The Supreme Court of the Philippines has ruled that same-sex couples who live together may be recognised as co-owners of property acquired during their relationship, provided there is clear proof of actual contribution.

In a decision put into effect on February 5 and penned by Associate Justice Jhosep Lopez, the Court clarified that because same-sex marriage is not yet legally recognised in the country, property relations between same-sex partners are governed by Article 148 of the Family Code.

Unlike Article 147, which presumes joint ownership for couples legally eligible to marry, Article 148 applies to couples prohibited from marriage and requires evidence of each partner’s financial or material contribution.

The case stemmed from a dispute between two women who purchased a house and lot in Quezon City during their relationship, registering the property under one partner’s name.

After their separation, one partner sought partition of the property, citing a signed acknowledgment in which the other admitted she had contributed about 50% of the purchase and renovation costs.

Lower courts dismissed the claim, but the Supreme Court reversed those rulings, finding the acknowledgment sufficient proof of actual contribution under Article 148.

The Court held that the petitioner is a co-owner entitled to a 50% share and may demand partition of the property in accordance with the Civil Code.