Senator Robin Padilla has filed Senate Bill No. 600, or the proposed Civil Partnership Act, seeking to give same-sex couples legal recognition, protection, and access to key rights under Philippine law.
The bill was filed on July 15, 2025 during the First Regular Session of the Twentieth Congress. Senate records show it remains pending in committee as of August 18, 2025. Its long title seeks to institutionalize civil partnerships of same-sex couples while defining their rights and obligations.
Padilla’s office framed the measure as a civil law proposal, not a religious mandate. The post said his position as a Muslim remains clear, but the law must still protect Filipinos equally.
“Bilang isang Muslim, malinaw ang paninindigan ni Senador Robin Padilla na ang kasal ay para sa lalaki at babae. Gayunpaman, naniniwala rin siya na ang bawat Pilipino ay nararapat magkaroon ng pantay na proteksyon, dignidad, at legal na seguridad sa ilalim ng batas,” the statement said.
The proposal also says churches and religious groups would not be forced to perform same-sex unions. This keeps religious solemnization separate from the legal recognition being proposed under civil law.
If passed, the bill would affect practical issues that can arise during illness, death, separation, property disputes, or family emergencies. These include inheritance, hospital visitation, medical consent, insurance, social security and pension benefits, property rights, support and protection for families, detention visitation, and burial arrangements.
The measure also lays down duties between civil partners, including respect, fidelity, support, and assistance. That gives the proposal weight beyond symbolism because it would create enforceable rights and obligations.
Padilla’s bill now puts a sensitive national question before the Senate: whether same-sex couples should receive civil protection under the law while religious institutions remain free to follow their own beliefs.
