PUP Faces Ethics Inquiry After Student’s Thesis Complaint

Photo courtesy of Balita

The Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP) has launched an investigation into a serious academic ethics issue involving the College of Social Sciences and Development and its Department of Psychology. This follows accusations made by a student regarding unauthorised use of a thesis.

On 29 August, student Robert Owen Ganado took to Facebook to allege that a professor had submitted their thesis to the International Journal of Advanced Multidisciplinary Studies without their consent. The research, titled “Demystifying the Structure of Multiple Partners: Exploring the Relationship Dynamics of Polyamory in the Philippines,” appeared in the journal’s June 2023 issue under the professor’s name alone.

“Our names were removed as authors, and we were not consulted or asked for our consent,” Robert lamented. He added, “We were never informed about this submission, nor were we shown a final version or asked to sign any authorship or publication consent forms. For us, this is deeply frustrating and disheartening.”

Robert described the incident as "embarrassing and disappointing," noting the substantial effort and resources he and his peers invested in the research had been disregarded.

PUP responded with a firm statement, highlighting the gravity of the allegations. “This complaint strikes at the heart of our academic values, and PUP is responding with immediate and decisive action. An official investigation is underway to rigorously and impartially pursue the truth,” the university declared.

PUP emphasised its unwavering dedication to safeguarding the integrity of its academic community, stating, “We reaffirm our steadfast commitment to honesty, truth, and justice. The dignity of our students and the core values of service will always be upheld.”

Moreover, the university urged members of the PUP community to report similar grievances to the University Legal Counsel Office via email at [email protected].

This incident has sparked a broader conversation about academic ethics and the protection of students' rights in research collaborations. While PUP’s prompt response is commendable, the outcome of the investigation will be closely watched by both students and the academic community at large.

In terms of impact, if found guilty, repercussions could be significant for the involved parties, potentially affecting reputations and future academic endeavours. The situation underscores the importance of transparency and respect for intellectual property in academic settings.

The unfolding developments at PUP serve as a critical reminder for institutions worldwide to fortify policies that protect student contributions and ensure ethical conduct in academia. As this investigation progresses, it will be vital for stakeholders to foster an environment where students feel secure and respected in their scholarly pursuits.

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from Balita 2025-09-02