By Mariela Angella Oladive
Newly formed party-list PamilyaKo is advocating for the passage of a Domestic Partnership Law to provide legal recognition and protection for diverse Filipino families, particularly those classified as non-traditional.
During a community visit in Iloilo City and Sta. Barbara on March 15-16, PamilyaKo’s first nominee, Atty. Aeneas Eli Diaz, emphasized the need for inclusive policies that recognize different family structures.
“I think we are the first party-list to put together and advocate for the rights of various non-traditional Filipino families, which we classify under the acronym LOVABLES,” Diaz said.
The acronym stands for:
L – Live-in partners
O – OFW families
V – Victims of domestic violence
A – Adoptive or orphan families
B – Blended families
L – LGBTQIA+ couples
E – Elderly care providers
S – Solo/single parents
“These families face unique struggles yet continue to work hard and overcome daily challenges,” Diaz said.
Legal Rights for Non-Traditional Families
Diaz cited the struggles of live-in partners and LGBTQIA+ couples, who lack legal recognition when it comes to inheritance rights, property management, and medical consent.
“The Domestic Partnership Law will not only benefit live-in partners but also the LGBTQIA+ community,” he said.
“It will give them the right to inheritance, allow them to manage properties like legally married couples, and provide them with medical decision-making rights,” he explained.
“Hospitals typically require consent from the nearest kin, which is unfair to long-term partners who lack legal recognition,” Diaz added.
He pointed to some local government units (LGUs), like Quezon, that have implemented ordinances such as the Right to Care, and said PamilyaKo aims to extend this protection nationwide.
However, he acknowledged the challenges of pushing for such a law in a predominantly conservative society.
“We understand the different points of view and respect them, but regardless of personal, religious, or moral beliefs, we must acknowledge the existence of the LGBTQ+ sector and their need for adequate protection,” he said.
Strengthening Support for Solo Parents
Beyond advocating for domestic partnerships, PamilyaKo is also pushing for stronger implementation and better budget allocation for solo parents.
Diaz pointed out gaps in the Solo Parents Welfare Act, saying many beneficiaries struggle to access benefits due to funding constraints.
“Some solo parents have yet to fully experience the benefits of the law,” Diaz said.
He proposed that financial support for solo parents be included in the national budget rather than being left to discretionary allocations.
Originally established as a non-government foundation supporting non-traditional families, PamilyaKo is now seeking a congressional seat to push for inclusive legislation.
The group has been conducting nationwide community visits to raise awareness and gather support.
Despite lacking the political machinery of more established parties, Diaz affirmed their commitment to supporting non-traditional families, regardless of the election outcome.
The campaign period for party-list groups in the 2025 elections officially began on February 11 and will run until May 10, just two days before the May 12 polls.
A total of 156 party-list groups are competing for 63 seats in the 20th Congress.
Under the Philippine party-list system, voters select a party rather than an individual nominee.
Each party that secures at least 2% of the total votes earns one seat, with a maximum of three seats per group.
Each winning nominee may serve for a maximum of three consecutive terms, as designated by their respective organization.
