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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Unjust Enrichment in Construction Disputes: Establishing Legal Grounds for Claims
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on unjust enrichment claims in construction disputes, explaining legal grounds, burden of proof, and practical guidance.
Change Orders Without Written Consent: Contractual Obligations in Construction Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on change orders, written consent, and contractual obligations in construction disputes under Article 1724.
Enforcing Surety Bonds in Construction: Timeliness and CIAC Jurisdiction Clarified
Supreme Court clarifies CIAC jurisdiction over surety bonds and what counts as a timely claim in construction disputes.
CIAC Jurisdiction in Construction Disputes: The Golangco Doctrine on Arbitration Clauses
The Supreme Court clarifies that an arbitration clause in a construction contract automatically vests CIAC with jurisdiction over all disputes arising from it.
Revisiting RES Judicata Clarifying Standby Equipment Cost Computation IN Construction Disputes
Default Orders and Due Process: Protecting Contractors' Rights in Construction Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on default orders, due process, and corporate officer liability in construction payment disputes.
Laches and Prescription in Construction Contract Disputes: IBEX v. GSIS
Explaining the Supreme Court's ruling on prescription, laches, and finality of CIAC factual findings in construction disputes.
When Summary Judgment Is Not Proper: Lessons from D.M. Consunji v. Duvaz
The Supreme Court explains when summary judgment is improper due to genuine factual disputes, using a construction dispute as a case study.
Surety Bond Liability and Contract Changes in Construction Disputes: Stronghold v. Tokyu
When a construction contract changes, does a surety bond still hold? The Supreme Court explains in Stronghold v. Tokyu.
Assignee's Rights Determine Court Jurisdiction in Construction Contract Disputes
Supreme Court rules that an assignee's claim over retention money is not a construction dispute, so regular courts, not CIAC, have jurisdiction.
CIAC Jurisdiction Prevails Over Contractual Conditions Precedent in Construction Arbitration
Philippine Supreme Court rules CIAC retains jurisdiction over construction disputes even when parties fail to comply with contractual conditions precedent like DAB referral.
Contract Assignments, Prior Rights vs. Garnishments in Construction Disputes
When a contractor assigns its receivables, who gets paid first—the assignee or a garnishing creditor? The Supreme Court clarifies jurisdiction and priority rules.
Construction Disputes THE Role OF Independent Experts IN Resolving Deductive Cost Disagreements
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.
CIAC Jurisdiction Prevails Over Arbitration Agreements in Construction Disputes
Learn how the Supreme Court affirmed CIAC's exclusive jurisdiction over construction disputes even when contracts name a different arbitration body.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.