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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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.
Construction Arbitration in the Philippines: Finality of CIAC Awards and Judicial Review Limits
Philippine courts defer to CIAC arbitral findings absent fraud or corruption. Learn the limits of judicial review in construction disputes.
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.
Arbitration Clauses and Contract Expiry: The Dupasquier Ruling on Separability
When a contract lapses, does its arbitration clause survive? The Supreme Court explains party intent and the limits of the separability doctrine.
Contractual Intent Signatures Fine Print AND Dispute Resolution IN Commercial Agreements
Court rules on venue and arbitration clauses in commercial contracts, emphasizing the importance of clear contractual intent and valid signatures.
Upholding Arbitration Philippine Courts Enforce Foreign Awards Despite Domestic LAW Conflicts
Philippine Supreme Court affirms enforcement of a Singapore arbitral award, clarifying narrow grounds for refusal under the New York Convention.
Voluntary Arbitration Appeals: The 15-Day Filing Period in Philippine Labor Law
The Supreme Court clarifies that appeals from voluntary arbitrator decisions must be filed within 15 days under Rule 43, not 10 days.
Upholding Party Autonomy: Court Intervention in Arbitration Proceedings Under the ADR Act
Explore how the Supreme Court protects party autonomy in arbitration, limiting court intervention under the ADR Act of 2004.