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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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.
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.
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.
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 CIAC Jurisdiction in Construction Disputes: When Does It Apply
The Supreme Court clarifies that the CIAC cannot take over a homeowner's damage suit against a neighbor's construction project. Learn the limits.
Upholding Arbitral Awards: The Limits of Court Review in Construction Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when courts may modify CIAC arbitral awards, emphasizing finality of factual findings 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.
Unproven Claims Authenticating Private Documents IN Construction Disputes
A construction company's collection suit failed because it did not authenticate its private documents. Learn the authentication rules.
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.
Waiver of Defenses: How Untimely Pleadings Shape Construction Disputes
A contractor's unpaid claim was revived by the Supreme Court, which ruled that defenses not raised in the answer are deemed waived under Rule 9.
Arbitration Agreements Need Not Be Signed: CIAC Jurisdiction in Construction Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court rules that an arbitration agreement need not be signed to vest CIAC jurisdiction over construction disputes, as long as intent is clear in writing.
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.
Progress Billings AND Contractual Obligations Upholding Contractors Valuation IN Construction Disputes
Avoiding Forum Shopping in Philippine Construction Disputes: Key Lessons from Dynamic Builders
Learn how the Supreme Court's ruling in Dynamic Builders clarifies forum shopping rules and injunctive relief in Philippine construction disputes.
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.
Upholding Arbitration Finality and the Limits of Judicial Review in Construction Disputes
The Supreme Court clarifies when CIAC arbitral awards may be reviewed and the rules against forum shopping in construction arbitration.
Apparent Authority and Escalation Agreements in Construction Disputes: The Philippine Realty Case
When does a construction manager's signature bind the owner? The Supreme Court explains apparent authority and escalation agreements.
Construction Arbitration in the Philippines: Why CIAC Jurisdiction Is Broad and Binding
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies CIAC's broad jurisdiction over construction disputes, explaining why arbitration clauses vest exclusive authority regardless of contract restrictions.
Construction Disputes: Substantial Completion and Liquidated Damages in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when 95% substantial completion bars liquidated damages in construction disputes under CIAP rules.
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.