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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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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
Construction Contracts Upholding Arbitration AND Fair Compensation Despite Contractual Ambiguity
Construction Contracts Default Rules and Unjust Enrichment in Equipment Leases
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies default rules on minimum contract amounts, quantum meruit, and unjust enrichment in construction equipment lease disputes.
Substantial Completion and Contract Termination in Construction Disputes: PSHS v. Pirra Construction
When is a project substantially completed, and when can a government agency terminate a construction contract? The Supreme Court clarifies.
Construction Contracts and Legal Interest: Determining Liability in Government Projects
The Supreme Court clarifies when 6% legal interest applies to unpaid construction claims against government agencies and local governments.
Slippage in Construction Contracts: Government Immunity and Contractor Accountability
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on government immunity in construction contracts and contractor liability for project delays and slippage.
Construction Contract Disputes: Owner's Change Orders Justify Contractor's Delay in Payment Claims
Philippine Supreme Court rules contractor entitled to payment despite delays caused by owner's change orders and additional works.
Construction Contracts Provisional Approval AND THE Right TO RE Evaluate Work
Breach of Contract in Construction: Completion, Damages, and Mutual Breach Under Philippine Law
When both contractor and client breach a construction contract, Philippine courts equitably adjust damages. Learn the rules from a Supreme Court ruling.
Breach OF Construction Contract When CAN YOU Terminate AND What ARE THE Consequences
Construction Defects Contractors Liability and Owners Rights Under Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on contractor liability for construction defects, waterproofing failures, and owner rights under construction contracts.
Breach of Construction Contract: Establishing Liability and Damages in Philippine Law
Learn how Philippine courts determine liability and damages in construction contract breaches, including key rules and practical guidance.
Breach of Contract: DPWH’s Right to Rescind Despite Slippage Thresholds
When can a government agency rescind a construction contract? The Supreme Court clarifies the rule on contractual breach and slippage thresholds.
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.