22 teachers who allegedly finished an instant Ph.D. for only 28 months

The Commission on Higher Education (CHED) on Tuesday expressed alarm over reports about "instant doctorate degrees" allegedly being offered by a university, saying the issue taints the reputation of the country's higher education institutions (HEIs).

In a Viber message, CHED Chairperson Prospero "Popoy" de Vera III said they have formed a team to look into the matter, particularly on reports regarding Adamson University.

"This report of an instant Ph.D. [doctor of philosophy] is very alarming and prejudicial to the international reputation of our Philippine HEIs. CHED will not condone any violation of existing laws and regulations, autonomous or not," he said.

De Vera said Adamson University is considered autonomous, however, they can still look into the matter.

"Although Adamson is free from regular monitoring of CHED as an autonomous institution, CHED may conduct investigation activities in case of reports of a general erosion of quality and/or gross violation of laws, rules, and regulations that adversely affect the good standing of the PHEI as a reputable educational institution," he added.

Earlier, Adamson University released a statement in response to a report from the South China Morning Post and ABS-CBN News.

"In light of the recent news, Adamson University strongly denounces the malicious claim perpetrated by certain sectors in Hunan province, China on the Ph.D. degrees obtained by Shaoyang College faculty members from Adamson University," the school said.

It added that the school "strictly adheres" to CHED's guidelines, especially the requisition of a six-term residency, highlighting its "stringent verification procedure."

In the said report, a certain Peng Xilin, said to be Shaoyang University party secretary, was fired for rehiring 22 teachers who allegedly finished their doctorate at Adamson University for only 28 months.

The provincial education authorities slammed Peng for being "unscientific" and "imprecise."

It added that around USD27 million was spent by the Chinese school official to finance teachers who allegedly earned an "instant Ph.D."

-PNA