MANILA — JC Abalos has filed a bill in the 20th Congress aimed at helping unmarried couples, including same-sex partners, secure their rightful share of property.

Abalos welcomed the Supreme Court of the Philippines’s recent decision recognizing co-ownership of property in same-sex relationships. The Court clarified that Article 148 of the Family Code applies to all partners regardless of gender. The provision governs property relations between two individuals living together without marriage due to legal impediments.

In response, Abalos filed House Bill No. 7779, or the Shared-Property Rights Protection Act, which seeks to strengthen Article 148 and ensure property rights for cohabiting partners are protected regardless of gender or the nature of their contribution.

Key features of the proposed law include:

• Inclusive scope: Clarifies that protections extend to all cohabiting partners, emphasizing legal capacity over gender identity.
• Modernized definition of “contribution”: Includes non-financial efforts and mutual support.
• Rebuttable presumptions: Establishes legal presumptions for shared property in long-term cohabitation to ease the evidentiary burden on claimants.
• Contemporary proof: Allows modern forms of evidence to prove shared ownership.

“This proposed measure does not necessarily alter existing marriage laws, but rather ensures that property rights arising from shared effort and mutual support receive clear statutory protection in line with upholding the principles of justice and equity,” Abalos said.

He added that the measure seeks to address varying interpretations and legal challenges by providing a clear legal framework for all couples unmarried under existing laws.