PLM-SSC, CHASS-SC issue statements on student-leader’s alleged misconduct
Written by Katherine Castro • Board by Jian Muyano | 3 December 25
The Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila Supreme Student Council (PLM-SSC) and the College of Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences Student Council (CHASS-SC) issued official statements regarding the resignation of student-leader Benjamin Maenard R. Francisco, following allegations raised through anonymous online posts since Nov. 21.
Francisco, a second-year Bachelor of Arts in Communication (BAC) student, was identified in Reddit and Facebook posts alleging involvement in the non-consensual sharing of private photos. At the time, he served as Director for Accountability of the PLM-SSC, and Acting Treasurer of the CHASS-SC.
On Nov. 22, Francisco submitted his resignation to both councils, citing duty-related neglect and personal reasons.
Francisco later posted and deleted an apology statement on his personal Facebook account where he admitted to the allegations, acknowledging a “violation of trust, privacy, and respect.”
SEE MORE:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1E0bjt0GaVmmpUFn7GjdO3NxH4z9yBsC2/view?usp=drivesdk
The CHASS-SC responded on Nov. 23 through Resolution No. 8, s. 2025, which formally rejected the resignation. The council pointed out insufficient justifications for stepping down and the need to address the concerns Francisco acknowledged in the circulating apology.
READ MORE: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1YydCupxnh/
Moreover, the council later released a statement, reaffirming its commitment to uphold justice with the intent to pursue impeachment proceedings.
Meanwhile, the PLM-SSC approved Francisco’s resignation on the same day. In their official statement, the council acknowledged the decision but stressed that it “can never undo the harm inflicted or fully restore the trust lost”.
READ MORE: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1AFFcPFf5x/
The CHASS-SC pledged to provide timely updates as the impeachment trial advances, while the PLM-SSC emphasized its readiness in extending support and assistance to affected individuals.
As of writing, Francisco has since deleted his Facebook account. His block’s Facebook page, BAC 2-3, also released a statement on Nov. 28, saying that they are reaching out but “have not yet received any proper response.”
This is a developing story.