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 a Missing Estate Administrator Does Not Void a Contract Case: Heirs of Manzano v. Kinsonic
The Supreme Court clarifies when the absence of an estate administrator is not fatal to a contract dispute, distinguishing indispensable from necessary parties.
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.
Understanding the Limits of Preliminary Injunctions in Philippine Contract Disputes
Learn how Philippine courts treat preliminary injunctions in contract disputes, including the grounds, requirements, and practical limits under existing rules.
Government Contract Disputes: Documentation and Due Process in Graft Cases
A Supreme Court ruling on graft liability shows why documentation and due process are critical in government procurement and contract implementation.
Understanding Good Faith in Government Contract Disputes When Public Officers Are Excused From Liability
The Supreme Court clarifies when public officers may be excused from liability in government contract disputes involving disallowed disbursements.
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.
Summary Judgment vs Trial: Protecting Rights in Contract Disputes
How the Supreme Court protects judgment debtors from irregular execution sales in contract disputes, and what it means for your rights.
Rescission Rights Clarifying Judicial Intervention In Contract Disputes
The Supreme Court clarifies when courts can void contracts and titles, and why Torrens titles cannot be attacked collaterally.
Delayed Payment Claims and COA Audit Powers: The Lotrim Construction Ruling
The Supreme Court affirms COA's broad audit powers and the strict application of procedural rules in government contract disputes.
Proving Actual Damages: The Standard for Compensation in Philippine Contract Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the strict standard for proving actual damages in contract disputes, requiring clear and convincing documentary evidence.
Upholding Arbitration Separability Doctrine in Contract Disputes
The Supreme Court clarifies that a party's repudiation of a main contract does not invalidate its arbitration clause, reinforcing the separability doctrine.
Procedural Lapses and Contempt: Navigating Court Rules in Contract Disputes
A Supreme Court ruling on procedural rules in contract disputes: motion for reconsideration, hierarchy of courts, and indirect contempt.
Arbitration Prevails: Upholding Agreements Amid Contractual Disputes
The Supreme Court affirms that arbitration clauses survive main contract disputes, reinforcing the doctrine of separability in Philippine law.
Mining Disputes and Contract Validity: When Courts Take Over From Arbitrators
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when regular courts, not the Panel of Arbitrators, have jurisdiction over mining contract disputes.
Navigating Mining Disputes When DO Courts NOT Mining Agencies Decide
The Supreme Court clarifies when regular courts, not the Panel of Arbitrators, have jurisdiction over mining-related contract disputes under the Philippine Mining Act.
COA's Power to Audit Public Contracts: Lessons from Lotrim v. Commission on Audit
Supreme Court affirms COA's broad audit powers and the binding effect of procedural rules in government contract disputes.
When Courts, Not HLURB, Decide Contract Disputes: Cadimas v. Carrion
The Supreme Court clarifies that not every subdivision property dispute falls under HLURB jurisdiction—ordinary contract breaches belong in regular courts.
When Contract Claims Must Yield to the Sandiganbayan: Jurisdiction Over Sequestered Assets
A contract dispute over sequestered shares belongs to the Sandiganbayan, not the regular courts, when the assets are subject of ill-gotten wealth cases.
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.
HLURB Jurisdiction Limits: When Buyers Must Sue in Regular Courts
Supreme Court clarifies HLURB jurisdiction over refund and contract disputes, requiring subdivision lot allegations for agency jurisdiction.
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.
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.
Agency vs Assignment: Who Is the Real Party in Interest in Contract Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a representative is an agent rather than an assignee, and who may sue on a contract.
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.