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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Foreign Contractor Construction Philippines: Rules on Doing Construction Work
A foreign contractor in the Philippines must comply with corporation, licensing, and procurement rules before undertaking construction projects. Here is how it works.
Data Center Construction Permits in the Philippines: A Clearance Roadmap
A step-by-step guide to data center construction permits in the Philippines, from the barangay clearance and building permit to the fire safety clearances.
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.
EPC Contracts in the Philippines: How Build-to-Suit Risk Is Allocated
An EPC contract in the Philippines allocates design, procurement, and construction risk to one contractor. Here is how Philippine law governs that arrangement.
When Courts Must Defer to CIAC: The Limited Review of Construction Arbitral Awards
The Supreme Court clarifies the narrow grounds for overturning CIAC arbitral awards, reaffirming judicial restraint in construction disputes.
CIAC Jurisdiction: When a Contract Is Not a Construction Contract
Supreme Court clarifies CIAC jurisdiction requires an actual construction contract, not merely plans or surveys for future projects.
Presidential Approval Required for PCAB Rules: Cooperative Licensing Case
Supreme Court ruling: PCAB regulations on contractor licensing need presidential approval, protecting construction cooperatives from forced incorporation.
Solidary Liability in Construction Contracts: When LWUA Shares Responsibility
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when LWUA can be held solidarily liable with water districts for construction contract obligations.
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.
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.
Excise Tax on Alkylate: When Tax Laws Are Interpreted in Favor of Taxpayers
The Supreme Court ruled alkylate is not subject to excise tax under the NIRC, applying strict construction of tax laws in favor of taxpayers.
Piercing the Corporate Veil in Labor Cases: The Toledo Construction Ruling
When courts ignore corporate structures to enforce labor judgments, protecting workers from fraudulent asset transfers and evasion.
Novation in Construction Contracts: When Revisions Create a New Agreement
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when revised construction plans and new contracts extinguish prior agreements through novation.
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.
Brokers' Commissions Survive Property Buy-Backs: Lessons from Malate Construction v. ERABCO
Philippine Supreme Court rules brokers earn commissions once sale conditions are met, even if buyers later default and properties are bought back.
Piercing the Corporate Veil: When Construction Firms Are Liable for Labor Violations
Supreme Court holds construction firms solidarily liable for worker's retirement pay, backwages, and damages after piercing the corporate veil.
Burden of Proof in Labor Disputes: Employer's Duty to Prove Wage Payments
In FLB Construction v. Trinidad, the Supreme Court reaffirms that employers bear the burden of proving wage payments in labor disputes.
Novation Requires Unequivocal Terms: Asian Construction vs Mero Structures
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when letters between parties create novation, and when an obligation remains unchanged.
Construction Contract Disputes: Supreme Court Ruling on Delay and Contractor Obligations
A look at a 2021 Supreme Court ruling on construction delays, variation orders, and contractor liability for unfinished work.
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 Creditable Withholding Tax Disputes in Construction Contracts: Insights from a Landmark Supreme Cou
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when withholding agents may deduct creditable withholding tax and the limits of judicial review of CIAC arbitral awards.
Understanding Property Disputes: The Impact of Bad Faith Construction on Land Ownership Rights
Learn how the Supreme Court ruled on bad faith claims in property disputes, mortgage validity, and foreclosure rights under Philippine law.