What Supreme Court Just Ruled on Same-Sex Couples

By: Paul Goldberg, Senior Editor | JRL CHARTS – LGBTQ Politics Asia

MANILA — (February 10, 2026) — In a historic legal decision, the Philippines Supreme Court has ruled that same-sex couples who live together and jointly acquire property may be legally recognized as co-owners under existing family law, even in the absence of formal marriage.

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Under the ruling, couples in committed same-sex relationships may be regarded as co-owners of property they acquired together if they can demonstrate actual financial contribution or joint investment in the asset.

Historic Legal Expansion of LGBTQ+ Property Rights

The decision stems from a case in which two women who had co-purchased a house found themselves in dispute after their relationship ended. The lower courts initially denied co-ownership, but the Supreme Court’s Second Division reversed that ruling, finding that the Family Code’s provisions on co-ownership can apply to same-sex couples without discrimination.

Senior Associate Justice Marvic Leonen wrote that the relevant statute “does not distinguish based on gender” and that governing law should not render LGBTQ+ relationships “legally invisible.” The ruling underscores that cohabiting couples, regardless of gender composition, deserve legal recognition of shared property rights when both partners contributed to its acquisition.

How the Ruling Works in Practice

Under the Family Code:

Property acquired during cohabitation may be treated as jointly owned if both partners contributed to its purchase or improvement.
The legal framework treats shared contributions as evidence of co-ownership even if the title is in just one partner’s name.
Same-sex couples may now seek partition or recognition of their share in courts using this precedent.

This decision does not equate to full legal recognition of same-sex marriage, but it provides meaningful rights and protections for many couples whose legal status has historically been limited or unclear.

LGBTQ+ Advocates and Legal Experts React

Advocates have welcomed the ruling as a milestone victory for LGBTQ+ economic and family rights.

“This is not just about property — it’s about dignity, recognition, and fairness,” said a legal expert familiar with the case. Analysts point out that such rulings can lay the groundwork for broader debates on relationship recognition and equality in law, especially where formal same-sex marriage is not yet legalized.

Broader Impact and Future Outlook

Legal observers say this decision could have ripple effects beyond co-ownership disputes, encouraging lawmakers and courts to consider expanded legal protections for LGBTQ+ families. It adds another layer of legal visibility to relationships that, historically, have been marginalized or left without equal statutory support.

Advocates argue that while marriage equality debates continue in many jurisdictions, incremental legal wins like this one represent tangible progress toward broader civil rights recognition.

What This Means for LGBTQ+ Couples

Same-sex couples now have a legal pathway to claim shared ownership.
Financial contributions to property acquisition may serve as strong evidence in court.
This landmark ruling may influence future family law decisions affecting LGBTQ+ rights.

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