THE Commission on Human Rights (CHR) welcomed the decision of the Supreme Court recognizing co-ownership of property in same-sex cohabitation. CHR Chairman Richard Palpal-latoc said in a statement emailed to The Manila Times that while development strengthens the visibility of LGBTQIA (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer/Questioning, Intersex and Asexual/Aromantic/Agender) relationships, fuller legal protection remains necessary to achieve substantive equality. “This decision of the high court affirms that diverse forms of intimate relationships exist and cannot be rendered legally invisible,” said Palpal-latoc. He said that by recognizing that same-sex partners may be considered co-owners under Article 148 of the Family Code, the court acknowledged “lived realities often disregarded in formal legal discourse and moves away from treating same-sex partners as legal strangers.” Palpal-latoc said the ruling aligns with constitutional guarantees of equal protection and the Philippines’ obligations under international human rights law. “Recognizing property relations affirms the dignity, agency, and family life of LGBTQIA individuals and upholds the State’s duty to prevent discrimination and recognize the equal dignity of all, regardless of sexual orientation and gender identity and expression (Sogie),” Palpal-latoc pointed out. The CHR called for a sustained legislative and policy action to close the remaining protection gaps. Moving from visibility to full equality requires comprehensive reform grounded in the Constitution’s promise of equal protection of the laws, it added. Under the Magna Carta of Women, the CHR acts as the Gender and Development Ombudsman that promotes and protects women’s rights. ARLIE O. CALALO