The Supreme Court has ruled that same-sex couples who live together can be recognized as co-owners of property under Article 148 of the Family Code, as long as there is proof of actual contribution.

The decision came from a case involving two women in Quezon City who purchased a house and lot together but registered it under one partner’s name. After their separation, one partner denied co-ownership despite acknowledging that the other paid about half of the property costs.

Supreme Court kinikilala ang co-ownership ng ari-arian ng same-sex couples | RH 29 @boy_gonzales, DZRH News pic.twitter.com/UtMG6i0BiY

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The SC reversed lower courts’ rulings, saying the signed acknowledgment was sufficient proof of contribution, establishing co-ownership.

"[T]his Court does not have the monopoly to assure the freedom and rights of homosexual couples. With the political, moral, and cultural questions that surround the issue concerning the rights of same-sex couples, political departments especially the Congress must be involved to quest for solutions, which balance interests while maintaining fealty to fundamental freedoms,” the court document stated.

The court emphasized that Article 148 applies to all couples not legally allowed to marry, including same-sex partners, and noted that broader legal protections for same-sex relationships remain the responsibility of Congress.

“The process of legislation exposes the experiences of homosexuals who have been oppressed, ensuring that they are understood by those who stand with the majority. Mostly, public reason needs to be first shaped through the crucible of campaigns and advocacies within our political forums before it is sharpened for judicial fiat.”

Senior Associate Justice Marvic M.V.F. Leonen highlighted that excluding same-sex couples would render legitimate relationships legally invisible.

This ruling is seen as a significant step in recognizing property rights for same-sex couples in the Philippines.