FU Dialogue Features Comparative Study on the American and Philippine Bill of Rights

Creative Department

The October session of the FU Dialogue brought students and faculty together to examine the constitutional principles that shape the Philippines and the United States. Guest speakers Aliya Brown, Esq. and Atty. Angel Paolo Villahermosa discussed how the protection of individual rights are enshrined in the foundation of their legal systems.

The session traced the historical and legal roots of the Miranda Rights, originating from the 1966 U.S. Supreme Court ruling Miranda v. Arizona, and the principles from which the rights of a person under custodial investigation are guaranteed. A person under investigation holds the right to remain silent, guided by the presumption of innocence, and to be assisted by legal counsel in any form of interrogation. Aliya Brown and Atty. Villahermosa detailed the evolution of these rights and explained how these safeguards were adopted into the 1987 Philippine Constitution.

Article III, Sections 1 and 12 of the constitution upholds the principles of fairness and human dignity through due process and the right against self-incrimination. The speakers addressed these provisions and drew parallels with the Fifth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, showing how the clause in the Philippines’ Bill of Rights serves a shared purpose in protecting individuals from coercion and abuse of power.

College of Arts and Sciences Dean Dr. Maria Cecilia Genove moderated the discussion and led the thoughtful exchange between the speakers and the audience, most of whom are students from the Political Science program and the College of Law and Jurisprudence. President Emeritus Dr. Mira Sinco, Mr. Luis Leandro Sinco, and Atty. Jesus Ramon Quevenco also attended the event.

The FU Dialogue is a regular discussion session that serves as a platform for intellectual exchange on pressing issues in society. Through monthly discussions, the program invites scholars, professionals, and student leaders to engage critically with a variety of topics in order to strengthen the appreciation of these subjects within the university.