List of presidents of the Philippines by education

This is a complete list of Philippine presidents by college education that consists of the 17 heads of state in the history of the Philippines.

Almost all presidents (except Emilio Aguinaldo, Joseph Estrada, and Bongbong Marcos) completed a college degree program.[1] College and postgraduate education have prepared presidents in their future roles as heads of state, architects of foreign policy, commanders-in-chief of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, and managers of the entire government bureaucracy.

By law, under the Constitution of the Philippines, any Filipino citizen aged forty and above who can read and write and can meet residency requirements is eligible to run as president. However, in practice, popularity, political machinery, and financial resources are the key elements leading to a successful presidential candidate.

List by degree[edit]

This section lists presidents according to schools from which they earned degrees. Schools that presidents attended but did not earn degrees from are not included.

Did not graduate from college[edit]

LL.B.[edit]

The J.D. was first conferred in the Philippines in lieu of the LL.B. by the Ateneo Law School in 1990,[13] with the model program later adopted by most schools now offering the J.D.[14][15][16] However, no president as of yet has graduated with the J.D., as all have earned the LL.B. prior to 1990.[1]

School Location President(s)
Philippine Law School Pasay, Metro Manila[a]
San Beda College of Law Manila, Metro Manila
University of Santo Tomas Faculty of Civil Law Manila, Metro Manila
University of the Philippines College of Law Quezon City, Metro Manila[b]

Master's[edit]

School Location President(s)
Ateneo de Manila University Makati, Metro Manila
Quezon City, Metro Manila
Escuela de Derecho de Manila Manila, Metro Manila
National Defense College of the Philippines Quezon City, Metro Manila
University of Illinois Urbana, United States
University of Santo Tomas Manila, Metro Manila

Ph.D.[edit]

School Location President(s)
University of Santo Tomas Manila, Metro Manila
University of the Philippines Diliman Quezon City, Metro Manila
Yale University New Haven, United States

Undergraduate[edit]

Some presidents attended more than one institution, though only those from which they earned undergraduate degrees are included here. Two presidents never earned undergraduate degrees: Emilio Aguinaldo never attended college,[2] while Joseph Estrada dropped out from both colleges that he attended.[3] One, Bongbong Marcos, did not finish his special diploma course at the Center for Research and Communication[4] and received only a special diploma in social studies from the University of Oxford as he failed two components of his program of study, making him ineligible to receive an undergraduate degree.[8] Marcos still falsely claims that he obtained a degree from Oxford despite Oxford confirming in 2015 and 2021 that Marcos did not finish his degree.[11][17][18][6]

Three presidents attended foreign colleges at the undergraduate level: Corazon Aquino, Fidel Ramos, and Bongbong Marcos. One president attended a United States service academy: Fidel Ramos graduated from the United States Military Academy as part of his professional education as a career soldier.

School Location President(s)
Assumption College San Lorenzo Makati, Metro Manila
Ateneo de Manila University Quezon City, Metro Manila
Colegio de San Juan de Letran Manila, Metro Manila
College of Mount Saint Vincent New York City, United States
José Rizal College Mandaluyong, Metro Manila[c]
Lyceum of the Philippines Manila, Metro Manila
National University Pasay, Metro Manila[a]
United States Military Academy West Point, United States
University of Santo Tomas Manila, Metro Manila
University of the Philippines Quezon City, Metro Manila[b]

List by specialization[edit]

Business school[edit]

School Location President(s)
Ateneo Graduate School of Business Makati, Metro Manila
Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania Philadelphia, United States

Law school[edit]

School Location President(s)
Escuela de Derecho de Manila Manila, Metro Manila
Far Eastern University Institute of Law Manila, Metro Manila
Philippine Law School Pasay, Metro Manila[a]
San Beda College of Law Manila, Metro Manila
Silliman University College of Law Dumaguete, Negros Oriental
University of Santo Tomas Faculty of Civil Law Manila, Metro Manila
University of the Philippines College of Law Quezon City, Metro Manila[b]
Yale Law School New Haven, United States

List by presidents[edit]

President High school or equivalent Undergraduate school Graduate school
Emilio Aguinaldo[22][2] Colegio de San Juan de Letran (did not finish) none none
Manuel L. Quezon[23] Colegio de San Juan de Letran Colegio de San Juan de Letran (AB) University of Santo Tomas Faculty of Civil Law (LL.B)
José P. Laurel[24] Manila High School University of the Philippines College of Law (LL.B) Escuela de Derecho de Manila (LL.M)
Yale Law School (DCL)
University of Santo Tomas (PhD)
Sergio Osmeña[25] Colegio-Seminario de San Carlos Colegio de San Juan de Letran (AB) University of Santo Tomas Faculty of Civil Law (LL.B)
Manuel Roxas[26] Manila High School University of the Philippines College of Law (LL.B)
Elpidio Quirino[27] Manila High School University of the Philippines College of Law (LL.B)
Ramon Magsaysay[28][29] Zambales Academy University of the Philippines (transferred)
José Rizal College (AB) 		none
Carlos P. Garcia[30][21] Cebu Provincial High School Silliman University College of Law (transferred)
Philippine Law School (LL.B)
Diosdado Macapagal[31][20] Pampanga High School Philippine Law School (transferred)
University of Santo Tomas Faculty of Civil Law (LL.B) 		University of Santo Tomas Faculty of Civil Law (LL.M, DCL)
University of Santo Tomas (PhD)
Ferdinand Marcos[32] University of the Philippines University of the Philippines College of Law (LL.B)
Corazon Aquino[33][19] Assumption Convent (transferred)
Ravenhill Academy (transferred)
Notre Dame Convent School 		College of Mount Saint Vincent (AB) Far Eastern University Institute of Law (withdrew)
Fidel Ramos[34] University of the Philippines (transferred)
Mapúa Institute of Technology (transferred)
Centro Escolar de Señoritas 		United States Military Academy (AB) University of Illinois (M.Eng)
National Defense College of the Philippines (MNSA)
Ateneo Graduate School of Business (MBA)
Joseph Estrada[35][3] Ateneo de Manila University (did not finish) Mapúa Institute of Technology (transferred)
Polytechnic Colleges of the Philippines (withdrew) 		none
Gloria Macapagal Arroyo[36] Assumption Convent Georgetown University (transferred)
Assumption College San Lorenzo (AB) 		Ateneo de Manila University (MA)
University of the Philippines Diliman (PhD)
Benigno Aquino III[37][38] Ateneo de Manila University Ateneo de Manila University (AB) none
Rodrigo Duterte[39][40] Ateneo de Davao University (did not finish)
Holy Cross Academy of Digos 		Lyceum of the Philippines (AB) San Beda College of Law (LL.B)
Bongbong Marcos[7][41][4][6][8][42] Worth School Center for Research and Communication (did not finish)
University of Oxford (special diploma)[d] 		Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania (withdrew)

Other academic associations[edit]

Faculty member[edit]

President(s) School Position Years
José P. Laurel[24] University of the Philippines College of Law Professor of Law N/A
Philippine Law School Professor of Law N/A
University of Santo Tomas Faculty of Civil Law Professor of Law N/A
University of Manila Professor of Law N/A
Far Eastern University Institute of Law Professor of Law N/A
Central University Professor of Law N/A
Adamson University College of Law Professor of Law N/A
Manuel Roxas[26] Philippine Law School Professor of Law 1916
Elpidio Quirino[27][44] Adamson University College of Law Dean 1941–1946
Carlos P. Garcia[30] Bohol Provincial High School Teacher 1923
Diosdado Macapagal[31] University of Santo Tomas Faculty of Civil Law Professor of Law 1941–1957
San Beda College of Law Professor of Law 1948
Gloria Macapagal Arroyo[36][45] Assumption College San Lorenzo Professor of Economics 1977–1987
Ateneo de Manila University Assistant Professor 1977–1987
University of the Philippines Diliman Senior Lecturer 1977–1987

School rector or president[edit]

President(s) School Position Years
José P. Laurel[24][46][47] Lyceum of the Philippines Founder/President 1952–1959

School trustee or governor[edit]

President(s) School Position Years
José P. Laurel[47][48] Lyceum of the Philippines Chairman, Board of Trustees 1952–1959
National Teachers College Chancellor 1928–1952

Notes[edit]

  1. ^ a b c Although Garcia and Macapagal attended the original campus of the Philippine Law School in Manila, the school has since relocated to Pasay in 1958.
  2. ^ a b c The University of the Philippines was not declared as a university system before 1972. Although the respective colleges attended by Laurel, Roxas, Quirino, and Marcos Sr. now belong to University of the Philippines Diliman, they attended the original campus, which is now University of the Philippines Manila. The University of the Philippines College of Law itself has been located in the Diliman campus in Quezon City since 1948.
  3. ^ Although Magsaysay attended the original campus of José Rizal College in Manila, the school has since relocated to Mandaluyong in 1949.
  4. ^ Marcos Jr. has regularly misrepresented his education at the University of Oxford,[11][18][42][43] claiming that he graduated with a bachelor of arts in philosophy, politics and economics.[5] However, he did not obtain such a degree, instead receiving a special diploma in social studies,[8] which was awarded mainly to non-graduates and is currently no longer offered by the university.[6][11][12]

See also[edit]

References[edit]

  1. ^ a b "Philippine Electoral Almanac Revised And Expanded". Presidential Communications Development and Strategic Planning Office. Retrieved July 7, 2018.
  2. ^ a b c Ocampo, Ambeth (October 7, 2015). "Our heroes' formal education, or lack of it". Philippine Daily Inquirer. Retrieved July 7, 2018.
  3. ^ a b c Barreveld, Dirk J. (2001). Philippine President Estrada Impeached!: How the President of the World's 13th Most Populous Country Stumbles Over His Mistresses, a Chinese Conspiracy and the Garbage of His Capital. Writers Club Press. ISBN 9780595184378. (republished by Google Books): 21 
  4. ^ a b c Galvez, Daphne (March 13, 2023). "Marcos admits not finishing 'special diploma' from UA&P". Philippine Daily Inquirer. Retrieved March 14, 2023.
  5. ^ a b "Marcos: Special diploma from Oxford is same as bachelor's degree". January 21, 2016.
  6. ^ a b c d e Buan, Lian (October 26, 2021). "Oxford: Bongbong Marcos' special diploma 'not a full graduate diploma'". Rappler. Retrieved January 8, 2022.
  7. ^ a b "Resume of Senator Ferdinand "Bongbong" R. Marcos Jr". Senate of the Philippines. Retrieved November 12, 2015.
  8. ^ a b c d e "Oxford group: Marcos received special diploma, no college degree". CNN Philippines. Archived from the original on January 8, 2022. Retrieved January 8, 2022.
  9. ^ "Marcos Pa Rin! The Legacy and the Curse of the Marcos Regime". Kasarinlan: Philippine Journal of Third World Studies. 28: 456. 2012. Retrieved November 6, 2021.
  10. ^ Collas-Monsod, Solita (November 6, 2021). "Yes, I tutored Bongbong in Economics". Philippine Daily Inquirer.
  11. ^ a b c d Vitug, Marites Dañguilan (March 5, 2015). "Oxford University confirms Bongbong Marcos got only 'special diploma'". Rappler. Retrieved July 9, 2022.
  12. ^ a b Ariate, Joel F.; Reyes, Miguel Paolo P.; Del Mundo, Larah Vinda (November 1, 2021). "The documents on Bongbong Marcos' university education (Part 1- Oxford University)". Vera Files.
  13. ^ "Ateneo de Manila Law School - Philippine Leadership Crisis and the J.D. Program". Archived from the original on May 8, 2008. Retrieved July 7, 2018.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: bot: original URL status unknown (link)
  14. ^ University of the Philippines College of Law. News Archived May 31, 2008, at the Wayback Machine. April 24, 2008.
  15. ^ The Weekly Sillimanian Vol. LXXXII No.4: SU Law adopts Juris Doctor Program. By: Princess Dianne Kris S. Decierdo. Published July 15, 2009. Archived copies can be viewed and verified at the Sillimaniana Section of the Silliman University Main Library.
  16. ^ "Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila - Curricula & Degree Programs". Archived from the original on July 8, 2009. Retrieved July 14, 2009.
  17. ^ Legaspi, Amita O. (September 21, 2014). "Where was Bongbong Marcos when martial law was declared in 1972?". GMA News and Public Affairs. Retrieved September 2, 2018.
  18. ^ a b Gonzales, Catherine (February 5, 2022). "Bongbong Marcos maintains he's a graduate of Oxford". Philippine Daily Inquirer.
  19. ^ a b "Essential Cory Aquino: The Young Cory". Ninoy & Cory Aquino Foundation. Retrieved July 7, 2018.
  20. ^ a b "Common Man's President". Time. November 24, 1961. Archived from the original on February 4, 2011. Retrieved July 7, 2018.
  21. ^ a b "Senators Profile - Carlos P. Garcia". Senate of the Philippines. Retrieved July 7, 2018.
  22. ^ "Emilio Aguinaldo". Presidential Museum and Library. Archived from the original on November 4, 2012. Retrieved July 7, 2018.
  23. ^ "Manuel L. Quezon". Presidential Museum and Library. Archived from the original on October 26, 2012. Retrieved July 7, 2018.
  24. ^ a b c "Jose P. Laurel". Presidential Museum and Library. Archived from the original on March 23, 2016. Retrieved July 7, 2018.
  25. ^ "Sergio Osmeña". Presidential Museum and Library. Archived from the original on March 4, 2016. Retrieved July 7, 2018.
  26. ^ a b "Manuel Roxas". Presidential Museum and Library. Archived from the original on November 4, 2012. Retrieved July 7, 2018.
  27. ^ a b "Elpidio Quirino". Presidential Museum and Library. Archived from the original on November 4, 2012. Retrieved July 7, 2018.
  28. ^ "Ramon Magsaysay". Presidential Museum and Library. Archived from the original on May 14, 2016. Retrieved July 7, 2018.
  29. ^ Manahan, Manuel P. (1987). Reader's Digest November 1987 issue: Biographical Tribute to Ramon Magsaysay. pp. 17–23.
  30. ^ a b "Carlos P. Garcia". Presidential Museum and Library. Archived from the original on November 4, 2012. Retrieved July 7, 2018.
  31. ^ a b "Diosdado Macapagal". Presidential Museum and Library. Archived from the original on November 4, 2012. Retrieved July 7, 2018.
  32. ^ "Ferdinand E. Marcos". Presidential Museum and Library. Archived from the original on August 26, 2012. Retrieved July 7, 2018.
  33. ^ "Corazon C. Aquino". Presidential Museum and Library. Archived from the original on November 4, 2012. Retrieved July 7, 2018.
  34. ^ "Fidel V. Ramos". Presidential Museum and Library. Archived from the original on March 23, 2016. Retrieved July 7, 2018.
  35. ^ "Joseph Ejercito Estrada". Presidential Museum and Library. Archived from the original on May 14, 2016. Retrieved July 7, 2018.
  36. ^ a b "Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo". Presidential Museum and Library. Archived from the original on November 4, 2012. Retrieved July 7, 2018.
  37. ^ "Benigno S. Aquino III". Presidential Museum and Library. Archived from the original on November 4, 2012. Retrieved March 12, 2020.
  38. ^ "The son also rises: Who is Noynoy Aquino?". GMA News Online. September 5, 2009. Retrieved July 7, 2018.
  39. ^ "Vote PH 2016: Rodrigo Duterte". Philippine Daily Inquirer. April 12, 2016. Retrieved July 7, 2018.
  40. ^ Kabiling, Genalyn (January 21, 2018). "Duterte vows to strive to be a man for others as taught by Jesuits". Manila Bulletin. Archived from the original on July 7, 2018. Retrieved July 7, 2018.
  41. ^ Legaspi, Amita O. (September 21, 2014). "Where was Bongbong Marcos when martial law was declared in 1972?". GMA News and Public Affairs. Retrieved September 2, 2018.
  42. ^ a b "Bongbong Marcos: Oxford, Wharton educational record 'accurate'". Rappler. February 24, 2015. Retrieved July 9, 2022.
  43. ^ Buan, Lian (October 23, 2021). "Bongbong Marcos always 'forthright' about Oxford diploma? Not really". Rappler. Retrieved July 9, 2022.
  44. ^ "A Brief Profile of the College of Law". Adamson University. Retrieved July 7, 2018.
  45. ^ "Biography". The Official Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo Website. Archived from the original on June 22, 2018. Retrieved July 7, 2018.
  46. ^ "History of LPU". Lyceum of the Philippines University. Archived from the original on March 6, 2021. Retrieved July 7, 2018.
  47. ^ a b "Dr. Jose Paciano Laurel". Jose P. Laurel Memorial Foundation. Retrieved July 7, 2018.
  48. ^ "History — National Teachers College". National Teachers College. Retrieved July 7, 2022.
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