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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Lease Agreements in the Philippines: Why Written Consent Before Construction Matters
Learn how the Supreme Court's ruling in Bugatti v. Baguilat underscores the need for a perfected lease contract before construction begins.
Winning Your Case With Evidence Understanding Document Admissibility IN Philippine Courts
Learn how Philippine courts rule on document admissibility, authentication, and probative value from the W-Red Construction case.
Unilateral Rescission Limits in Philippine Contract Law: PNCC v. Mars Construction
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on unilateral rescission, contract interpretation, and damages in PNCC v. Mars Construction (G.R. No. 133909).
Liberal Construction of Rules: Substantial Compliance in Appealing Civil Service Decisions
The Supreme Court rules that failure to attach certified true copies of all annexes in a Rule 43 appeal is not fatal, applying substantial compliance.
Contractor's Lien vs. Insolvency: Enforcement Rights in Construction Disputes
The Supreme Court clarifies when a contractor's lien under Article 2242 of the Civil Code can be enforced, and the proper remedy for wrongful attachment.
Contractors Lien vs Preliminary Attachment: Rights in Construction Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a contractor's lien applies and how preliminary attachment works in construction payment disputes.
Illegal Dismissal in the Philippines: Due Process and Valid Waivers in C & A Construction v. NLRC
Understand illegal dismissal in the Philippines through C & A Construction v. NLRC: due process requirements, valid quitclaims, and limits on damages.
Retirement Pay Law Retroactivity: When RA 7641 Does Not Apply
The Supreme Court clarifies when the Retirement Pay Law applies retroactively—and when it does not—in J.V. Angeles Construction v. NLRC.
Due Process in Labor Appeals: Why Employers Cannot Be Ignored in NLRC Cases
Philippine National Construction Corp. v. NLRC clarifies that employers have a constitutional right to due process in labor appeals before the NLRC.
Don't Get Trapped by Your Signature: How Estoppel Affects Home Construction Loans in the Philippines
A homeowner signed loan release documents, then tried to disown them. The Supreme Court applied estoppel—here's what that means for borrowers.
Strict Construction in Penal Law: Why Relationship Definitions Matter in Philippine Rape Cases
The Supreme Court clarifies that a step-grandfather is not an "ascendant" for death penalty purposes, applying strict construction in rape cases.
Project Employee vs Regular Employee: Understanding Employment Status in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the distinction between project employees and regular employees in construction work, and when repeated contracts may indicate regular employment.
Regular vs Project Employees: Security of Tenure in Philippine Construction
When do construction workers become regular employees? The Supreme Court explains repeated rehiring and security of tenure in Lao Construction v. NLRC.
Untimely Appeal and NLRC Discretion: Jurisdictional Requirements in Labor Disputes
Philippine National Construction Corporation vs. NLRC: motion for reconsideration is mandatory before certiorari, and separation benefits are construed in favor of workers.
Protecting Your Innovation Understanding Utility Model Patents IN THE Philippines
Learn how the Supreme Court clarified COA's audit powers and the principle of quantum meruit in government construction contracts.
Understanding Arbitration Clauses in Philippine Construction Contracts
The Supreme Court clarifies that broad arbitration clauses in construction contracts cover all disputes arising from the contract, including claims for fees on work subcontracted by the owner.
Breach of Contract vs Warranty: Prescription in Construction Agreements
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a construction defect claim is breach of contract (10-year prescription) versus hidden warranty (shorter periods).