BBM vs. Oxford PH society: Marcos camp claims Bongbong 'never misrepresented his Oxford education'
Following the questions surrounding presidential aspirant Bongbong Marcos' academic background, the Oxford Philippines Society issued a statement on Oct. 22, which clarified misinformation about the former senator's Oxford education.
The statement said that Marcos did not finish his Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy, Politics and Economics at the prestigious university as confirmed by Oxford University in 2015.
On Oct. 23, Marcos' chief of staff Atty. Victor Rodriguez responded to this, saying that they "stand by" the "degree."
"We stand by the Degree confirmation which was issued by the University of Oxford. It is up to anyone to question or challenge this with the said university if they so please," he said.
"Presidential aspirant Bongbong Marcos has always been forthright on his conferment of a special diploma in social studies by the distinguish[ed] university and has never misrepresented his Oxford education."
Oxford PH Society, composed of around 200 Filipino students and alumni, clarified that the former senator was awarded a "special diploma" in social studies in 1978—not a degree.
"Marcos did not finish his degree... A special diploma is not a degree, and neither is it comparable, superior nor equivalent to one," the statement read.
The group stressed that the statement was not political in nature, but to inform the public as confusion about Marcos' educational background surfaced after he announced his bid for presidency.
"We are making this statement in aid of public discourse in a time where disinformation and fake news are prevalent. Such disinformation prevents Filipinos from exercising their democratic rights in a fair and meaningful way, and we believe every Filipino should have access to correct information as we prepare to vote in May 2022."