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A bill that seeks to amend the Family Code of the Philippines to include live-in "gender-fluid" couples in the administration of property ownership has been filed in the House of Representatives. 

House Assistant Majority Leader and Puwersa ng Bayaning Atleta (PBA) Party-list Rep. Margarita “Migs” Nograles is hoping to amend Article 148 of the Family Code through her House Bill (HB) No. 9502. 

Nograles is specifically looking into the establishment of parameters for property ownership of unmarried but cohabiting couples, regardless of their gender. 

"While it may take more time for the Philippines to fully accept unions of all couples regardless of gender, this bill is a crucial step in ensuring that vulnerable individuals are protected from economic exploitations within their relationships," she said in a statement on Thursday, Nov. 23. 

Under the proposed amendment, all couples regardless of gender will be granted limited co-ownership over their shared properties. 

Nograles, who is also a lawyer, says this is a crucial gap in the current legal landscape that her bill is aiming to bridge. 

HB No. 9502 provides that only properties acquired through joint contributions by both partners during cohabitation, whether money, property, or industry, will be owned in common, reflecting their respective contributions. 

"In the absence of proof to the contrary, their contributions and corresponding shares are presumed to be equal. The same rule and presumption shall apply to joint deposits of money and evidence of credit," the bill stated. 

The solon emphasized that this legislation recognizes the evolving dynamics of relationships seen in society today. 

"This bill is a step towards inclusivity and fairness. It acknowledges the diversity of relationships and strives to provide a legal framework that is reflective of our evolving understanding of partnerships," said Nograles. 

"The passage of [HB No.] 9502 is an earnest endeavor to provide equal legal protection to all couples, contributing to the fulfillment of the State's mandate to safeguard the dignity and human rights of every individual," she stressed. --Dexter Barro II