A friend of mine who lives in London recently shared a story that’s equal parts heartbreaking and infuriating. Years ago, during a committed relationship, he and his girlfriend (also UK-based) decided to invest in their future. Together, they bought four properties in various locations in the Philippines.
Each of them paid 50%. Everything was split evenly. But all the properties? Registered solely under her name! Now they’ve broken up. No marriage, no kids, no contracts. Just four properties—and zero legal recognition of my friend’s share.
One of the residential properties is now being occupied by her son (not his). My friend’s family back home? Denied entry or access to any of those houses.
What does he want? Not a fight. Not revenge. Just a return of his rightful portion. Something fair. What is she offering? Silence. Stonewalling. Zero.
Lessons From the Mess
This situation is more common than you’d think, especially among overseas Filipinos investing back home. And it teaches some tough lessons:
No title, no ownership.
It doesn’t matter how much you paid. I am not a lawyer. But I was told that if your name isn’t on the land title, Philippine law sees you as a stranger.
Trust needs documentation.
Even if you’re madly in love, put agreements in writing. Chat logs and bank transfers help, but a co-ownership agreement is better.
Always protect your contribution.
Whether you’re building a house or buying land, keep receipts, contracts, proof of remittances, etc. When things go bad, evidence is everything.
Is There a Legal Remedy?
Again, I’m not a lawyer, but I am aware that Philippine law does have provisions against unjust enrichment—a legal basis for recovering money spent when someone else unfairly benefits. But proving this, especially from abroad, takes time, money, and guts.
My friend isn’t asking for much. Just fairness. Just dignity. Just a fraction of what he put into something they were supposed to build together. Yeah, he made a colossal blunder there not putting his name on any of the titles. I hope this ends quickly. Quietly. Fairly. Because no one should lose their share just because they didn’t put their name on the deed.