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.
When Courts Must Defer to CIAC: The Limited Review of Construction Arbitral Awards
The Supreme Court clarifies the narrow grounds for overturning CIAC arbitral awards, reaffirming judicial restraint in construction disputes.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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 Delays and Liquidated Damages: Defining Substantial Completion in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when liquidated damages stop accruing in construction delays—actual substantial completion, not projections, matters.
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.
Construction Delays: Who Bears the Cost? Lessons from BF Corp v. Werdenberg
A Supreme Court ruling on construction delays clarifies how courts apportion liability and compute liquidated damages when both parties share fault.
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.
Written Stipulation Is Key: Enforceability of Loan Interest Agreements in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when 12% interest applies versus 6% in construction disputes, emphasizing written stipulations.
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.
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 Interpretation: Plain Language Prevails Over Extrinsic Evidence
When contract terms are clear, courts must apply them literally. Extrinsic evidence cannot rewrite a written agreement.
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.
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.
Construction Subcontractor Rights: Ensuring Timely Payment in the Philippines
Learn how Philippine courts protect subcontractors' right to timely payment, even when a general contractor claims financial difficulty.
Construction Contract Disputes: Interpreting Amendments and Deduction Clauses in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on whether a contractor can deduct accommodation costs from a subcontractor's billings after a final contract amendment.
Letters of Credit and Construction Contracts: Defining Liability in Tripartite Agreements
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when a bank is liable under a tripartite letter of credit agreement in construction financing.
In Pari Delicto: When Both Parties Are at Fault, Neither Can Sue in Construction Contracts
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on in pari delicto in construction contracts where both parties knowingly violated the law, barring recovery.