In Silva v. Court of Appeals,[34] the Court sustained the visitorial right of an illegitimate father over his children in view of the constitutionally protected inherent and natural right of parents over their children.[35] Even when the parents are estranged and their affection for each other is lost, their attachment to and feeling for their offspring remain unchanged. Neither the law nor the courts allow this affinity to suffer, absent any real, grave or imminent threat to the well-being of the child.
See Briones vs Miguel, G.R. No. 156343. October 18, 2004
Batas Pinoy 