Key Facts

• The Supreme Court of the Philippines ruled that same-sex couples can be recognized as co-owners of a property.
• This decision marks the first time a part of the Family Code has been applied to same-sex couples.
• The ruling came from a case involving a former same-sex couple who argued over selling their house.
• One partner initially agreed to sell but later refused, leading the other to go to court.
• Lower courts previously denied their property claim, but the Supreme Court overturned these rulings.
• Article 148 of the Family Code allows property co-ownership for people who live together but cannot legally marry, which the court says applies to same-sex couples too.
• The court emphasized that all forms of co-habitation must be legally visible and recognized.
• The court urged the government to address legal issues and protections for same-sex couples.