PUP investigating faculty misconduct

The Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP) is addressing a viral complaint on social media regarding a faculty member accused of unauthorized publication of a research paper and exploitation of student theses, with the university launching an official investigation to pursue the truth impartially.

PUP issued a statement on its official Facebook page, emphasizing its commitment to academic integrity, honesty, truth, and justice. The university assured that any substantiated academic misconduct would face appropriate sanctions through due process and encouraged community members to report concerns to the University Legal Counsel Office.

The complaint, posted by Robert Owen Ganado, a PUP graduate and researcher, alleges that a professor submitted and published a research paper based on student theses without their consent or attribution. The paper, titled "Demystifying the Structure of Multiple Partners: Exploring the Relationship Dynamics of Polyamory in the Philippines," was published in the International Journal of Advanced Multidisciplinary Studies under the professor's sole name, erasing the students' contributions despite their significant labor and expenses.

Ganado expressed frustration over the lack of consultation, consent forms, and proper guidance during the research process. He demanded immediate clarification on the publication details, authorship, and consent basis, calling for an investigation by the College of Social Sciences and Development and the Psychology Department. He also stated readiness to provide documentation and cooperate with any formal investigation.