Dear PAO,

Is an admission of a suspect or an accused before a media personnel admissible in our courts in the event that his/her case will be elevated to such tribunal? I remember from my Philippine Constitution class in college that the accused has certain rights such as the right to a counsel and the right to remain silent. However, I noticed that these rights are not faithfully observed. This is especially true when it is the media personnel himself/herself who is asking the incriminating questions and the unmindful accused answers without the benefit of a counsel. I am honestly quite alarmed of this practice since it undermines a fundamental right in the guise of news reporting. Thus, I hope to be enlightened by you.

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