Family Code · Chapter 7. Property Regime of Unions Without Marriage

Article 148

Cohabitation not falling under Article 147

Unamended since 1987

Current text, as of October 15, 2026

In cases of cohabitation not falling under the preceding Article, only the properties acquired by both of the parties through their actual joint contribution of money, property, or industry shall be owned by them in common in proportion to 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 evidences of credit.

If one of the parties is validly married to another, his or her share in the co-ownership shall accrue to the absolute community or conjugal partnership existing in such valid marriage. If the party who acted in bad faith is not validly married to another, his or her shall be forfeited in the manner provided in the last paragraph of the preceding Article.

The foregoing rules on forfeiture shall likewise apply even if both parties are in both faith. (144a)

Consolidated by Alleba from the text of Executive Order No. 209 (Lawphil), which already includes the changes made by Executive Order No. 227 (1987) before the Code took effect, and the amending Republic Acts in our library. Later amendments made by Presidential Decrees, Batas Pambansa or other executive orders are not included. For information and research only, and not legal advice. For certified copies, refer to the Official Gazette or the issuing agency.