G.R. No. 168852 - Go-Tan vs. Spouses Tan

Petitioner Sharica Mari L. Go-Tan married respondent Steven L. Tan on April 18, 1999.
They had two daughters: Kyra Danielle and Kristen Denise.

On January 12, 2005, petitioner filed a Petition for a Temporary Protective Order (TPO) under R.A. No. 9262 against Steven and her parents-in-law, Perfecto C. Tan and Juanita L. Tan, alleging verbal, psychological, and economic abuse.
The RTC Branch 94, Quezon City, issued a TPO on January 25, 2005.
On February 7, 2005, respondents moved to dismiss for lack of jurisdiction, arguing in-laws are not covered by R.A. No. 9262.
Petitioner opposed on February 28, 2005, urging liberal construction to include respondents.
On March 7, 2005, the RTC dismissed the case as to respondents, applying the maxim expressio unius est exclusio alterius.
Petitioner filed a Verified Motion for Reconsideration on March 16, 2005; respondents opposed on April 8, 2005.
The RTC denied reconsideration on July 11, 2005.

Petitioner filed a Petition for Review on Certiorari under Rule 45 challenging the two RTC resolutions.
The core legal question presented was whether parents-in-law may be included as respondents in a protective order under R.A. No. 9262.

Whether spouses Perfecto C. Tan and Juanita L. Tan, as parents-in-law of petitioner, may be included in a petition for issuance of a protective order under Republic Act No. 9262.