Category Archives: Question and Answers

What is the reason behind the visitorial right of an illegitimate father over his children?

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 … Continue reading

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Can Father of Illegitimate Child Obtain Custody when Mother is Abroad?

In one case (Briones vs. Miguel, GR 156343, Oct. 18, 2004), the Supreme Court upheld the illegitimate child’s mother’s custody even when the mother was working in Japan and eventually brought the child out of the country to live with … Continue reading

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Can the Father Compel An Illegitimate Child To Use His Surname?

Republic Act 9255 allowing illegitimate children to use their father’s surnames opened the door to illegitimate mothers and fathers eager to let their children bear the father’s surname just like legitimate children. The problem started when the implementing rules of … Continue reading

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What are the grounds for petition for guardianship?

When you think you have both the interest and the grounds you should file a petition for guardianship under A.M. No. 03-02-05-SC Rule on Guardianship of Minors. This Rule amended Rules 92 to 97 of the Rules of Court pertaining to … Continue reading

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When can an illegitimate child use the surname of his father?

Illegitimate children can use the surname of their father if: Their filiation has been expressly recognized by the father through the record of birth appearing in the civil registrar; When an admission in a public document or a private handwritten … Continue reading

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