PR-17-2024
01 August 2024, MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – The Philippine Consulate General in Melbourne successfully hosted “Understanding Philippine & Australian Property Law: Insights for Filipino-Australians,” a practical seminar on 01 August 2024. Organized in collaboration with the Filipino Australian Lawyers Association Inc (FALAW), the event drew approximately 60 participants and provided useful insights into property rights relevant to both the Philippines and Australia.
Philippine Consul General Maria Lourdes M. Salcedo opened the seminar, expressing appreciation for this important initiative of FALAW. She emphasized the importance of legal and financial literacy when buying a property, which is a dream of every migrant as he or she works hard to provide a roof for the family.
Atty. Jonathan Gil Morales and Atty. Michelle Martinez provided an overview of the fundamentals of Philippine property law, covering key legislation and practical scenarios involving property ownership by overseas Filipinos and dual citizens. They also discussed the constitutional limitations on foreign ownership and the exceptions to these limitations. They also discussed the documentation necessary to prove ownership such as Original Certificate of Title/Transfer Certificate of Title as against Tax Declaration, which has limited entitlements.
Ms. Helene Refuerzo introduced “The Filipino-Australian Property Investor’s Guide,” a new publication with 10 authors aimed at guiding Filipinos in property investment and strategies, including financial planning, conveyancing, and other essential aspects of the real estate market.
Meantime, Atty. Rochelle Castro, President of FALAW, provided insights into Australian property law, discussing the intricacies of buying and selling property in Australia, including essential steps such as due diligence, engaging with property professionals, and understanding legal and tax implications. Her talk included a practical checklist for potential property buyers and directed attendees to seek appropriate legal advice suited to their own needs and additional valuable resources, including those offered by Consumer Affairs Victoria.
Consul Ralph Vincent Abarquez discussed the Consulate General’s role in assisting Filipinos overseas, particularly in matters such as dual citizenship and its impact on property ownership in the Philippines.
A networking merienda featuring traditional Filipino kakanin was offered to participants. Their feedback was overwhelmingly positive, with many attendees expressing eagerness for future events hosted by the Consulate General.
The Philippine Consulate General in Melbourne is dedicated to supporting the Filipino community through collaborations with professional organizations like FALAW, aiming to provide valuable information and knowledge. The Consulate also encourages the development of various Filipino-Australian professional groups to help advance their careers, promotes diversity within their professions, and actively advocates for the interests of Filipino-Australian professionals.
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