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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Construction Arbitration: CIAC Jurisdiction Prevails Over Contractual Forum Choices
Supreme Court clarifies CIAC's exclusive jurisdiction over construction disputes, even when contracts name a different arbitration body.
When a Wrong Remedy Costs an Appeal: The Deus v. People Doctrine on Liberal Construction
The Supreme Court reminds courts to relax procedural rules when an unrepresented accused files the wrong remedy, protecting the right to liberty.
Guarantor's Defense of Excussion: What the Supreme Court Requires
Explaining the benefit of excussion for guarantors under Philippine law, based on the Supreme Court's ruling in Bitanga v. Pyramid Construction.
Breach of Contract: When Incomplete Construction Doesn't Warrant Full Payment
Philippine Supreme Court rules on when a contractor's incomplete work bars recovery of the full contract price in construction disputes.
Project Employee Status Requires Clear Notice: Hanjin Heavy Industries v. Ibañez
When does a construction worker become a regular employee? The Supreme Court clarifies the rules on project employment and termination.
When Attached Property May Be Sold Before Judgment: China Banking Corp. v. Asian Construction
The Supreme Court clarifies when attached properties may be sold before final judgment under Rule 57, Section 11 of the Rules of Court.
Substantial Completion vs Unjustified Delay: Contractor Entitlements in Construction Disputes
When is a contractor in delay? The Supreme Court clarifies how substantial completion and change orders affect liquidated damages.
Finality of Judgments, Due Process, and Counsel's Negligence in Contract Rescission
A Supreme Court ruling on finality of judgments, due process, and counsel's negligence in a construction contract rescission case.
Co-Ownership Consent and the Limits of Property Rights in the Philippines
One co-owner's consent cannot authorize construction on common property. The Supreme Court explains forcible entry rules in co-ownership disputes.
Duty to Inform Counsels Negligence and Finality of Judgments in Construction Disputes
Learn how a counsel's failure to report a change of address can bind clients and make a Court of Appeals decision final and executory.
Authority and Accountability: When a Project Manager's Sign-Off Binds the Owner in Construction Disputes
A project manager's approval of time extensions can bind the owner. Learn the rules from this Philippine Supreme Court case.
Surety Bound When Invoking Jurisdiction Estops Later Challenges In Construction Disputes
When a surety invokes CIAC jurisdiction to dismiss a court case, it cannot later challenge that jurisdiction. Learn the rule from this Supreme Court ruling.
Upholding Arbitration Ciac Jurisdiction Over Construction Disputes Despite Contractual Nuances
Eminent Domain vs Easement: Fair Compensation for Power Line Construction
Supreme Court clarifies when power line projects require full just compensation rather than a mere easement fee.
Construction Subcontractor Rights: Ensuring Timely Payment in the Philippines
Learn how Philippine courts protect subcontractors' right to timely payment, even when a general contractor claims financial difficulty.
Construction Contract Disputes: Interpreting Amendments and Deduction Clauses in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on whether a contractor can deduct accommodation costs from a subcontractor's billings after a final contract amendment.
Construction Contract Disputes: Why Written Agreements and Arbitration Decisions Matter
A Supreme Court ruling on construction disputes shows why written agreements and final arbitration decisions matter in Philippine law.
Tax Credit Certificates: Government's Right to Collect Taxes Remains Despite Alleged Fraud
Supreme Court ruling on tax credit certificates, government's right to collect taxes, and contractor payment disputes in Philippine construction contracts.
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.
Unjust Enrichment and Extra Work: When Contractors Get Paid for Necessary Additions
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on contractor compensation for necessary extra work, unjust enrichment, and liquidated damages in construction contracts.
COA Audit Power and Quantum Meruit: Lessons from Lotrim Construction v. COA
The Court upholds COA's power to determine overpayments under quantum meruit, and clarifies procedural bars to belated jurisdictional challenges.
Project vs Regular Employees: Security of Tenure in Philippine Construction
When do construction workers become regular employees? The Supreme Court explains the rules on project employment and security of tenure.