The Commission on Human Rights (CHR), as the country’s Gender and Development Ombud, remains steadfast in its commitment to promoting equality and fostering a more just and inclusive society.

Pursuant to its mandate, the Commission has issued a position paper on House Bill (HB) Nos. 1015 and 6782, which seek to recognize the civil partnership of couples and provide for their rights and obligations.

These proposed measures aim to grant both same-sex and opposite-sex couples legal recognition as civil partners, affording them the same rights, protections, and privileges currently extended to married couples under existing laws and policies. This includes property rights, adoption and child custody rights, inheritance rights, and access to social protection programs as dependents and legal beneficiaries.

At the outset, CHR acknowledges the intent of the proposed measures.To further strengthen these provisions, the Commission has highlighted some reservations and key areas that warrant further refinement, including the following:

(i) limiting civil partnerships to same-sex couples to avoid redundancy, as opposite-sex couples are already covered under the Family Code;

(ii) provisions granting civil partners equal visitation rights in hospitals and detention facilities, along with decision-making authority for medical and burial matters;

(iii) maintaining co-ownership rules for properties acquired during the partnership;

(iv) clearer definition of infidelity to prevent arbitrary enforcement;

(v) granting equal adoption rights to civil partners, emphasizing that decisions should prioritize the best interests of the child, regardless of the sexual orientation of the parents, among others.

These recommendations aim to ensure that the proposed measures uphold the principles of inclusivity, non-discrimination, and human dignity. In this regard, the Commission urges lawmakers to carefully consider these recommendations to ensure that these proposed bills, if enacted into law, will be just, inclusive, and reflective of the country’s commitment to protecting the rights of all.

CHR emphasizes that the right to equality and freedom from discrimination—as enshrined in domestic and international human rights frameworks—must be fully realized by ensuring that all individuals, regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity, or expression (SOGIE), enjoy equal protection under the law.

By recognizing civil partnerships, the Commission believes that the Philippines takes a significant step toward building a society that values diversity, inclusivity and respect for human rights.

Access the full text of the CHR Position Paper on House Bill (HB) Nos. 1015 and 6782, entitled an “Act Recognizing the Civil Partnership of Couples, Providing for Their Rights and Obligations here: https://bit.ly/CivilPartnershipCouples