UP disciplinary body takes over photograbber’s case

The case of University of the Philippines (UP) student Mark Joseph Solis, who passed off another man’s work as his own in a photo contest, is now being heard by a trial body which will determine his fate.

In a text message, UP Diliman chancellor Dr. Caesar Saloma said that the complaint of dishonesty against Solis, who is taking up his masters in public administration, was turned over to the UP Student Disciplinary Tribunal (SDT) on Oct. 21.

The move was based on the recommendation of the Diliman Executive Committee during a meeting on Oct. 14. The decision to bring the case against Solis to the tribunal was also provided for in the 1999 UP Diliman Rules and Regulations on Student Conduct and Discipline, Saloma added.

The SDT is one of the university’s disciplinary arms which investigate complaints of misconduct against students. It can also recommend appropriate penalties should the accused be found guilty.

Solis, a political science graduate of UP Diliman, is accused of entering a photograph taken by Gregory John Smith in a contest sponsored by the Chilean Embassy and passing it off as his own.

Solis was declared the winner in the contest but was stripped of the grand prize of  $1,000 after Smith came forward and exposed him. Solis later admitted his wrongdoing and issued an apology.

A fact-finding committee formed by the university to look into the complaint against Solis found out that he had done the same thing at least six times.

Smith’s photo of a smiling boy with a piece of seaweed draped on his head was reportedly submitted to at least three contests, including one sponsored by a UP student organization.

Saloma earlier said the penalties for students found guilty of dishonesty range from a year-long suspension, dishonorable dismissal to the revocation of one’s degree.