Short answer. Rule 39, Section 13 lists the only property exempt from execution: the family home, ordinary tools of your trade, necessary clothing, basic household furniture up to one hundred thousand pesos, four months' provisions, professional libraries and equipment, limited work animals and a fisherman's boat, part of recent wages needed for family support, life insurance benefits, legal support, and gravestones.
What the law says
Except as otherwise expressly provided by law, the following property, and no other, shall be exempt from execution
Rule 39, Section 13 — Property exempt from execution. Read the full provision →
What the law says
But no article or species of property mentioned in this section shall be exempt from execution issued upon a judgment recovered for its price or upon a judgment of foreclosure of a mortgage thereon.
Rule 39, Section 13 — Property exempt from execution. Read the full provision →
The list is closed
The section opens by closing itself: Except as otherwise expressly provided by law, the following property, and no other, shall be exempt from execution. Two things follow. Within the Rules, the list is exclusive — property not on it can be levied, however sympathetic the circumstances. And the opening clause leaves room for other statutes to grant exemptions expressly, so the full picture for any asset is this section plus whatever special law covers it — a pairing the section itself acknowledges by ending the list with Properties specially exempted by law.
What the home and the livelihood keep
The heart of the list protects the roof and the livelihood. Exempt are The judgment obligor's family home as provided by law, or the homestead in which he resides, and land necessarily used in connection therewith; the Ordinary tools and implements personally used by him in his trade, employment, or livelihood; three work animals of the obligor's selection used in his ordinary occupation; the professional libraries and equipment of professionals, not exceeding three hundred thousand pesos in value; one fishing boat and accessories up to one hundred thousand pesos by which a fisherman earns his livelihood; and so much of the past four months' salaries, wages, or earnings as are necessary for the support of his family.
Personal and protective items
Daily life gets its own shelter: necessary clothing and articles for ordinary personal use, excluding jewelry; household furniture and utensils necessary for housekeeping, selected by the obligor, of a value not exceeding one hundred thousand pesos; family provisions sufficient for four months; and Lettered gravestones. Beyond the physical, the section exempts Monies, benefits, privileges, or annuities accruing or in any manner growing out of any life insurance, and The right to receive legal support, or money or property obtained as such support, or any pension or gratuity from the Government.
The exception that unwinds everything
Then comes the clawback: no article or species of property mentioned in this section shall be exempt from execution issued upon a judgment recovered for its price or upon a judgment of foreclosure of a mortgage thereon. Buy the tools on credit and get sued for the price, or mortgage the home and face foreclosure, and the exemption falls away against that particular judgment. If a sheriff levies on property you believe exempt, act immediately: identify the exact paragraph covering it, note the value limits, and raise the exemption with the court enforcing the judgment — the protection exists, but it is not self-executing.