Actress and television host Mariel Rodriguez-Padilla drew online criticism after photos showed her wearing doctoral-style academic regalia during a graduation ceremony in Batangas.
Rodriguez-Padilla attended the commencement rites of Teodoro M. Luansing College of Rosario as representative of her husband, Sen. Robin Padilla, who was unable to personally deliver his message to the school’s new Criminology graduates.
In a Facebook post on July 7, Padilla thanked his wife for standing in for him and relaying his message to the graduates.
“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 said, according to Interaksyon.
“Saludo ako sa galing ninyong lahat!” he added.
The online backlash came after social media users noticed that Rodriguez-Padilla appeared at the event wearing doctoral regalia, a form of academic dress commonly associated with doctorate-level graduates, faculty members, or academic officials during formal ceremonies.
Critics questioned whether she had the academic credentials or institutional role to wear the attire, arguing that doctoral regalia carries symbolic weight and should not be treated as a costume or ceremonial accessory.
Some users said the issue was not merely about fashion, but about respect for academic tradition and the years of work typically required to earn advanced degrees.
Academic regalia is traditionally worn during commencement and other formal academic ceremonies, with its design often reflecting the wearer’s degree level and field of study. Doctoral attire may include distinctive features such as velvet panels, a hood, and a doctoral tam.
As of the latest available public reports, Rodriguez-Padilla, Padilla, and Teodoro M. Luansing College of Rosario have not issued a formal statement directly addressing the criticism.
The incident has since fueled discussion online about academic protocol, privilege, and the responsibility of public figures when participating in formal school ceremonies.