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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CBA Deadlock and Voluntary Arbitration in the Philippines
How a CBA deadlock is resolved through voluntary arbitration in the Philippines, and what the Labor Code and its rules require of employers and unions.
Commercial Arbitration in the Philippines: Legal Framework Under RA 9285
Commercial arbitration in the Philippines is governed by RA 9285, which adopts the Model Law for international cases and the Arbitration Law for domestic ones.
Franchise Disputes in the Philippines: How They Are Resolved Under Philippine Law
Learn how franchise disputes in the Philippines are resolved through mediation, arbitration, or court, and what the law says about each route.
Litigation Budgets and Reserves for Philippine Companies: A Practical Guide
Learn how Philippine companies set litigation budgets and reserves, plus how arbitration under RA 9285 can cut dispute costs and uncertainty.
CIAC Arbitration in the Philippines: How Construction Disputes Are Resolved
CIAC arbitration in the Philippines resolves construction disputes under Executive Order No. 1008. Learn how to file, who arbitrates, and how awards are enforced.
Arbitration in the Philippines When a Chinese Party Is Involved: Rules and Steps
How arbitration in the Philippines works when one party is Chinese, from the arbitration agreement to recognition and enforcement of the award.
Managing a Litigation Portfolio in the Philippines: A Practical Guide for Companies
Learn how Philippine companies manage a litigation portfolio, from early case assessment to arbitration, mediation, and settlement under RA 9285.
Upholding Arbitration Awards: BCDA v. CJH Development and the Finality of Arbitral Decisions
The Supreme Court affirms that confirmed arbitral awards are immediately executory and cannot be modified on certiorari, reinforcing arbitration as a final dispute resolution mechanism.
Construction Disputes: Why an Arbitration Agreement Is Crucial in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies that the CIAC cannot take construction disputes unless the parties agreed to arbitration. Learn the key rule.
Construction Arbitration: When Non-Signatories Are Bound by Arbitration Agreements
Philippine Supreme Court rules on when non-signatories to a construction contract can be bound by its arbitration clause, clarifying CIAC jurisdiction.
Surety Bonds and Arbitration: When Is a Surety Bound by an Arbitration Agreement?
A surety may be bound by an arbitration clause in a construction contract if the bond incorporates that contract by reference.
Enforcing Foreign Arbitral Awards in the Philippines: The Authentication Requirement
Learn why authenticated arbitration agreements are jurisdictional requirements for enforcing foreign arbitral awards in Philippine courts, as ruled in Manis Shipping.
Can a Subcontractor Sue the Project Owner Directly? CIAC Jurisdiction Explained
Subcontractors can claim unpaid amounts from project owners under Article 1729, but the dispute must go through CIAC arbitration, not regular courts.
Supreme Court Upholds CIAC Jurisdiction, Strikes Down 14-Day Arbitration Limit in Government Contracts
Supreme Court affirms CIAC jurisdiction over government construction disputes and voids unreasonably short 14-day arbitration periods as contrary to public policy.
Due Process and Notice in Arbitration: CIAC Jurisdiction Upheld Despite Alleged Address Errors
Supreme Court clarifies when CIAC arbitration awards stand despite notice issues, and the proper remedy to challenge them.
Final CIAC Awards Binding on COA: Supreme Court Limits Audit Body's Review Power
Supreme Court ruling in Sunway Builders v. COA confirms COA cannot modify final CIAC arbitration awards, limiting its role to execution and payment.
Courts Must Respect CIAC Arbitral Awards: Key Lessons from ASEC v. Toyota Alabang
The Supreme Court reminds courts to defer to CIAC arbitral tribunals' factual findings, preserving the finality and integrity of construction arbitration.
Evident Partiality in Philippine Arbitration: When Courts Can Vacate an Award
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the "evident partiality" standard for vacating arbitration awards, distinguishing it from mere errors in weighing evidence.
Understanding Arbitration Awards: Finality and Limited Judicial Review in Philippine Law
Learn how Philippine courts treat arbitration awards—why finality matters, the limits of judicial review, and key takeaways for parties.
Arbitration Awards and Judicial Review: The Adapon Case on Enforceability in the Philippines
Philippine courts may only vacate arbitral awards on limited grounds. The Adapon case clarifies the scope of judicial review.
Construction Dispute Arbitration in the Philippines: Lessons from a Landmark Supreme Court Ruling
The Supreme Court clarifies judicial review limits for CIAC construction arbitration awards and the proper application of creditable withholding tax.
Navigating the Appeal Period for Labor Arbitration Decisions: A Guide for Filipino Workers
Learn the correct 15-day appeal period for voluntary arbitration awards under Rule 43, clarified by the Supreme Court in Suelo v. MST Marine Services.
Navigating the Timely Appeal of Voluntary Arbitration Decisions in the Philippines
Learn the correct appeal period for voluntary arbitration awards in the Philippines, as clarified by the Supreme Court in Roger V. Chin v. Maersk-Filipinas Crewing, Inc.
Finality of CIAC Awards: Supreme Court Upholds Arbitration in Construction Disputes
The Supreme Court reaffirms that CIAC arbitral awards are final and binding, reviewable only on pure questions of law, not factual findings.