Legal Insights
Plain-language guides and case briefs on Philippine law — researched from the firm's law library of 184,000+ statutes, Supreme Court decisions, and agency issuances, and written so non-lawyers can understand and act on them.
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Upholding Arbitral Jurisdiction: The Supreme Court's Stance on Construction Disputes and Judicial Injunctions
The Supreme Court clarifies that CIAC has exclusive jurisdiction over construction disputes, and courts must defer to arbitration proceedings.
Breach of Construction Contract: Who Has Jurisdiction Over Disputes
Learn when the CIAC has exclusive jurisdiction over construction contract disputes and why courts must defer to arbitration clauses.
Real Party-in-Interest and CIAC Jurisdiction in Construction Disputes
The Supreme Court clarifies indispensable parties and CIAC jurisdiction in construction arbitration, using the Heritage Park case as a guide.
Appeal Dismissed: Choosing the Correct Court for Legal Questions
A bank's appeal from an arbitration award was dismissed for being filed in the wrong court. Learn the proper remedies under Philippine law.
Arbitration Decisions in the Philippines: Jurisdiction and Appeal Options Explained
Learn how to properly appeal arbitration awards in the Philippines, including which court has jurisdiction and the correct remedies available.
Forum Shopping in International Arbitration: Lessons from Transfield v. Luzon Hydro
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when parallel court actions and arbitration proceedings constitute forum shopping, and when they do not.
Construction Arbitration in the Philippines: Securing CIAC Jurisdiction Despite Contractual Clauses
How the Supreme Court affirmed CIAC's exclusive jurisdiction over construction disputes even when contracts name another forum or process.
Finality of Arbitration Decisions: The Ten-Day Rule and Dissenting Opinions
Learn how the ten-day finality rule for voluntary arbitration decisions works, and why waiting for a dissenting opinion can forfeit your right to appeal.
Upholding Arbitration Timeliness and Good Faith in Construction Contract Disputes
The Supreme Court reinstates a CIAC award, clarifying arbitration deadlines, estoppel, and good faith in construction disputes.
Choosing the Right Legal Path: Appeals From Voluntary Arbitration Decisions in the Philippines
Learn how Philippine courts handle appeals from voluntary arbitration decisions and why choosing the right legal remedy matters.
Arbitration vs Judicial Review: Defining the Boundaries of Contractual Disputes in the Philippines
When a contract contains an arbitration clause, can courts still hear constitutional questions? The Supreme Court clarifies the limits of jurisdiction.
Verifying Arbitral Awards: Authenticity Requirements Under Philippine Arbitration Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that unverified copies of arbitral awards cannot support court confirmation orders, explaining verification requirements under R.A. 876.
Upholding Voluntary Arbitration When A Signed Agreement Overrides Prior Waiver In Labor Disputes
A signed submission agreement to voluntary arbitration prevails over a prior waiver of grievance machinery, the Supreme Court ruled.
Upholding Arbitration Agreements in Construction Disputes: The LM Power Case
Philippine Supreme Court affirms that courts should liberally construe arbitration clauses, requiring parties to honor their agreement to arbitrate construction disputes.
Due Process in Labor Arbitration: The Unicraft Industries Case on Fair Hearings
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on due process rights in voluntary arbitration, emphasizing the importance of fair hearings and the binding effect of party stipulations in labor disputes.
When Arbitration Clauses in Employment Contracts Become Unfair: The Magellan Case
The Supreme Court explains when arbitration clauses in employment contracts are void for giving one side too many arbitrators.
Arbitration Integrity Ensuring Fairness IN Corporate Employment Disputes
The Supreme Court clarifies the standards for lawful dismissal of managerial employees, focusing on procedural due process and loss of trust and confidence.
Arbitration Agreements and Third Parties: Defining Contractual Boundaries in Dispute Resolution
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on arbitration clauses, third-party effects, and when courts may decline to compel arbitration.
Arbitration Clauses and Third Parties: When Courts Refuse to Stay Proceedings
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when arbitration clauses bind only signatories and why courts may deny suspension of proceedings for non-parties.
When Arbitration Clauses Do Not Bind Third-Party Buyers in Land Sales
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when arbitration clauses in contracts bind only parties, not third-party land buyers.
Enforcing Foreign Judgments in the Philippines: Lessons from Oil and Natural Gas Commission v. Pacific Cement
A Philippine Supreme Court case clarifies when foreign judgments are enforceable and how courts interpret arbitration clauses in commercial contracts.
Philippine Supreme Court Upholds Arbitration Finality and Limited Court Intervention
Explore how the Supreme Court affirmed arbitration finality under RA 876 while correcting interest rates and damages in National Steel Corp. v. E. Willkom Enterprises.
Grievance Before Strike: SC Upholds CBA Machinery in Labor Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court rules unions must exhaust CBA grievance and arbitration procedures before declaring a strike, citing San Miguel Corp. v. NLRC.
Mandatory PCHC Arbitration for Bank Check Disputes in the Philippines
Philippine banks must settle check clearing disputes through PCHC arbitration before going to court, as explained in Allied Banking v. Court of Appeals.