SyCip Salazar Hernandez & Gatmaitan is a leading full-service firm in the Philippines. As the largest law firm in the country, it offers a broad range of legal services across most practice areas and provides specialised expertise in corporate and M&A, dispute resolution, banking and finance, and more. In addition, the firm is capable of servicing clients in almost every industry sector and enterprise including aviation, insurance, technology and telecommunications, and real estate. The firm is known for its ability to handle novel and landmark transactions for both foreign and local businesses and institutions. Its key partners include Philbert Varona and Melyjane Bertillo-Ancheta.
Work highlights
Advised a syndicate of Philippine banks on a $1.38 billion project financing for New NAIA Infra Corp's rehabilitation and expansion of Manila's main international airport. The landmark public-private partnership (PPP) transaction involved complex security structuring across multiple facilities and required innovative solutions to secure assets prior to concession transfer, making it the Philippines' largest PPP project to date.
Advised HSBC and Global Loan Agency Services Australia Nominees as security trustee on Philippine law aspects of a $50 million cross-border acquisition financing. The transaction required innovative security structuring solutions during the transition period of the Philippines' new Personal Property Security Registry, involving complex coordination across multiple jurisdictions and regulatory frameworks.
Key clients
Asian Development Bank, Bank of the Philippine Islands
Founded in 1972 and now the largest law firm in the Philippines by size, ACCRALAW is particularly strong in capital markets, dispute resolution, intellectual property, labour and employment law, and tax. The firm has a stellar track record of handling complex cases both domestically and internationally, and especially in dispute resolution, where the firm has handled a great number of landmark litigation cases. With full-service branches in Cebu and Davao City and a team of approximately 170 legal experts, the firm capably services the clientele that run the full spectrum of business and industry. Senior partners Judy Hao and Andre Navato Jr and partner Melissa Angela Velarde are key contacts.
Work highlights
Advised UBS AG as domestic counsel in a $92 million IPO by Citicore Renewable Energy Corp, representing the only IPO in the Philippines for 2024. The transaction involved complex regulatory requirements and documentation for listing on the Philippine Stock Exchange, with the deal marking a significant development in the country's renewable energy sector capital markets.
Key clients
Land Bank of the Philippines, RCBC Capital Corporation, Unicapital
Founded by legal expert Elmer Serrano in 2021, Serrano Law offers legal services across various industries and practice areas with a focus on corporate and M&A, capital markets, banking and finance and more. Managing partner Serrano is a key contact.
Work highlights
Advised BDO Unibank on its P63.3 billion ($1.1 billion) Asean sustainability bond issuance, the bank's largest single corporate bond offering to date. The issuance, which exceeded its original P5 billion target by more than 12 times due to strong investor demand, closed a week ahead of schedule. The 1.5-year bonds carry a 6.025% coupon rate and will support the bank's sustainable finance initiatives.
Key clients
BDO Capital & Investment Corporation, Belle Corporation, Gratia Capital
A member firm of Rajah & Tann Asia, Gatmaytan Yap Patacsil Gutierrez & Protacio (C&G Law) is a full-service law firm of more than 40 lawyers focusing on corporate transactions, construction, commercial litigation, international arbitration, labour and employment, and tax. C&G Law is one of the fastest growing firms in the Philippines and is trusted by many conglomerates, multinational corporations and financial institutions. The firm is committed to delivering legal service that is excellent, timely, and of best quality. Construction lawyer Jaime Renato Gatmaytan, managing partner and disputes specialist Ben Dominic Yap and tax specialist Anthony Mark Gutierrez are key contacts.
Client feedback
“They are thorough and creative, are always available should we need them, and respond quickly.” – Corporate and M&A
Vladi Miguel S Lazaro
“Lazaro is very responsive, and gives very sound, practical and comprehensive advice.”
Norma Patacsil
“She is a highly qualified legal practitioner. She understands our industry and our operations very well. She is also very pragmatic and provides reasonable solutions or options.”
Work highlights
Advised First Gen LNG Holdings Corporation on its joint venture with Tokyo Gas concerning FGEN LNG Corporation, which operates an offshore liquefied natural gas terminal in the Philippines. The transaction marks Tokyo Gas' first investment in a commercially operational overseas LNG terminal. The deal involved comprehensive legal support across corporate, competition, tax and regulatory aspects, including securing Philippine Competition Commission approval. This landmark partnership strengthens the Philippines' energy security infrastructure and demonstrates growing Japanese investment in Southeast Asian LNG facilities.
Established in 2015, boutique law firm Gulapa Law is recognised for its expertise in construction, energy and infrastructure. Its market-leading infrastructure group continues to advise both the government and private bidders in various public-private partnership (PPP) projects and has a stellar track record in advising on major flagship infrastructure projects. In addition, the firm also provides expert legal advice in the areas of corporate and M&A, banking and finance, competition/antitrust, intellectual property, dispute resolution and more. With eight partners and 40 legal professionals, Gulapa Law continues to expand by servicing more international clients. Infrastructure specialist Aris Gulapa is the main contact.
Work highlights
Advising the Thunder Consortium (Aboitiz Renewables, Electric Power Development Co and Sumitomo Corp) on competition aspects of their bid for the 796.64MW Caliraya-Botocan-Kalayaan hydroelectric power plant complex. The $1.7 billion privatisation represents one of the Philippine government's largest power asset sales through the Power Sector Assets and Liabilities Management Corporation, requiring strategic competition compliance under accelerated bidding timelines.
Key clients
Aboitiz Renewables, Asian Development Bank, Electric Power Development Co, Sumitomo Corp
Tayag Ngochua & Chu is a corporate and commercial law firm established in 2022. The firm advises on mergers and acquisitions, joint ventures, foreign investments, banking, fintech and competition matters. From its initial two-lawyer team, the firm has expanded to eight lawyers operating from its Bonifacio Global City office. In 2024, the firm formed a strategic alliance with Mori Hamada as their Philippine member firm, enhancing its cross-border capabilities across Asia Pacific.
Client feedback
“The firm stands out for the quality of its legal advice and output, the thoroughness of the legal reviews they conduct, the timeliness of their deliverables, and the competitive prices and fees that they charge.” – Corporate and M&A
“Responsive, knowledgeable and efficient.” – Corporate and M&A
Carlos Tayag
“Carlos is a terrific lawyer and is very commercial. The solutions and approaches that he proposes are very practical, without sacrificing the quality of the output that is necessary. He is a strong communicator that can very clearly articulate issues and solutions and is very client-friendly.”
Work highlights
Advised KV Asia Capital on its $15 million investment for a 25% stake in Wildflour Hospitality Group, marking the private equity firm's first Philippine transaction. The deal values the premium casual dining group at $60 million and supports its expansion plans across Metro Manila, with 10 new outlets planned following successful openings at three locations including NAIA Terminal 1.
Advised Nihon Kolmar Group on Philippine aspects of its acquisition of Tokiwa Cosmetics Group from The Carlyle Group. The transaction united Japan's largest contract cosmetics manufacturer with a leading global producer supplying top makeup brands, including its Philippine subsidiary Tokiwa Subic Corporation, which plays a strategic role in the group's regional supply chain operations.
Represented Robinsons Retail Holdings in the Philippine Competition Commission's motu proprio review of its completed acquisition of Rose Pharmacy. The transaction involved South Star Drug's purchase of 100% stake in Rose Pharmacy, combining two major pharmaceutical retail chains. Following an 11-month review - only the second such retrospective investigation in PCC's history - the Commission terminated its inquiry without imposing conditions, establishing a significant precedent for post-completion competition assessments in the Philippines based on actual market data rather than theoretical harm analysis.
Key clients
AHCHI Pharma Ventures, Shimizu Corporation
A member firm of Rajah & Tann Asia, Gatmaytan Yap Patacsil Gutierrez & Protacio (C&G Law) is a full-service law firm of more than 40 lawyers focusing on corporate transactions, construction, commercial litigation, international arbitration, labour and employment, and tax. C&G Law is one of the fastest growing firms in the Philippines and is trusted by many conglomerates, multinational corporations and financial institutions. The firm is committed to delivering legal service that is excellent, timely, and of best quality. Construction lawyer Jaime Renato Gatmaytan, managing partner and disputes specialist Ben Dominic Yap and tax specialist Anthony Mark Gutierrez are key contacts.
Client feedback
“They are thorough and creative, are always available should we need them, and respond quickly.” – Corporate and M&A
Vladi Miguel S Lazaro
“Lazaro is very responsive, and gives very sound, practical and comprehensive advice.”
Norma Patacsil
“She is a highly qualified legal practitioner. She understands our industry and our operations very well. She is also very pragmatic and provides reasonable solutions or options.”
Work highlights
Advising First Gen Corporation and FGEN LNG Corporation on their pioneering $1.3 billion liquefied natural gas (LNG) infrastructure project, encompassing both onshore and offshore facilities in Batangas. The landmark development includes the Philippines' first offshore gas terminal, LNG storage and regasification facilities, which received operational permits in 2025 and will help secure the country's energy requirements as Malampaya gas field production declines.
Key clients
Greencore Power Solutions 3, Natures Renewable Energy Development Corp, Nuevo Solar Energy Corporation
Established in 2015, boutique law firm Gulapa Law is recognised for its expertise in construction, energy and infrastructure. Its market-leading infrastructure group continues to advise both the government and private bidders in various public-private partnership (PPP) projects and has a stellar track record in advising on major flagship infrastructure projects. In addition, the firm also provides expert legal advice in the areas of corporate and M&A, banking and finance, competition/antitrust, intellectual property, dispute resolution and more. With eight partners and 40 legal professionals, Gulapa Law continues to expand by servicing more international clients. Infrastructure specialist Aris Gulapa is the main contact.
Work highlights
Advising a consortium led by First Balfour on their $21 million bid for the Negros Occidental Bulk Water Supply Project, a public-private partnership to develop and operate a 34.5 million litre daily water system. The project aims to provide treated bulk water to six municipalities through infrastructure sourced from the Imbang and Malogo rivers, addressing critical potable water needs across the province.
Advising First Balfour on their $52 million unsolicited proposal to develop Iloilo City's high-capacity bus system, one of the first projects evaluated under the new Philippine Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Code. The pioneering transport infrastructure proposal successfully passed the PPP Center's completeness review in 2024 and has advanced to negotiations with the government.
Key clients
Department of Transportation, First Balfour, Peak Off-Grid Innovations and Solutions
Martinez Vergara Gonzalez & Serrano (MVGS) provides services in the areas of construction, corporate and M&A, banking and finance, intellectual property, dispute resolution, and labour and employment. Eduardo Martinez, Mark Vergara and Reynaldo Dizon are key contacts.
Work highlights
Advised Sta Lucia Land on securing a P2 billion ($35 million) medium-term loan facility from Bank of the Philippine Islands. The financing supports the company's 2022 development projects across Batangas, Cavite, Iloilo, Rizal and Zambales provinces, while providing additional working capital for land acquisition and debt management. The transaction required careful alignment with the company's existing loan arrangements to ensure pari passu treatment.
Established in 2015, boutique law firm Gulapa Law is recognised for its expertise in construction, energy and infrastructure. Its market-leading infrastructure group continues to advise both the government and private bidders in various public-private partnership (PPP) projects and has a stellar track record in advising on major flagship infrastructure projects. In addition, the firm also provides expert legal advice in the areas of corporate and M&A, banking and finance, competition/antitrust, intellectual property, dispute resolution and more. With eight partners and 40 legal professionals, Gulapa Law continues to expand by servicing more international clients. Infrastructure specialist Aris Gulapa is the main contact.
Work highlights
Advising Thailand's Sermsang Power Corp and its Singapore subsidiary on acquiring a majority stake in a 150MW pre-ready-to-build wind power project in Bago, Negros Occidental. The pioneering transaction tested new Department of Energy guidelines on foreign control of renewable energy developments, marking one of the first deals under the revised regulatory framework.
Key clients
Bonifacio Landmark Corporation, Cebu Air, Mitsui and Co
Founded by legal expert Elmer Serrano in 2021, Serrano Law offers legal services across various industries and practice areas with a focus on corporate and M&A, capital markets, banking and finance and more. Managing partner Serrano is a key contact.
Work highlights
Advised BDO Unibank on its P7 billion merger with SM Keppel Land, consolidating ownership of the Podium Complex in Ortigas central business district. The transaction involved complex share issuance structured as a tax-free exchange and secured expedited regulatory approvals from multiple agencies including the central bank, securities commission and competition authority within a compressed six-month timeline.
Key clients
CSJ Trident International OPC, Industry Holdings and Development Corporation, RYM Business Management Corporation, Unioil Petroleum Philippines
SyCip Salazar Hernandez & Gatmaitan is a leading full-service firm in the Philippines. As the largest law firm in the country, it offers a broad range of legal services across most practice areas and provides specialised expertise in corporate and M&A, dispute resolution, banking and finance, and more. In addition, the firm is capable of servicing clients in almost every industry sector and enterprise including aviation, insurance, technology and telecommunications, and real estate. The firm is known for its ability to handle novel and landmark transactions for both foreign and local businesses and institutions. Its key partners include Philbert Varona and Melyjane Bertillo-Ancheta.
Work highlights
Advised Metro Pacific Investments Corporation and Keppel Infrastructure Trust on the $510 million sale of their combined stake in Philippine Tank Storage International to I Squared Capital. The transaction involved the Philippines' largest petroleum storage facility, with over 6 million barrels capacity, and required complex negotiations across multiple jurisdictions to ensure continued operational stability of this strategically important asset.
Key clients
Aboitiz Power Corporation, Actis Manager Singapore, Keppel Infrastructure Trust, Metro Pacific Investments Corporation
Founded in 1972 and now the largest law firm in the Philippines by size, ACCRALAW is particularly strong in capital markets, dispute resolution, intellectual property, labour and employment law, and tax. The firm has a stellar track record of handling complex cases both domestically and internationally, and especially in dispute resolution, where the firm has handled a great number of landmark litigation cases. With full-service branches in Cebu and Davao City and a team of approximately 170 legal experts, the firm capably services the clientele that run the full spectrum of business and industry. Senior partners Judy Hao and Andre Navato Jr and partner Melissa Angela Velarde are key contacts.
Work highlights
Representing three major Philippine banking associations in an ongoing constitutional challenge against Section 23 of the Philippine Innovation Act, which mandates a 4% credit allocation of banks' total loanable funds for innovation development. The petition questions the constitutionality of the mandatory allocation requirement, arguing it imposes unreasonable burdens on banking institutions and violates fundamental constitutional principles of property rights and equal protection. The case's resolution will significantly impact banking practices and credit allocation policies across the Philippine financial sector.
Successfully defended GMR Airports Infrastructure officials in multiple criminal proceedings concerning their right to operate Mactan-Cebu International Airport, the Philippines' second busiest airport. The Supreme Court's landmark ruling confirmed that airports are not classified as public utilities under Philippine law, dismissing charges under the Anti-Dummy Law and Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act. This precedent-setting decision validates foreign investment in Philippine airport operations and strengthens the country's public-private partnership framework.
Representing Manila Electric Company and Vantage Energy Solutions Management in an ongoing P1.3 billion ($23.8 million) dispute regarding fuel cost recovery adjustments imposed on contestable customers. The case, involving multiple arbitration proceedings and regulatory challenges before the Energy Regulatory Commission, centres on the interpretation of retail electricity supply agreements and will establish key precedents on regulatory jurisdiction and force majeure principles in the Philippine power sector.
Key clients
ACI, Sanofi Philippines, Titan Dragon Properties Corporation
Full-service law firm Cruz Marcelo & Tenefrancia has particular strengths in corporate and M&A, dispute resolution, intellectual property and regulatory. With over three decades of experience in a wide variety of practices, Cruz Marcelo & Tenefrancia has earned its reputation as one of the leading law firms in the Philippines. Senior partner Patricia Bunye is a key contact.
Work highlights
Representing DATEM in a P873 million ($15.3 million) claim against Megaworld Corporation for unpaid construction work across five major development projects. Successfully secured a writ of preliminary attachment, leading to the court ordering Megaworld to set aside a counterbond matching the full claim amount. The ongoing dispute stems from a September 2022 mutual agreement covering projects including Clark Green Frontier and Eastwood Global Plaza.
Key clients
Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, Central Monetary Authority, QL Development
A member firm of Rajah & Tann Asia, Gatmaytan Yap Patacsil Gutierrez & Protacio (C&G Law) is a full-service law firm of more than 40 lawyers focusing on corporate transactions, construction, commercial litigation, international arbitration, labour and employment, and tax. C&G Law is one of the fastest growing firms in the Philippines and is trusted by many conglomerates, multinational corporations and financial institutions. The firm is committed to delivering legal service that is excellent, timely, and of best quality. Construction lawyer Jaime Renato Gatmaytan, managing partner and disputes specialist Ben Dominic Yap and tax specialist Anthony Mark Gutierrez are key contacts.
Client feedback
“They are thorough and creative, are always available should we need them, and respond quickly.” – Corporate and M&A
Vladi Miguel S Lazaro
“Lazaro is very responsive, and gives very sound, practical and comprehensive advice.”
Norma Patacsil
“She is a highly qualified legal practitioner. She understands our industry and our operations very well. She is also very pragmatic and provides reasonable solutions or options.”
Work highlights
Representing Standard Chartered Bank in a significant claim against Philippine Guarantee Corporation, a government-owned corporation, regarding its failure to honour obligations under a Guarantee Agreement securing a P5 billion loan facility to Philippine Phosphate Corporation. The bank secured a favourable Supreme Court judgment awarding over P1 billion, marking one of the largest successful recovery claims against a government corporation in Philippine banking litigation history.
Key clients
Metro Rail Transit Corporation, STEAG State Power, TeaM Energy Corporation
Established in 2015, boutique law firm Gulapa Law is recognised for its expertise in construction, energy and infrastructure. Its market-leading infrastructure group continues to advise both the government and private bidders in various public-private partnership (PPP) projects and has a stellar track record in advising on major flagship infrastructure projects. In addition, the firm also provides expert legal advice in the areas of corporate and M&A, banking and finance, competition/antitrust, intellectual property, dispute resolution and more. With eight partners and 40 legal professionals, Gulapa Law continues to expand by servicing more international clients. Infrastructure specialist Aris Gulapa is the main contact.
Work highlights
Successfully represented JBROS Construction Corporation in securing an arbitral award against a government agency regarding the terminated contract for nationwide health centre construction. The Court of Appeals upheld the Construction Industry Arbitration Commission's final award, ruling it could not be modified and dismissing the government's petition for certiorari, marking a significant victory in contractor rights protection.
Representing a hospital owner in defending against a contractor's arbitration claim for alleged non-payment under a construction agreement for facility expansion works. The case centres on unresolved punch list items and latent structural defects discovered in the building, raising critical safety concerns for patients and medical staff.
Key clients
Island Air Products Corporation, Philphos
SyCip Salazar Hernandez & Gatmaitan is a leading full-service firm in the Philippines. As the largest law firm in the country, it offers a broad range of legal services across most practice areas and provides specialised expertise in corporate and M&A, dispute resolution, banking and finance, and more. In addition, the firm is capable of servicing clients in almost every industry sector and enterprise including aviation, insurance, technology and telecommunications, and real estate. The firm is known for its ability to handle novel and landmark transactions for both foreign and local businesses and institutions. Its key partners include Philbert Varona and Melyjane Bertillo-Ancheta.
Work highlights
Successfully defended senior Asian Development Bank officials in criminal and civil proceedings valued at P50 million ($0.88 million), securing landmark Supreme Court en banc recognition of functional immunity for international organisation officials. The precedent-setting decision affirms treaty-based protections for official acts and strengthens the operational independence of international institutions in the Philippines.
Key clients
Holcim Philippines, Platinum Group Metals Corporation, Manila Electric Company
Full-service firm Villaraza & Angangco is recognised for its practice areas of corporate and M&A, energy, dispute resolution, intellectual property, real estate, and technology and telecommunications. A firm with decades of experience serving its clients, it has gained the trust of leading multinational corporations, financial institutions and conglomerates. Its key lawyers include dispute partners Alejandro Alfonso Navarro and Augusto San Pedro as well as IP specialist Bienvenido Somera. In recent partner moves, Mandy Therese Anderson left the firm to join Converge in December 2024, while Carlo Augustine Roman departed to take a position at First Digital Finance Corporation in January 2025.
Work highlights
Advised Huaming Power Equipment Singapore, a subsidiary of a listed Chinese power company, on its framework agreement with GAA Delgado to establish a joint venture. The partnership aims to develop microgrid systems through unsolicited proposals for National Power Corporation solar projects across Marinduque, Bataan and Camarines Sur to provide sustainable energy in off-grid areas.
Key clients
China Water Industry Group, Lightspire Energy
IP boutique Cerilles & Fernan Intellectual Property Law (CFIP Law) capably services clients both domestic and foreign. Its services include patent, trademark and copyright work for both contentious and non-contentious matters. Managing partner Mario Cerilles is a key contact.
Work highlights
Successfully defended Blackbough clothing shop against a trademark opposition filed by Suyen Corporation, securing registration for Blackbough's distinctive "B" logo mark. The Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines ruled that Blackbough's logo was not confusingly similar to Suyen's "B" and "BENCH" logos, allowing the fast-growing swimwear brand to maintain its key brand identity valued at approximately P50 million ($0.88 million).
Key clients
Foshan Leader Bio-Technology Co, Guangdong Sembo Culture Industry Co, Guangzhou Leader Bio-Technology Co
Federis & Associates is one of a limited number of IP boutiques in the Philippines. The firm focuses especially on patents and trademarks, and services its clients with a team of highly qualified attorneys, lawyers, licensed patent and trademark agents, engineers, paralegals and technical staff. Managing partner Mila Federis is a key contact.
Work highlights
Secured a successful raid and settlement on behalf of Moonbug Entertainment against counterfeit Cocomelon doll manufacturers in the Philippines, working with the National Bureau of Investigation to identify, seize and destroy unauthorised merchandise. The enforcement action led to monetary damages and established stronger IP protection measures for the popular children's entertainment brand.
Key clients
Uniqlo, Universal Music Group, Shimano
Established in 2015, boutique law firm Gulapa Law is recognised for its expertise in construction, energy and infrastructure. Its market-leading infrastructure group continues to advise both the government and private bidders in various public-private partnership (PPP) projects and has a stellar track record in advising on major flagship infrastructure projects. In addition, the firm also provides expert legal advice in the areas of corporate and M&A, banking and finance, competition/antitrust, intellectual property, dispute resolution and more. With eight partners and 40 legal professionals, Gulapa Law continues to expand by servicing more international clients. Infrastructure specialist Aris Gulapa is the main contact.
Work highlights
Advising Singapore-based Intake on trademark registrations across 13 jurisdictions through the Madrid Protocol, with the Philippines serving as Office of Origin. Successfully secured registrations in multiple territories through 2023, marking one of the first major international applications using the Philippines as country of origin. The matter included coordinating with counsel in Canada, Singapore, the US, India, Malaysia and Vietnam.
Key clients
Frontiir, Le Bistro Vincent, Megawide Construction Corporation
Hechanova Bugay Vilchez & Andaya-Racadio is the contentious arm of the Hechanova Group with a focus on IP. The firm handles a variety of work including enforcement, litigation and infringement. Managing partner Editha Hechanova is a key contact.
Work highlights
Successfully represented Crocodile International in a landmark Supreme Court ruling that determined its crocodile device mark is not confusingly similar to Lacoste's trademark. The case, which progressed through multiple administrative and judicial levels, culminated in approval for Crocodile International's mark registration in the Philippines, setting an important precedent for trademark coexistence.
Key clients
BEABA, Halosil International, Honor Device Co, Wholeliving Corporation
Shipping boutique Del Rosario & Del Rosario is regularly sought out by international protection and indemnity (P&I) clubs as well as insurance companies and cruise lines. The firm has expertise in all aspects of shipping matters including labour, personal injury, vessel arrest, collisions, salvage, oil pollution, damage of cargoes, bunker claims, protection and indemnity, and ship finance. Its well-regarded IP group has also been engaged by global giants such as Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and Sony. Recently, the firm has been expanding to handle matters of corporate and M&A, labour and employment, dispute resolution, and more. Key partners include Ruben Del Rosario, Arturo Del Rosario Jr, Charles Jay Dela Cruz, Joseph Manolo Rebano and Herbert Tria.
Work highlights
Advising a shipowner and manager regarding four Filipino seafarers arrested in Brazil for international drug trafficking after authorities discovered one ton of cocaine at Port of Itapoa. The case presents complex jurisdictional challenges involving Brazilian criminal proceedings and Philippine administrative requirements for employer obligations. It involved working alongside Brazilian counsel to coordinate defence while managing diplomatic and regulatory compliance with Philippine authorities.
Representing Döhle Seafront Crewing and vessel insurers in a sensitive death benefits claim following the North Sea collision between cargo vessel Solong and tanker Stena Immaculate. The case involves complex jurisdictional and evidentiary challenges regarding Filipino crew member Mark Angelo Pernia's death, while balancing widow benefits claims amid ongoing UK criminal proceedings against the vessel's master.
Formerly known as Zambrano Gruba Caganda and Advincula, Gruba Caganda Advincula Melo & de la Fuente is a full-service law firm representing a wide array of local and foreign clients in the Philippines. The firm is highly regarded for its tax practice, which includes both contentious and advisory work. The firm is also active in the banking and finance and corporate and M&A areas. Since its inception in 1993, the firm has continued to grow and has a respectable track record of servicing its clients, handling many landmark cases in the banking and financial services, aviation and real estate sectors. Lily Gruba, Jorge Alfonso C. Melo and Antero Jose Caganda are among the key contacts.
Work highlights
Advised Daeduck Philippines on liquidation proceedings.
Advised Mt. Labo Exploration and Development Corporation on a contentious corporate rehabilitation petition filed by a stockholder and creditor of the subject corporation.
Shipping boutique Del Rosario & Del Rosario is regularly sought out by international protection and indemnity (P&I) clubs as well as insurance companies and cruise lines. The firm has expertise in all aspects of shipping matters including labour, personal injury, vessel arrest, collisions, salvage, oil pollution, damage of cargoes, bunker claims, protection and indemnity, and ship finance. Its well-regarded IP group has also been engaged by global giants such as Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and Sony. Recently, the firm has been expanding to handle matters of corporate and M&A, labour and employment, dispute resolution, and more. Key partners include Ruben Del Rosario, Arturo Del Rosario Jr, Charles Jay Dela Cruz, Joseph Manolo Rebano and Herbert Tria.
Work highlights
Representing SMC Shipping and Lighterage Corp and its insurer in a $120 million environmental claim arising from barge Katapatan 2's coal spill near the Masinloc and Oyon Bay Protected Landscape and Seascape. The case involves complex negotiations with multiple stakeholders following the discharge of 11,000 metric tons of coal during Typhoon Kristine, affecting a protected marine sanctuary. Successfully managing client exposure through strategic intervention and stakeholder engagement with local officials, environmental authorities and affected communities.
Key clients
Filipino Association for Mariners Employment, Hi-Energy Marine Services, SMC Shipping and Lighterage Corp
BDB Law is a premier boutique tax law firm based in the Philippines. For over a decade it has established a stellar track record in handling contentious tax disputes and litigations as well as offering high-level tax advisory services. In terms of industry sectors, the firm is recognised in banking and financial services, insurance, energy and real estate. Founding partner Benedicta Du-Baladad is a key contact.
Work highlights
Successfully secured a tax exemption ruling for Caisse de Dépôt et Placement du Québec as a foreign government pension fund manager in the Philippines, overcoming previous unsuccessful attempts and achieving approval in six months. The landmark ruling established a significant precedent for foreign government entities seeking tax exemptions, demonstrating innovative legal arguments and strategic engagement with tax authorities to facilitate international investment into the Philippine market.
Successfully challenged a P33.3 billion ($583 million) tax assessment for a leading Philippine investment house, reducing the final liability to P1 million through expert analysis of accounting principles and tax regulations. The landmark case involved demonstrating to the Bureau of Internal Revenue that their assessment methodology incorrectly treated non-revenue cash flows as taxable income, establishing an important precedent for future tax disputes in the financial services sector.
Successfully secured cancellation of P2.5 billion in tax assessments for a leading electronic load distribution company by demonstrating procedural violations and lack of factual basis in the Bureau of Internal Revenue's audit process. The landmark Tax Court ruling established important precedent on due process requirements and proper authorisation for tax audits, reinforcing taxpayer protections against arbitrary assessments.
Sarmiento Loriega Law Office delivers comprehensive legal services across corporate, mining, securities, real estate and energy sectors in the Philippines. Founded in 2020 by partners who brought extensive global and local expertise, the firm has rapidly expanded to a team of five senior partners, 10 associates and support staff. Co-managing partner Maria Elizabeth Peralta Loriega is recognised for her M&A expertise while co-founding partner Julito Sarmiento leads the firm's innovative social licensing practice supporting major industrial projects.
Work highlights
Advising Power Partners and affiliates on the $453 million acquisition of AC Energy's indirect ownership stake in GNPower Kauswagan, Mindanao's largest power generation facility. The complex transaction required innovative structuring solutions for onshore and offshore acquisitions, securing swift competition approval and coordinating multiple partnership restructurings across jurisdictional frameworks.
Key clients
Century Properties Group
Disini Law Offices is a specialist in technology and telecommunication and is recognised as one of the leaders in this area. The firm frequently advises on matters related to blockchain, cryptocurrency, facilitating investments, regulatory and licensing compliance, as well as M&A. It has a diverse roster of clients including banks, remittance companies, virtual currency exchanges, electronic money issuers and fintech providers. The firm has performed significant work in the field of technology and telecommunications practice in the past 12 months and continues to expand its practice in data privacy and policy work. Partners JJ Disini and Juan Orendain Buted are key contacts.
Work highlights
Advising a global payments solutions provider's Philippine subsidiary on its market entry and regulatory compliance, including incorporation processes and application for a Money Services Business licence with the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas. The ongoing mandate includes corporate secretarial services and guidance on remittance operations, data privacy and anti-money laundering requirements for the fintech company's expansion into the Philippine market.
Key clients
IdeaSpace Foundation Inc, PDAX
