"The independence of the three branches of the government from each other and the separation of their powers are intended precisely for the protection of the people from any concerted action which these departments may undertake to deprive or deny the people of their rights and liberties."

This was the message of the late President Manuel L. Quezon on Oct. 2, 1937 at the University of Santo Tomas where he inspired law students on the principles of law and justice.

"It is the duty of every branch of the government not only to perform those functions which, under the Constitution, are within its own province, but also to check each other from abusing its constitutional powers," Quezon also said 84 years ago.

As the provinces of Quezon and Aurora as well as Quezon City observe his 143th birth anniversary today, Aug. 19, the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) highlighted Quezon's speech as a reminder to the Filipino people that “neither branch of the government should abuse its powers.”

Many administrations have passed, and the CHR noted that no matter how many changes have taken place in the Philippine Constitution, the words of the late former President Quezon “remain true and important.”

"Gaya niya, naniniwala ang Komisyon sa mga Karapatang Pantao na obligasyon ng bawat sangay ng pamahalaan na siguruhing iginagalang ng bawat isa ang independence at mandato ng mga ito, at bantayan kung mayroon mang pagmamalabis sa kapangyarihan, (Like him, the CHR believes that it is the obligation of every branch of government to ensure that everyone respects their independence and mandate, and to guard against any abuse of power)," the CHR said in its social media post.

It stressed that “it is the duty of each branch to ensure that no action or government policy violates the rights and freedoms of the people.”