritorious contributions to a discipline or field that benefit the community and nation.

CHED also clarifies that it is not an earned academic degree, cannot be used for evaluation purposes such as rankings or promotion, and does not entitle the recipient to bar or board-related professional practice. The honor also requires a recipient to hold at least a baccalaureate degree or its equivalent from a CHED-recognized program.

This condition has drawn public scrutiny over Marcos’ academic record at Oxford University where he studied but did not complete a degree, receiving instead a Special Diploma in Social Studies, which Oxford confirmed is not equivalent to a bachelor’s. 

The honorary degree was conferred on Aug 27, during the morning session of the first day of PLM’s 58th Commencement Exercises at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC), prompting criticism from members of the PLM community.