Congress of the
Republic of the Philippines

Bouse of Representatives
Quezon City

FIFTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

2710

HOUSE BILL NO.

Introduced by HONORABLE REENA CONCEPCION G. OBILLO

EXPLANATORY NOTE

This bill seeks to amend the provisions on Family Home as embodied in
Executive Order 209, otherwise known as the Family Code of the Philippines.

The family home is the dwelling place of a person and his family, a sacred
symbol of family love and repository of cherished memories that last during one’s
lifetime. It is the sanctuary of that marital union which the law declares and protects as
a sacred institution; and likewise a shelter for the fruits of that union. It is where both
can seek refuge and strengthen the tie that binds them together and which ultimately
forms the moral fabric of our nation. The protection of the family home is just as
necessary in the preservation of the family as a basic social institution, and as such,
no custom, practice or agreement destructive of the family shall be recognized or given
effect.

Towards this end, this bill provides for the increase of the value of each family
home exempt from execution, forced sale, attachment and from the payment of real
property taxes. Since the enactment of the Family Code in 1988, there has been a
dramatic drop in the value of the Philippine peso. Thus, after more than two decades,
there is a need to adjust the value of the family home that is exempt from such
impositions in conformity with the changing times.

Another feature of this amendment is the exemption of the family home from
the payment of real property taxes. This kind of property tax imposes undue burdens
upon the family which is the core unit of society, and makes it difficult for many
individuals to maintain a shelter for their families.

This bill, if enacted, will promote the interest and welfare of the family as a
basic social institution, and will make it possible for the families to build a home of their
‘own.

Hence, the passage of this piece of legislation is respectfully requested

REENA CONCEPCION G. OBILLO

Representative,
Una ang Pamilya Party List


FIFTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE )
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES )
First Regular Session )

House of Representatives
House sitLNo.__ 2710

Introduced by HONORABLE REENA CONCEPCION G. OBILLO

AN ACT AMENDING CHAPTER 2, TITLE V OF EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 209
OTHERWISE KNOWN AS THE FAMILY CODE OF THE PHILIPPINES

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in
Congress Assembled:

SECTION 1. Article 153 of the Family Code is hereby amended and shall read
as follows:

“Article 153. The family home is deemed constituted on a house
and lot from the time it is occupied as a family residence. From the time
of its constitution and so long as any of its beneficiaries actually resides
therein, the family home continues to be such and is exempt from
execution, forced sale, attachment except as hereinafter provided and
to the extent of the value allowed by law.

NOTWITHSTANDING ANY LAW TO THE CONTRARY, THE
FAMILY HOME, WHILE REMAINING AS SUCH, SHALL LIKEWISE
BE EXEMPT FROM THE PAYMENT OF REAL PROPERTY TAX OR
ANY OTHER TAX ON REAL PROPERTY.”

SECTION 2. Article 155 of the Family Code is hereby amended and shall read
as follows:

“Article 155. The family home shall be exempt from execution,
forced sale or attachment except:

1) For nonpayment of taxes OTHER THAN TAXES ON REAL
PROPERTY AS PROVIDED UNDER ARTICLE 153:

2) For debts incurred prior to the constitution of the family home;

3) For debts secured by mortgages on the premises before or
after such constitution; and


4) For debts due to laborers, mechanics, architects builders,
materialmen, and others who have rendered service or furnished
material for the construction of the building.”

SECTION 3. Article 157 of the Family Code is hereby amended and shall
read as follows:

“Article 157. The actual value of the family home shall not
exceed, at the time of its constitution, the amount of THREE MILLION
pesos in urban areas, and TWO MILLION pesos in rural area, or such
amounts as may hereafter be fixed by law.

In any event, if the value of the currency changes after the
adoption of this code, the value most favorable for the constitution of a
family home shall be the basis of the evaluation.

For purposes of this Article, urban areas are deemed to include
chartered cities and municipalities whose annual income at least equals
that legally required of COMPONENT cities. All others are deemed to
be rural areas.”

SECTION 4. All laws, decrees, executive orders, proclamations, rules and
regulation, or parts thereof inconsistent herewith are hereby repealed or modified
accordingly

SECTION 5. This Act shall take effect fifteen days after its publication in at
least two newspapers of general circulation.

Approved,