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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Jurisdiction BY Estoppel When Active Participation Waives Jurisdictional Challenges IN Arbitration
Sugar Planters' Associations Cannot Demand Arbitration Without Contract Privity
Philippine Supreme Court rules associations lack legal standing to demand arbitration unless they are parties to the milling contracts or authorized by members.
Homeowners Association Disputes: HLURB Jurisdiction and Mandatory Arbitration
When do homeowners association disputes go to HLURB instead of courts? The Supreme Court clarifies jurisdiction and arbitration rules.
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.
Challenging Voluntary Arbitration Awards: The Right Remedy for Labor Disputes
Learn the correct legal remedy for appealing voluntary arbitration awards in Philippine labor disputes, from the Supreme Court ruling in Samahan ng mga Manggagawa sa Hyatt.
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.
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.
Voluntary Arbitration Decisions Appeal to Court of Appeals: Why Timely Action Matters
Learn why voluntary arbitration awards must be appealed to the CA under Rule 43 within 15 days, and the cost of filing the wrong remedy.
Philippine Courts Must Honor Foreign Arbitration Clauses Under RA 9285
Philippine courts must respect foreign arbitration clauses. The Supreme Court explains when trial courts should refer disputes to arbitration.
Upholding Arbitration Ciac Jurisdiction Over Construction Disputes Despite Contractual Nuances
Jurisdiction and Arbitration in Real Estate Contract Disputes: Frabelle Fishing Case
When do courts, not HLURB, hear real estate contract disputes? The Frabelle Fishing case explains jurisdiction and arbitration rules.
When Contractual Disputes Must Go to Arbitration and Courts, Not the HLURB
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when condominium disputes belong to arbitration or courts, not the HLURB, in Frabelle Fishing Corp. ruling.
Termination Disputes Defining the Scope of Voluntary Arbitration in Illegal Dismissal Cases
The Supreme Court clarifies when voluntary arbitration applies in illegal dismissal cases and the rules on due process and nominal damages.
Voluntary Agreement IS KEY Understanding Valid Arbitration IN Philippine Barangay Dispute Resolution
Learn how the Supreme Court treats compromise agreements as binding law, and how filing a second case can constitute forum shopping.
Enforcing Arbitration: Why Contract Validity Doesn't Always Matter in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling explains the separability doctrine: an arbitration clause survives even if the main contract is challenged.
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.
Mandatory Arbitration Prevails: Contractual Disputes Must Go to Arbitration First
Philippine Supreme Court ruling: when a contract has a mandatory arbitration clause, parties must arbitrate before going to court.
Breach of Construction Contract: Who Has Jurisdiction Over Disputes
Learn when the CIAC has exclusive jurisdiction over construction contract disputes and why courts must defer to arbitration clauses.
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.
Appeal Dismissed: Choosing the Correct Court for Legal Questions
A bank's appeal from an arbitration award was dismissed for being filed in the wrong court. Learn the proper remedies under Philippine law.
Arbitration Decisions in the Philippines: Jurisdiction and Appeal Options Explained
Learn how to properly appeal arbitration awards in the Philippines, including which court has jurisdiction and the correct remedies available.
Forum Shopping in International Arbitration: Lessons from Transfield v. Luzon Hydro
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when parallel court actions and arbitration proceedings constitute forum shopping, and when they do not.
Construction Arbitration in the Philippines: Securing CIAC Jurisdiction Despite Contractual Clauses
How the Supreme Court affirmed CIAC's exclusive jurisdiction over construction disputes even when contracts name another forum or process.