Legal Updates for November 2021

Philippines Restricts Judicial Review of Construction Arbitral Awards

The Philippines' Construction Industry Arbitration Commission ("CIAC") exercises original and exclusive jurisdiction over disputes arising from, or connected with, contracts entered into by parties involved in construction in the Philippines. Previously, CIAC awards could be challenged on appeal on both questions of fact and law before the Court of Appeals, and thereafter the Supreme Court.

However, in Ross Systems International, Inc. ("RSII") v. Global Medical Center of Laguna, Inc. ("GMCLI") (G.R. No. 230119, May 11, 2021), the Supreme Court limited the scope of permitted judicial review of CIAC awards and amended the procedural course for appeals against these awards.