Author: Atty. Sherdil Rana
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Why Contractors Should Stop Relying on Verbal Instructions
One of the most common habits in construction projects is reliance on verbal instructions. A discussion happens on site. An adjustment is requested. A direction is given quickly during coordination. At the time, everyone may understand what is being discussed. “Okay, klaro naman. Gawin na yan.” The problem usually appears much later — especially once…
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When Construction Problems Start Becoming Legal Disputes
Most construction disputes do not begin with lawyers immediately becoming involved. Usually, problems start much earlier. A delayed payment. An unresolved variation. Project delays. Repeated misunderstandings. Unanswered notices. At first, parties often assume the issue can still be fixed informally. “Maaayos pa ’yan.” But over time, unresolved issues begin affecting trust, communication, and project operations.…
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Variation Orders: Why Small Changes Become Big Disputes
In many construction projects, the dispute does not begin with a major collapse in the relationship. Sometimes it starts with something much smaller:a change in the work. Additional scope gets requested. Plans are revised. Site conditions change. Instructions are given quickly during construction. At the time, everyone may assume the issue can simply be resolved…
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Why Construction Claims Fail Even When the Contractor Is Right
One of the harsh realities in construction disputes is this: A contractor can be completely correct—and still lose the claim. Not necessarily because the work was defective. Not necessarily because the contractor caused the problem. But because the claim itself was poorly documented, poorly presented, or raised too late. “Minsan valid ang position—pero kulang ang…
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Can a Contractor Stop Work for Non-Payment?
One of the first reactions contractors have when payments stop is simple: “If they’re not paying, why should we continue working?” From a practical perspective, the frustration is understandable. Construction projects are expensive to maintain. Labor, equipment, suppliers, and overhead continue regardless of whether payment is being released on time. “Habang tumatagal ang delay sa…
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Owner-Caused Delay: What Can a Contractor Actually Claim?
One of the most common problems in construction projects is delay. But not all delays are the contractor’s fault. Sometimes: And yet somehow, the contractor still ends up absorbing the pressure. This is where many contractors make a mistake. They experience delay—but they never properly frame it as a claim. “Na-delay na nga ang project,…
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What to Do If You Are Not Paid in a Construction Project in the Philippines?
If you’re a contractor, you’ve either experienced this—or you know it’s coming. You’ve completed the work, or you’re in the middle of it. You’ve submitted your billing. Maybe it was even approved. But the payment doesn’t come. At first, it’s just a delay. Then it becomes a pattern. Eventually, it starts affecting your cash flow.…