Same-Sex Couples In The Philippines Can Now Co-Own Property
While not a full victory for marriage equality, a landmark ruling from the Philippine Supreme Court lays groundwork for broader recognition of same-sex relationships.
Featured Image: Pride Parade, Manila, 2025 (Photo by JAM STA ROSA/AFP via Getty Images)
In a landmark decision on Feb. 5, the Philippine Supreme Court ruled that same-sex couples can be co-owners of property under the country’s Family Code. According to The Philippine News Agency, the case involved two women who had purchased a house together in a suburb of Manila. It was only registered in one name. After their relationship ended, they initially planned to sell and split the money. “The registered owner signed a document acknowledging that the other partner paid for half of the purchase and renovations.” But the registered owner later refused to sell the property, and withdrew her earlier acknowledgment of co-ownership, prompting the other partner to file a complaint.
The case worked its way up to the Philippine Supreme Court, which determined: “Having rightful interest over the subject property, petitioner has the right to demand the division of the subject property.”
Related: Japan’s High Court Rules Same Sex Marriage Ban Is Constitutional
While the country’s Family Code defines marriage as a permanent union between a man and a woman, Article 148 states that “in cases of cohabitation” outside of marriage, “only the properties acquired by both of the parties through their actual joint contribution of money, property, or industry shall be owned by them in common in proportion to their respective contributions.” Furthermore, “In the absence of proof to the contrary, their contributions and corresponding shares are presumed to be equal.”
“Considering that petitioner and respondent have the same sex when they cohabited, they are not capacitated to marry each other, and thus, Article 148 governs their property relations,” the high court’s ruling read. The Court also found that the signed acknowledgment constituted a binding admission, evidence of contribution, and ultimately established valid co-ownership.
While not a victory for marriage equality, the decision is widely viewed as laying the groundwork for broader recognition of same-sex relationships.
Filipino advocacy group, LGBT Pilipinas, issued a statement:
“This decision acknowledges a long-standing reality: LGBTQ+ couples form genuine partnerships that involve mutual contribution, shared responsibilities, and joint economic efforts. The recognition of co-ownership ensures that partners in same-sex relationships are afforded protection against unjust loss of property and are treated with dignity in legal proceedings.”
“The victory reminds us that progress is possible — and that justice, though long delayed, can move forward. This is a win not only for the LGBTQ+ community, but for fairness and justice in Philippine society as a whole.”
