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.
Get a cited, plain-language answer from 184,000+ statutes and decisions — free, no sign-up.
Revisiting RES Judicata Clarifying Standby Equipment Cost Computation IN Construction Disputes
Project VS Regular Employment Clarifying Tenure IN THE Construction Industry
Fixed Price Contracts NO Extra PAY Without Written Approval FOR Construction Changes
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on fixed price contracts: no extra pay for construction changes without written approval. Learn the rules.
Default Orders and Due Process: Protecting Contractors' Rights in Construction Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on default orders, due process, and corporate officer liability in construction payment disputes.
Zoning Regulations Balancing Property Rights and Community Welfare in Urban Development
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on zoning laws, property rights, and homeowners associations opposing high-rise construction in commercial zones.
Laches and Prescription in Construction Contract Disputes: IBEX v. GSIS
Explaining the Supreme Court's ruling on prescription, laches, and finality of CIAC factual findings in construction disputes.
Temperate Damages in Construction Breach: When Proof of Loss Falls Short
Philippine Supreme Court explains when courts award temperate damages instead of actual damages in construction contract breaches.
Breach of Contract Assignees Rights and Developer Liability for Erroneous Construction
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on developer liability for erroneous construction and the rights of lot buyers as assignees.
Equitable Reduction of Liquidated Damages in Construction Delays: Balancing Contractual Obligations and Fairne
Philippine Supreme Court explains when courts may reduce liquidated damages in construction delay cases, balancing contract terms with equity.
When Summary Judgment Is Not Proper: Lessons from D.M. Consunji v. Duvaz
The Supreme Court explains when summary judgment is improper due to genuine factual disputes, using a construction dispute as a case study.
COA Audit Powers and Quantum Meruit: Lessons from Lotrim v. COA
Supreme Court affirms COA's broad audit powers and the limits of quantum meruit in government construction contracts.
Strict Deadlines for Appeal Memoranda: Mejillano v. Lucillo and the Limits of Liberal Construction
The Supreme Court in Mejillano v. Lucillo affirms that failure to file an appeal memorandum on time is fatal, even where the appellant pleads ignorance or counsel's death.
Breach of Contract and Delay Damages in Construction Projects: Uy v. Public Estates Authority
A Supreme Court ruling on contractor claims for delay damages, standby equipment costs, and the strict written-change-order rule under Article 1724.
Surety Bond Liability and Contract Changes in Construction Disputes: Stronghold v. Tokyu
When a construction contract changes, does a surety bond still hold? The Supreme Court explains in Stronghold v. Tokyu.
Assignee's Rights Determine Court Jurisdiction in Construction Contract Disputes
Supreme Court rules that an assignee's claim over retention money is not a construction dispute, so regular courts, not CIAC, have jurisdiction.
CIAC Jurisdiction Prevails Over Contractual Conditions Precedent in Construction Arbitration
Philippine Supreme Court rules CIAC retains jurisdiction over construction disputes even when parties fail to comply with contractual conditions precedent like DAB referral.
Condominium Rights: Exclusive Use vs Unrestricted Construction on Common Areas
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that exclusive use of a condominium limited common area does not permit unrestricted construction or leasing to third persons.
Finality of Judgment in Labor Cases: Why a Won Case Cannot Be Undone
The Supreme Court barred a construction firm from reopening a final labor ruling, holding that a final judgment can no longer be altered even to correct errors of law.
When Does a Bank Ratify an Unauthorized Act? Lessons from Westmont Bank v. Inland Construction
The Supreme Court explains when a corporation, especially a bank, is deemed to have ratified an unauthorized act of its officer.
Contract Assignments, Prior Rights vs. Garnishments in Construction Disputes
When a contractor assigns its receivables, who gets paid first—the assignee or a garnishing creditor? The Supreme Court clarifies jurisdiction and priority rules.
Construction Disputes THE Role OF Independent Experts IN Resolving Deductive Cost Disagreements
Ownership Disputes Proving Title TO Construction Materials IN Replevin Actions
COA Overpayment Recovery Upheld: Quantum Meruit in Government Construction Contracts
Supreme Court affirms COA's recovery of overpayment from a government contractor, clarifying quantum meruit limits, due process, and procedural deadlines.
CIAC Jurisdiction Prevails Over Arbitration Agreements in Construction Disputes
Learn how the Supreme Court affirmed CIAC's exclusive jurisdiction over construction disputes even when contracts name a different arbitration body.