Bestowal of honorary degrees: ‘Di dapat pang-regalo sa mga politiko’

THIS viewpoint does not oppose higher educational institutions (HEIs) granting honorary doctorate degrees or honoris causa.

An honorary doctorate degree is an academic distinction that exempts individuals from the usual requirements of a university or degree-awarding institution.

The Latin phrase honoris causa, meaning “for the sake of honor,” or ad honorem (to the honor), is often used to describe this degree.

It’s hard to say, pero saganang akin, ginawa na kasi itong pang-regalo ng mga HEIs sa mga politiko.

At the same time, we should not deny deserving individuals the recognition they have earned.

As such, it is essential for HEIs officials to revisit the six-page Commission on Higher Education (CHED) Memorandum Order No. 9, Series of 2021.

This document contains revised policies and guidelines regarding the bestowal of honorary doctorate degrees by HEIs in the country.

Here are some key points to consider:

Who is eligible to receive an honorary doctorate degree?

An honorary doctorate degree is the highest academic recognition bestowed upon an individual who has made extraordinary contributions or accomplishments in a specific discipline, significantly advancing the field. Who is entitled to receive this honor?

Who wouldn’t want to be honored with an honorary degree?

The University of the Philippines awarded Sen. Mark Villar an honorary Doctor of Laws degree on January 29, 2023. This recognition was bestowed upon him for his exceptional leadership as the then Secretary of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), overseeing the construction of numerous infrastructure projects, including new facilities on UP campuses.

However, some concerns were raised regarding this decision, including those voiced by UP’s Student Regent Siegfried Severino. Severino, representing 50,000 UP students, emphasized that the UP Board of Regents should evaluate the Senator’s character first and not solely based on his contributions to UP but also considering his affiliation with the Villar family.

He pointed out issues related to landgrabbing and development aggression associated with their family’s reputation, exacerbated by Villar’s tenure as the DPWH Secretary.

Severino suggested that awarding him an honorary degree might overshadow these concerns.

Several netizens also questioned the rationale behind this decision, expressing the need for the honor to precede excellence.

Sen. Cynthia Villar was also conferred an honorary doctorate by UPLB during the school’s 46th Commencement Exercises way back on June 25, 2018.

A law professor, First Lady Liza Araneta Marcos also received an honorary Doctor of Philosophy in Institutional Development and Management Honoris Causa “for her valuable contribution to the country and the Sultan Kudarat State University last April 27, 2023.

An honorary Doctor of Laws degree is the highest academic recognition for extraordinary accomplishments or contributions to a specific discipline’s advancement.

Who is eligible to receive this distinction?

The Commission on Higher Education has released revised guidelines in 2021 outlining the criteria for conferring honorary doctorate degrees by higher education institutions in the Philippines. According to these guidelines, individuals who have demonstrated exemplary accomplishments through creative work, scholarly output, productive advocacy, or philanthropic endeavors that have brought honor and distinction to both the institution and the country at large may merit an honorary degree. Additionally, these accomplishments should have significantly advanced the individual’s respective field of interest or expertise.

To qualify for an honorary doctorate degree, an individual must hold at least a baccalaureate degree or its equivalent from a CHED-recognized program.

Board members, administrators of colleges or universities, as well as CHED officials and employees, are not eligible for nomination for this honor.

The conferment of the honorary degree takes place during a suitable ceremony determined by the college or university. The recipient must be present physically or virtually.

Limitations of the honor

Apart from recognizing an individual’s achievements, does the honorary degree hold any practical value?

According to the CHED, an honoris causa or honorary degree is not an “earned degree.” Therefore, it cannot be used as an evaluation criterion for ranking, promotion, or qualification requirements for any position within an organization or institution.

Moreover, the honorary degree does not grant the recipient the right to engage in any professional practice associated with bars or boards. Consequently, the honorary Doctor of Laws degree does not confer the title of a lawyer upon its recipient, including in the case of Villar.

CHED oversight

The CHED possesses the authority to deny, withdraw, withhold, or declare null and void the conferment of an honorary degree based on the following grounds:

Fabrication of any submitted credentials

Recipient’s conduct or stance on certain issues conflicting with public morals and