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.
Foreign Investment Restrictions in Philippine Construction: Insights from the PCAB v. Manila Water Ruling
The Supreme Court struck down the 60% Filipino equity rule for construction licenses, reshaping foreign investment in the industry.
Understanding Dismissal for Non-Prosecution Implications for Property Disputes in the Philippines
Learn how the Supreme Court clarified that construction-related property damage claims belong in regular courts, not CIAC arbitration.
Understanding CIAC Jurisdiction in Construction Disputes: When Does It Apply
The Supreme Court clarifies that the CIAC cannot take over a homeowner's damage suit against a neighbor's construction project. Learn the limits.
Upholding Arbitral Awards: The Limits of Court Review in Construction Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when courts may modify CIAC arbitral awards, emphasizing finality of factual findings in construction disputes.
State Immunity and Construction Disputes: PTRI v. E.A. Ramirez Construction
The Supreme Court clarifies when state agencies can be sued and why construction disputes must go to the CIAC.
Regular vs Project Employment: What the Supreme Court Requires of Employers
A 2019 Supreme Court ruling clarifies when construction workers are regular employees, not project employees, and what employers must prove.
Breach and Balance: Equitable Relief in Construction Contract Disputes
When both parties breach a construction contract, courts may equitably mitigate damages. The Supreme Court explains how.
Unproven Claims Authenticating Private Documents IN Construction Disputes
A construction company's collection suit failed because it did not authenticate its private documents. Learn the authentication rules.
Breach of Public Trust: Negligence in Permitting Construction Without Proper Clearance
Philippine Supreme Court affirms Sandiganbayan conviction of Intramuros Administrator for gross inexcusable negligence under RA 3019 for allowing construction without permits.
Upholding Arbitral Awards When Construction Agreements Meet Equity
Homeowners Rights vs Church Construction: Open Space Donation Validity
Supreme Court rules on open space donations in subdivisions, homeowners association rights, and church construction in Casa Milan case.
Input VAT in Construction Costs and Ownership Shares in Realty Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on input VAT in construction costs and proportional ownership shares in a realty joint venture dispute.
Project Employment in Construction: Defining Scope and Tenure in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies when construction workers are project employees, not regular employees, and what benefits they retain.
When Legal Interest Begins on Construction Claims: Lessons from Yamauchi v. Suñiga
The Supreme Court clarifies when 6% legal interest accrues on construction damage awards and how courts determine temperate damages.
Project Employment vs Regular Employment: Security of Tenure in Construction
The Supreme Court clarifies when construction workers are project employees, not regular employees, and their rights to wages and benefits.
Perfected Construction Contract Award Trumps Suspension
A bidder's acceptance of a notice to proceed perfects a construction contract; a later suspension does not undo it. The Supreme Court explains.
Mutual Termination of a Construction Contract Does Not Erase Unpaid Obligations
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies that mutually terminating a government construction contract does not waive the contractor's right to collect payment for work already completed.
Mutual Contract Termination Does Not Waive Payment Claims in Construction Disputes
Supreme Court ruling on DPWH v. CMC/Monark Joint Venture clarifies that mutual termination of a construction contract does not extinguish valid payment claims.
Contractual Waivers and Delayed Claims: Quality Disputes in Construction Agreements
Examine how the Supreme Court enforced a contractual waiver clause in a construction dispute, barring a delayed quality claim.
Regular Employment vs Independent Contractor: The Control Test in Philippine Labor Disputes
The Supreme Court clarifies when construction workers are regular employees, not independent contractors, using the four-fold test and control test.
Breach of Contract: Defining Scope of Work and Assessing Damages in Construction Agreements
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies how to define scope of work and compute damages when a contractor breaches a construction agreement.
Construction Contracts Upholding Arbitration AND Fair Compensation Despite Contractual Ambiguity
Easement Rights and Property Development: Clarifying Limits and Obligations in Construction Projects
Understand how the Supreme Court distinguishes reversion from annulment of titles, and what this means for property owners and developers.
Waiver of Defenses: How Untimely Pleadings Shape Construction Disputes
A contractor's unpaid claim was revived by the Supreme Court, which ruled that defenses not raised in the answer are deemed waived under Rule 9.