Cutillar Law Firm and Notary Public

17/02/2026

17/02/2026

IBP Extends Warm Wishes for Chinese New Year 2026

17/02/2026

10/02/2026

Happy Monday, ka-ECC!

As we begin another work week, may it be not only productive but also purposeful and fulfilling. Work becomes lighter when we support one another and when our environment is safe, healthy and positive.

Let’s continue creating a workplace where everyone feels protected, valued, and inspired to give their best.

10/02/2026

𝐃𝐎𝐋𝐄 𝐈𝐍𝐒𝐏𝐈𝐑𝐄𝐒 | Monday Motivation

"Work hard in silence, let your success be your noise."
- Anonymous





゚viralシ

10/02/2026

The (SC) has ruled that same-sex couples who live together may be recognized as co-owners of property under Article 148 of the 𝘍𝘢𝘮𝘪𝘭𝘺 𝘊𝘰𝘥𝘦, provided there is proof of actual contribution.

In a Decision written by Associate Justice Jhosep Y. Lopez, the SC’s Second Division granted a woman’s complaint for partition of property and recognized her as a co-owner of the house and lot she shared with her same-sex partner.

Article 148 of the 𝘍𝘢𝘮𝘪𝘭𝘺 𝘊𝘰𝘥𝘦 governs the property relations of couples who are living together but cannot legally marry, acknowledging co-ownership based on their actual contributions.

The two women lived together as a couple. A year into their relationship, they purchased a house and lot, and agreed to register the property in one partner’s name to facilitate banking transactions.

Upon separation, they agreed to sell the property and divide the proceeds equally. One partner signed an 𝘈𝘤𝘬𝘯𝘰𝘸𝘭𝘦𝘥𝘨𝘮𝘦𝘯𝘵 stating that the other had paid about 50% of the purchase and renovation costs.

However, she later refused to sell the property and denied that her former partner was a co-owner.

To protect her interest, the former partner annotated an adverse claim on the title and demanded partition of the property. When this failed, she filed a case for partition of real estate and damages, relying on the 𝘈𝘤𝘬𝘯𝘰𝘸𝘭𝘦𝘥𝘨𝘮𝘦𝘯𝘵 as proof of co-ownership.

The SC granted the complaint for partition of real estate, as it clarified the provisions in the 𝘍𝘢𝘮𝘪𝘭𝘺 𝘊𝘰𝘥𝘦 governing the property relations of unmarried couples living together.

Article 147 applies to unmarried couples who may legally marry. Property acquired during their cohabitation is presumed jointly owned.

Article 148, on the other hand, applies to couples who are not permitted to marry. Only properties obtained through actual contribution are considered common property.

Since the 𝘍𝘢𝘮𝘪𝘭𝘺 𝘊𝘰𝘥𝘦 only allows marriage between a man and a woman, the SC held that same-sex couples necessarily fall under Article 148.

Here, the SC found that the signed 𝘈𝘤𝘬𝘯𝘰𝘸𝘭𝘦𝘥𝘨𝘮𝘦𝘯𝘵, where one partner admitted that the other paid about half of the property costs, was a binding admission and sufficient proof of actual contribution. This established co-ownership.

Read the full text of the press release at https://sc.judiciary.gov.ph/?p=160462.

Read the full text of the Decision at https://sc.judiciary.gov.ph/?p=160431.

Read the Concurring Opinion of Senior Associate Justice Marvic M.V.F. Leonen at https://sc.judiciary.gov.ph/?p=160444.

Read the Concurrence of Associate Justice Amy C. Lazaro-Javier at https://sc.judiciary.gov.ph/?p=160439.

Copying of this content is subject to the SC PIO’s Credit Attribution Policy: https://sc.judiciary.gov.ph/credit-attribution-policy/.

07/01/2026

📢 𝗡𝗟𝗥𝗖 𝗜𝘀𝘀𝘂𝗲𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟱 𝗥𝘂𝗹𝗲𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗰𝗲𝗱𝘂𝗿𝗲

The National Labor Relations Commission (NLRC) has issued the 2025 NLRC Rules of Procedure, published in The Manila Times on 29 December 2025 and set to take effect on 13 January 2026.

The updated Rules strengthen efficiency, transparency, and access to labor justice, while aligning procedures with current laws and reforms.

📘 Read the full text here:
https://nlrc.dole.gov.ph/uploads/content/The%202025%20NLRC%20Rules%20of%20Procedure.pdf
nlrc.dole.gov.ph

31/12/2025

Entering the New Year with gratitude for our clients’ trust and confidence🩵

24/12/2025

Merry Christmas!