Philippine Supreme Court

The Philippine Supreme Court is the highest court in the Philippines' judicial system, serving as the final arbiter of legal disputes and interpreting the constitutionality of laws. It is currently newsworthy due to a recent landmark decision regarding property rights for same-sex couples. The court ruled that same-sex couples can be recognized as co-owners of property if they can prove both parties contributed to its acquisition, applying a provision of the Family Code for the first time. This decision marks a significant step in recognizing the rights of same-sex couples in the country. Furthermore, a retired Supreme Court Justice, Antonio Carpio, has been involved in discussions surrounding the rise of alleged pro-Beijing online trolls and the need to update the country's Foreign Agents Act. This highlights the court's relevance in broader national security and political discourse, even through the involvement of its former members.