Photographs circulating online show television host Mariel Rodriguez Padilla dressed in doctoral academic regalia — a gown with bell sleeves and velvet panels, a hood denoting discipline and institution, and a velvet tam — at a college commencement in Batangas, despite holding no doctorate.
She appeared at the Teodoro M. Luansing College of Rosario ceremony in place of her husband, Sen. Robin Padilla, who is currently serving as a senator-judge in the impeachment proceedings against Vice President Sara Duterte.
Reaction on social media and discussion forums was sharp. One commenter questioned whether the host held any doctoral-level credential at all, writing: “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.”
The criticism extended beyond the host herself to the institution that hosted her. “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?” one user asked.
Others zeroed in on the specific markings of the garment. “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 commenter wrote. Another remarked simply: “Ginawang pang-cosplay ang academic gown.”
Academic dress is reserved for ceremonial use, and its cut and coloring are meant to signal the wearer’s completed degree level — bachelor’s, master’s, or doctorate — along with the discipline studied.
The senator publicly thanked his wife for standing in for him. “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,” Padilla wrote on Facebook on July 7, adding, “Saludo ako sa galing ninyong lahat!”
The graduating class the senator addressed through his wife’s appearance was composed of Criminology students.
