Mariel Padilla Sparks Heated Debate After Wearing Doctoral Academic Gown
MARIEL PADILLA – A graduation ceremony meant to celebrate new graduates unexpectedly sparked controversy after Mariel Padilla’s attire caught the attention of social media users.
TV host and vlogger Mariel Padilla has drawn mixed reactions from netizens after wearing a doctoral regalia during a graduation ceremony despite not having the academic credentials typically associated with the attire.
Recently, Mariel attended the graduation ceremony of Teodoro M. Luansing College of Rosario (TMLC) in Batangas as the representative of her husband, Senator Robin Padilla. The senator was unable to attend the event because he is currently serving as one of the senator-judges in the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte.
Following the ceremony, Robin expressed his appreciation for his wife through a Facebook post on Tuesday, July 7, thanking her for attending the event and delivering his message to the graduates on his behalf.
“Maraming salamat sa aking mahal na asawa [Mariel], sa paghalili at sa pagpapa-abot ng aking mensahe sa mga bagong Criminology graduates mula sa Teodoro M. Luansing College of Rosario,” said Robin.
He also added, “Saludo ako sa galing ninyong lahat!”
However, photos shared from the event quickly became the subject of online discussion after many users noticed that Mariel was wearing a doctoral academic regalia despite not having earned a doctoral degree.
A doctoral regalia traditionally consists of a long black or university-colored gown with bell sleeves and velvet panels. This hood represents the graduate’s academic discipline and university, and a velvet tam. The attire is generally reserved for individuals who have completed a doctoral degree or for academic officials authorized to wear such regalia during formal ceremonies.
As a result, several netizens questioned whether it was appropriate for Mariel to wear the outfit while representing her husband.
One netizen commented, “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.”
Another wrote, “Holder ba sya ng doctoral degree para magsuot nyan? Kasi kung hindi, impostora or cosplayer lang sya. Walang pinagkaiba yan sa isang nagpanggap na pulis o sundalo kasi ganun lang naman kadaling bumili ng uniporme sa Recto. Pasalamat si Mariel walang ganung krimen pagdating sa ganito (pero dapat talaga ma-call out pati yung college kung saan nya sinuot yun, dapat dun pa lang sinita na sya).”
A different netizen added, “Ginawang pang-cosplay ang academic gown. Nakakabastos.”
As of this writing, Mariel Padilla has not released any statement addressing the criticism surrounding her attire during the graduation ceremony.
Academic gowns are traditionally worn during formal academic ceremonies, and their design, colors, and distinguishing features reflect the specific level of academic degree earned—such as a bachelor’s, master’s, or doctorate—as well as the wearer’s field of study. The discussion surrounding Mariel’s appearance has since sparked broader conversations online about the proper use of academic regalia and the importance of respecting academic traditions.
READ ALSO: Mariel Padilla Breaks Silence About Senator Robin Padilla’s Issues