The Commission on Filipinos Overseas has begun a comprehensive review of the country’s inheritance and property laws to better protect the rights of Filipinos living abroad.
The initiative aims to address growing legal difficulties faced by overseas Filipinos when claiming family assets in the Philippines. Officials say complex procedures and distance barriers often result in delayed claims, disputes, or even the loss of property.
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Evidence-Based Reform Effort
CFO Secretary Dante Ang II said the review will be research-driven and grounded in data. The agency’s Policy, Planning, and Research Division will lead consultations with legal experts, diaspora leaders, and other stakeholders to draft recommendations for both the executive and legislative branches.
“Our responsibility is to conduct a thorough, research-driven study on these property concerns,” Ang said. He added that the goal is to identify gaps in existing laws and propose policy interventions that will safeguard the interests of overseas Filipinos.
The review comes as many migrants report difficulty navigating succession laws from abroad. Legal practitioners have pointed to procedural complexity and limited access to Philippine courts as key barriers.
Addressing the “Inheritance Hurdle”
Filipino-American lawyer and retired US Navy officer Sylvester Lee Salcedo has raised concerns about the challenges overseas Filipinos face when asserting inheritance rights. He has suggested creating a more systematic legal framework to streamline processes for those living outside the country.
CFO officials echoed this view, noting that secure property rights are essential to encouraging continued investment in hometown communities and supporting long-term reintegration plans.
With more than 10.7 million Filipinos overseas, inheritance often plays a central role in retirement plans for those intending to return home.
Part of Broader Diaspora Engagement
The review aligns with CFO’s wider strategy to strengthen ties between the diaspora and the Philippines. Ang said resolving inheritance issues helps preserve family assets across generations and supports smoother reintegration.
The agency also highlighted its flagship programs, including LINKAPIL, which supports community development projects funded by overseas Filipinos, and YouLead, a youth initiative that reconnects young migrants with Filipino culture and heritage.
Officials said updates on the legal review and proposed reforms will be shared once consultations are completed.