The only son and namesake of the Philippines' late dictator Ferdinand Marcos, who is running for president, did not graduate with a degree from Oxford University, the British university's Filipino alumni said late Friday to correct "continuing misinformation" on his credentials.
Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr., was admitted and underwent the formal matriculation process. He later failed his preliminary exam, a pre-requisite for continuing studies, Oxford Philippines Society said in a statement.
Oxford Philippines said its statement was not political and was meant to "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," it said.
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Marcos in 1975 matriculated or was admitted for a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy, Politics and Economics degree that he did not finish, Oxford Philippines, adding their alma mater confirmed this in 2015.
In 1978, Marcos was awarded a special diploma in social studies, which is "not a course of higher education leading to an undergraduate or first degree or even a master’s degree," the group said.
Oxford Philippines claims 200 members, composed of students and alumni and is the only Filipino society registered with, and recognized by, Oxford University.
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