Philippines

Abuda Asis & Associates is a boutique law firm specialising in the fields of project finance, corporate and M&A, energy and infrastructure. Over the years, the firm has involved in crucial infrastructure financing deals. The team is led by Cornelio Abuda and Jehremiah Asis who focus on banking and finance, and infrastructure and special projects respectively.

Energy

Work highlights

Advised MGreen, Powersource and Sunseap on their first solar power plant project and assisted in the negotiation and closing of the project loan and security agreements.

The largest law firm in the Philippines by size, ACCRALAW is particularly strong in capital markets, dispute resolution, intellectual property, labour and employment and tax. This year, the firm climbs to ‘Outstanding’ tier in banking and financial services sector. Capital markets leading practitioner Francisco Lim, dispute lawyer Oliver Pantaleon, labour and employment partner Emerico De Guzman and IP specialist Alex Ferdinand Fider are key figures.

Banking and finance

Work highlights

Acted as counsel to Philippine National Bank in the establishment of its medium-term note programme and issuance of notes amounted to over $2 billion.

Key clients

ASA Philippines Foundation, Polymer Link

Capital markets

Work highlights

Assisted HSBC, DBS, Mizuho Securities, MUFG and Standard Chartered in the dollar bond issuance by Aboitiz Equity Ventures.

Key clients

Ayala Land, BDO Capital & Investment Corporation, China Bank Capital Corporation, Philippine National Bank

Corporate and M&A

Work highlights

Advised Rizal Commercial Banking Corporation on its merger with RCBC Savings Bank.

Key clients

Anhui Conch Cement, Johnsonville Sausage, Sealed Air Corporation

Dispute resolution

Work highlights

Represented one of the largest banks in the Philippines in a white-collar crime prosecution of its former executive.

Defended Senate President Franklin Drilon accused of corruption and successfully convicted the accuser for libel. 

Key clients

Landing International Development, Metro Pacific Water Investments Corporation

Labour and employment

Work highlights

Assisted Pilipinas Shell Petroleum Corporation in the recently concluded collective bargaining agreement negotiations with its union in its refinery located in Batangas.

Key clients

Coca-Cola Beverages Philippines, Chevron Philippines, Loxon Philippines, Melco Resorts Leisure, Wells Fargo Enterprise Global Services

Tax

Work highlights

Represented Philippine Central Bank in a series of tax assessment cases before the Court of Tax Appeals and helped negotiate a compromise agreement with the tax authority.

Filed a petition on behalf of Metropolitan Bank before the Supreme Court in relation to the legality of a tax regulation issued by the Bureau of Internal Revenue.

Client feedback

“ACCRA partners are reachable any time, are quick to respond, and are able to provide clear, practical advice.” – Corporate and M&A

“Extensive knowledge and experience in handling high impact and highly sensitive cases.” – Dispute resolution

George Aquino

“Great litigation skill and reliable.”

Elaine Patricia Reyes-Rodolfo

“She is proactive and gives advice grounded both in law and experience.”

IP specialist firm Betita Cabilao Casuela Sarmiento offers both contentious and non-contentious IP services. The firm is active in consumer goods and services. Its strength lies within the area of IP infringement. Andre Betita, Pericles Casuela, Joseph Sarmiento and John Cabilao are the key partners.

Intellectual property

Work highlights

Represented a global software company in an infringement case and negotiated a record-breaking settlement.

Assisted a global backpack producer in a trademark infringement conviction against a local dealer of counterfeit bags bearing its trademarks and designs.

Client feedback

“The firm is very responsive and provides practical solutions.” – Intellectual property

“Extensive knowledge and experience in handling high impact and highly sensitive cases.” – Dispute resolution

John Cabilao

“One great thing about John is that he possesses in-depth knowledge and understanding of the industry.”

Full service law firm Cruz Marcelo & Tenefrancia has particular strengths in corporate and M&A, dispute resolution, intellectual property and regulatory. Its market-leading IP practice rises into ‘Outstanding’ tier this year. IP specialist and head of natural resources Patricia Bunye, dispute partner Elmar Galacio and IP litigator Susan Villanueva are among the key partners.

Construction

Work highlights

Assisted the Korean Embassy in the Philippines in the acquisition of a real estate property for the construction of a cultural centre.

Corporate and M&A

Work highlights

Advised Redco Properties Group on the 35% share acquisition of Makati City Subway.

Key clients

Salmat Contact Solutions, Sto Tomas-Paco Land Corporation

Dispute resolution

Work highlights

Representing Asia United Bank in a criminal case against a chairman and president of a company in connection with his violation of the trust receipts law.

Filed a petition on behalf of Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry, San Beda College Alabang, Ateneo de Manila University and Riverbanks Development Corporation before the Supreme Court to review the new regulations of the Department of Energy and the Energy Regulatory Commission.

Key clients

Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, Coca-Cola Philippines, Secur Links

Intellectual property

Work highlights

Representing San Miguel Food and Beverage in a trademark infringement complaint against Phil Jacobe Ventures.

Acting for Ayala Corporation in a trademark opposition case against JFM Development Corporation’s application of the ‘AYALA’ mark before the IP office.

Key clients

Fiberworld, Green Cross, Max’s Group, Nutri-Asia, Technological Institute of the Philippines

Labour and employment

Work highlights

Assisted a higher educational institute in the review of its existing manual for its employees, teaching and non-teaching personnel, its employment contracts and policies.

Client feedback

“The firm is very engaging and have experts in every field.” – Intellectual property

Susan Villanueva

“Great communication and follow-up, excellent knowledge.”

‘Outstanding’ shipping boutique Del Rosario & Del Rosario is regularly sought out by the international group of 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 notable IP group has also been engaged by global giants such as Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and Sony. Key partners include Ruben Del Rosario, Arturo Del Rosario Jr, Charles Jay Dela Cruz Joseph Manolo Rebano and Herbert Tria.

Shipping

Work highlights

Assisting CEMEX Holdings and its insurer AIG in an environmental claim due to a landslide in Cebu in 2018, resulting in multiple deaths and injuries.

Provided advice and assistance on Filipino crew claims in relation to the widely publicised Diamond Princess quarantine incident in Japan due to the outbreak of COVID-19.

Key clients

ABOJEB, Columbia Ship Management, Fujitrans Logistics Philippines, Louis Dreyfus Company

Client feedback

“Partners are easy to work with. They often provide quick responses.” – Shipping

Joseph Rebano

“Experienced litigator. Easy and concise advice provided.”

Disini Buted Disini Law Offices is a technology and telecommunication specialist firm 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.

Technology and telecommunications

Work highlights

Advised Foodpanda on its compliance with banking, trade, and corporate regulations governing payments systems and non-bank central bank-supervised financial institutions.

Assisted in setting up Creators and Influencers Council of the Philippines and helped draft its organisational documents.

Representing AFNI Philippines as a plaintiff in a cybercrime litigation case.

Defended an education technology company on several civil and criminal cases related to contract enforcement.

Retained by ING to advise on its retail and digital banking business.

Key clients

Hiraya Technology, MarCoPay, QBO Philippines, Zennya

Tax boutique law firm Du-Baladad & Associates is constantly ranked highly in Tax. Banking and financial services, energy, construction and real estate are the firm’s industry strengths. Founding partner Benedicta Du-Baladad leads the team.

Tax

Work highlights

Provided tax advisory and consultancy to Philippine Life Insurance Association.

Advised Semirara Mining and Power Corporation on the tax implications on coal exports under the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion (TRAIN) Act.

Full service law firm Fortun Narvasa & Salazar excels in both corporate and disputes matters. Founded by senior lawyers Philip Sigfrid Fortun, Gregorio Narvasa and Roderick Salazar, the team frequently advises on energy, real estate, corporate and commercial dispute. Apart from its main office in Manila, it also has a liaison office in Hong Kong.

Corporate and M&A

Work highlights

Advised Juwi Renewable Energy Projects on the sale of a solar power plant facility in Pangasinan.

Key clients

Dutch Mill, Element, Philippine Gold Processing and Refining, Unilinkland Properties

A member firm of Rajah & Tann Asia, Gatmaytan Yap Patacsil Gutierrez & Protacio is a full service law firm of over 40 lawyers focusing on corporate transactions, construction, commercial litigation, international arbitration, labour and employment and tax. Construction lawyer Jaime Renato Gatmaytan, dispute partner Ben Dominic Yap and tax specialist Anthony Mark Gutierrez are key contacts.

Banking and finance

Work highlights

Assisted DBS, Mizuho, MUFG and Standard Chartered in a $3 billion loan facility to Aboitiz Power Corporation in relation to a stake acquisition of AA Thermal.

Key clients

Credit Agricole, HSBC

Competition/antitrust

Work highlights

Advised LafargeHolcim and Holcim Philippines on regulatory and competition law aspects of their $2.15 billion deal, which lapsed in May 2020.

Key clients

Hitachi-Omron Terminal Solutions Corporation, Pepsi-Cola Products Philippines

Corporate and M&A

Work highlights

Advised Fraser Property on its divestment of shares in Frasers Hospitality Investment Holding.

Key clients

AC Energy Philippines, Ingrid Power Holdings, LafargeHolcim

Dispute resolution

Work highlights

Representing Metro Rail Transit Corporation in proceedings before the Philippine Supreme Court against the City of Makati concerning the property taxes.

Key clients

CE Casecnan Water and Energy Company, Mactan Enerzone Corporation, SteelAsia Manufacturing Corporation

Energy

Work highlights

Advising First Gen Corporation on the development, installation, ownership, operation and maintenance of an LNG facility.

Key clients

AP Renewables, Retail Electricity Suppliers Association, SN Aboitiz Power-Magat, TeaM Energy

Infrastructure

Work highlights

Assisted Republic Cement Iligan in the structuring, drafting and negotiation of their contracts with the contractor for the construction and commissioning of a new coal mill in the Philippines.

Key clients

Ingrid Power Holdings, Leighton Contractors Asia

Labour and employment

Work highlights

Representing a multinational financial services corporation in the inspection and enforcement proceedings conducted by the Department of Labour and Employment with respect to its contracting arrangements.

Key clients

China National Offshore Oil Corporation

Real estate

Work highlights

Assisted AREIT, a subsidiary of Ayala Land, in its domestic IPO.

Acted for Jose Luis Alcuaz in seeking to exclude a parcel of land from the assets of Mañosa Properties.

Key clients

De La Salle Santiago Zobel School

Tax

Work highlights

Acted as tax counsel to Metro Rail Transit Corporation in relation to a deficiency taxes dispute.

Key clients

Sanofi-Aventis Europe, TeaM Energy, Therma South

Regarded tech-specialist firm Gorriceta Africa Cauton & Saavedra serves primarily fintech start-ups and incumbents. Clientele such as UBX, U-Pay, Coins.ph and Swipe Wallet has entrusted the firm to be their legal counsel. The firm moves up to the ‘Highly recommended’ tier for technology and telecommunications this year. Mark Gorriceta and Anthony Edsel Tupaz are key figures.

Corporate and M&A

Work highlights

Advises an asset management company on acquiring a blockchain fintech start-up valued at $30 million.

Assisted Meralco in all aspects of site acquisition for its electric distribution assets and facilities.

Provided legal advice to Mega Star Development Corporation in the acquisition of land.

Key clients

Advance Tech Lending, Xurpas, Union Bank of the Philippines

Technology and telecommunications

Work highlights

Acting as counsel to Investree Philippines, one of the first crowdfunding intermediary in the Philippines.

Acted as lead counsel to U-Pay Digital Technologies in its application for an electronic money issuer license.

Key clients

Good Tech Holdings, I-Remit, ProRataPay, Radius Telecoms, Swipe Wallet, Appsolutely, Cartera Interchange

Established in 2015, boutique law firm Gulapa Law is well recognised for its expertise in construction, energy and infrastructure. Its market-leading infrastructure group has been advising the government in various PPP projects. The firm’s IP practice debuts in our latest ranking. Infrastructure specialist Aris Gulapa is the main contact.

Competition/antitrust

Work highlights

Advising AXA Philippines on the regulatory and competition matters concerning its portfolio of insurance products.

Key clients

Asian Development Bank

Construction

Work highlights

Assisting the Asian Development Bank in structuring the Metro Manila Subway project and drafting the bidding documentation.

Key clients

Aboitiz InfraCapital, SM Prime Holdings

Corporate and M&A

Work highlights

Advised Pacific Alliance Group in connection with KFLC issuance of preference shares.

Key clients

Autocirculo Corporation, Day1Tech, Maria Francesca Tan, Philippine Phosphate Fertilizer

Dispute resolution

Work highlights

Represented Philippine Southeast Asian Games Organizational Committee Foundation in a dispute concerning the Southeast Asian Games Information Systems Project. The firm successfully prevented the issuance of a temporary restraining order against it.

Key clients

JBROS Construction Corporation, Paolo Alcantara

Energy

Work highlights

Advised Kyuden in its acquisition of shares in Powersource.

Key clients

Asian Development Bank

Infrastructure

Work highlights

Assists a consortium of seven companies (Aboitiz, Ayala, Filinvest, JG Summit, Metro Pacific, Megaworld, and Philippine Airlines) in their proposal to rehabilitate and expand the Ninoy Aquino International Airport.

Provided legal advice to a government commission with respect to the Pasig River Ferry System Project.

Advising the Asian Development Bank and Bases Conversion and Development Authority in relation to the proposed NCC-ICT under a potential PPP.

Key clients

Asian Development Bank, Infracorp Development

Intellectual property

Work highlights

Advised Machuca Baldozas on its trademark registration process.

Key clients

APO Production Unit, Phil Jacobe Ventures

Real estate

Work highlights

Acting as local counsel to SM Prime Holdings in the project of reclaiming 360 hectares of land in Manila Bay.

Key clients

Asian Development Bank

Client feedback

“Dynamic, flexible and gives constant feedback on matters at hand.” – Dispute resolution

“The team at Gulapa is very energetic, responsive and customer-centric.” – Restructuring and insolvency

Aris Gulapa

“He is very well informed of the law.”

Carlo Cajucom

“Easy to talk to, approachable and brilliant.”

Commendable IP boutique Hechanova Group comprises of a legal unit and a prosecution-focused entity, offering both contentious and non-contentious advisory to its IP clients. The firm has consistently been a top patent filer in the Philippines. Editha Hechanova is the main contact.

Intellectual property

Work highlights

Representing Alpargatas in the application for search warrants and implementation of the search warrants with the National Bureau of Investigation in relation to the raid of counterfeit.

Key clients

DKH Retail, Shanghai Saidone Technologies, Wholeliving Corporation

Client feedback

“Attentive and prompt in serving needs and requests.” – Intellectual property

Editha Hechanova

“Good experience and expertise.”

Established in 2017, Insights Philippines is a member firm of the ZICO Law regional network. Managing partner Felix Sy brings more than 20 years of experience in the banking and finance, corporate and M&A, energy and infrastructure practices. The firm is actively advising and acting for various fintech start-ups and cryptocurrency exchange platforms. 

Corporate and M&A

Work highlights

Acting as lead counsel to a Kuala Lumpur-headquartered Islamic bank in obtaining operational licenses from the Philippine Central Bank.

Assisting an NYSE-listed global financial service provider in the use of fintech from the regulatory and compliance perspective in the jurisdiction.

Advising a Germany-based sustainable biomass energy company in the restructuring of its Philippine entity.

Advising a cryptocurrency start-up on obtaining the relevant certifications and licenses with the Philippine Central Bank to operate virtual currency exchanges in the jurisdiction.

Key clients

RedCargo Logistics

Boutique law firm Ocampo Manalo Bernabe Valdez & Lim specialises in aviation and commercial litigation. During the research period, its list of clientele includes Xiamen Airlines, Magnum Air and Nickel Asia Corporation. Carlos Ocampo and Manolito Manalo are key partners.

Being one of the oldest inherited law firms in the Philippines, Ortega Bacorro Odulio Calma & Carbonell is notable for its shipping and intellectual property work. Gregorio Ortega, Benjamin Bacorro, Pedro Carbonell and Renato Calma are key partners.

Intellectual property

Work highlights

Regularly advise Lincoln Electric and the Harris Group on the anti-counterfeiting measures.

Key clients

Emperador Distillers, NBA Properties, President and Fellows of Harvard College

Shipping

Work highlights

Assisted in the repatriation of 22 seamen from the vessel ‘Golden Sparrow’ who were stranded in Barcelona, Spain.

Key clients

ZRM

Established in 2018, Panelo Law Office was founded by Salvador Paolo Panelo Jr, son of Salvador Panelo, the chief presidential legal counsel of President Rodrigo Duterte. With a focus in dispute resolution, the firm has a proven track record in successfully assisting clients in civil, commercial, criminal and tax litigation matters.

Dispute resolution

Work highlights

Advised WSL on bidding for the SEAGIS Project and defended an injunction case filed against the bid award subsequently.

Well-regarded full service law firm Puyat Jacinto & Santos excels in its energy and construction practices. The firm has also been very active in banking and finance, competition and corporate and M&A. Key partners include corporate partner Regina Stella Jacinto-Barrientos, energy specialist Monalisa Dimalanta and banking partner Ramil Bugayong.

Corporate and M&A

Work highlights

Advised Aboitiz Power Corporation on its acquisition of an interest in AA Thermal.

Key clients

Ayala Healthcare Holdings, Udenna Corporation, Welcome Credit Corporation

Dispute resolution

Work highlights

Representing Sanofi Pasteur in criminal cases in relation to the Dengvaxia vaccine controversy.

Key clients

Chryso Philippines, Hyundai Heavy Industries, Shimizu

Energy

Work highlights

Assisted Philippine Investment Alliance for Infrastructure in selling Philippine Wind Holdings to an affiliate of AC Energy.

Key clients

Conergy Asia, Mindoro Geothermal Power Corporation, UPC Philippines

Infrastructure

Work highlights

Acting for Chelsea Logistics in relation to for the development, operation and management of Davao International Airport.

Key clients

Asian Development Bank, Udenna Infrastructure Corporation

Quisumbing Torres, a member firm of Baker McKenzie, offers specialised legal expertise across all practice areas and sectors with experienced teams in both transactional and contentious areas. The firm is highly ranked in capital markets, competition/antitrust, corporate and M&A, dispute resolution, IP and tax. Key practitioners include managing partner Ramon Quisumbing, dispute specialist Donemark Calimon, labour expert Kenneth Chua and project specialist Dennis Quintero. Timothy Joseph Mendoza has withdrawn from the partnership and moved to in-house this year.

Banking and finance

Work highlights

Assisting GPay Network in obtaining licenses from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas as e-money issuer and remittance and transfer company.

Commissioned by Prudential to prepare a white paper on mobile digital health or the offering of healthcare services through mobile devices.

Key clients

Grab Financial Services Philippines, KPMG AZSA, Vena Energy

Capital markets

Work highlights

Advising a Taiwan-based fibres and textiles manufacturer on issues relating to the redevelopment of the assets of a Philippine-listed corporation.

Corporate and M&A

Work highlights

Assisted Graymont in its completed acquisition in an auction process to acquire Sibelco's controlling interest in Unichamp Mineral Philippines.

Energy

Work highlights

Advising Felix Petroleum on the negotiation and enforcement of its joint venture agreement with a Philippine company for investments in the downstream petroleum industry.

Key clients

Mainstream Renewable Power, Repsol Exploracion, Rizal Resources Corporation

Infrastructure

Work highlights

Assisting Changi Airports International in respect of its participation in the consortium that was awarded the concession agreement for the operations and maintenance of the Clark International Airport.

Client feedback

“The firm is well connected, knowledgeable about the law, adept at understanding what concerns large multi-national companies, and always gives out good advice.” – Dispute resolution

“Thorough review, insightful advice, fast turnaround.” – Energy

“QT is very supportive of our sector. It is always willing to support our industry by conducting briefings about latest policy issuances, webinars on global trends and issues on a variety of topics, regular updates and advisories on circulars and implementing guidelines that may impact our business, and are very forthcoming with copies of issuances or decisions that we sometimes ask for.” – Labour and employment

“Its immediate response and acknowledgement of e-mails is a plus. It also provides administrative support on the management of trademark portfolio without extra cost.” – Intellectual property

“It has a variety of departments which can cater to all our firm's requirements and demonstrate expertise in each of them.” – Regulatory

Kenneth Chua

“Kenneth is very helpful, responsive and supportive of our industry. He knows our sector very well and doesn't hesitate in providing information or referring us to his colleagues when the query is outside his area of expertise.”

Miguel Galvez

“Attorney Miguel Galvez is very professional, can always easily understand issues, have in-depth analysis and provide fast response on legal opinion and solutions. He is also excellent in interacting and communicating with non-Filipino clients like us.”

Divina Ilas-Panganiban

“Vina has always provided consistent and clear legal advice based on her in-depth industry knowledge and practical experience.”

Dennis Quintero

“Dennis is very responsive and on point with useful, relevant and clear advice.”

Ramon Quisumbing

“Ramon is smart and gives practical advice.  He is adept at discerning what is important and acting accordingly.”

Eliseo Zuniga

“He is very responsive and has an immense depth of knowledge and experience.”

Undisputed top-tier firm SyCip Salazar Hernandez & Gatmaitan is ranked ‘Outstanding’ across most of our practice areas and sectors ranking. The firm shows its dominance in the infrastructure sector as it moves to the ‘Outstanding’ tier this year. Its key partners include corporate lawyer Hector de Leon, dispute lawyer Carlos Roberto Lopez and project specialist Rocky Alejandro Reyes. During the research period, Emmanuel Lombos and Rolando Medalla retired from the partnership and continues to practice at SyCip as of counsels.

Banking and finance

Work highlights

Acted as Philippine counsel to Citigroup and Standard Chartered in a $300 million facility loan granted to ICTSI Middle East DMCC, which is incorporated under the laws of the Emirate of Dubai and a wholly-owned subsidiary of Philippine-listed International Container Terminal Services.

Key clients

BDO Capital & Investment Corporation, Philippine National Bank, PNB Capital and Investment Corporation

Capital markets

Work highlights

Acted as local counsel to BPI Capital Corporation and Bank of the Philippine Islands in relation to a $110 million ASEAN green bond issuance.

Key clients

BDO Capital & Investment Corporation, BPI Capital Corporation, China Bank Capital Corporation, PNB Capital and Investment Corporation, RCBC Capital Corporation, SB Capital Investment Corporation

Competition/antitrust

Work highlights

Represented GlaxoSmithKline before the Philippine Competition Commission and obtained merger clearance for GSK’s acquisition of Pfizer’s consumer healthcare business.

Key clients

Frabelle Fishing Corporation, Infineon Technologies, Natura Holdings, Saudi Arabian Oil Company  

Construction

Work highlights

Acting as counsel to a consortium consisting of Filinvest Development Corporation, JG Summit Holdings, Changi Airports Philippines, Philippine Airport Ground Support Solutions and Luzon International Premiere Airport Development in the completion of the Clark International Airport project.

Key clients

San Miguel Corporation

Corporate and M&A

Work highlights

Assisting San Miguel Corporation in the negotiation and drafting of the Sale and Purchase Agreement in relation to the acquisition of Holcim Philippines.

Key clients

Archipelago Capital Partners, Kohlberg Kravis Roberts

Dispute resolution

Work highlights

Representing Meralco in an investigation for alleged anticompetitive behaviour and abuse of market power filed in the Philippine Energy Regulatory Commission.

Key clients

Barrick Gold Corporation and Placer Dome, OceanaGold (Philippines), Platinum Group Metals Corporation

Infrastructure

Work highlights

Advising San Miguel Corporation on the BOT project of developing, constructing and operating an international airport in Bulacan.

Intellectual property

Work highlights

Manages the IP portfolios for the consumer products of Colgate Palmolive, The Clorox Company and Tupperware Brands.

Representing H&M in an opposition proceeding against the application for the registration of the trademark filed by Liangyue Zhang.

Key clients

Alexander McQueen, Chanel, Dart Industries, Rolex

Labour and employment

Work highlights

Acted as the chief negotiator to Isuzu Autoparts Manufacturing with the union in the renegotiation of the collective bargaining agreement.

Assisted Firmenich Philippines in conducting an administrative investigation for the termination of the employee, and subsequently represented it in the complaint for illegal dismissal of the employee filed before the National Labour Relations Commission.

Key clients

ABB, Green Cross, UBase 1 Philippines

Real estate

Work highlights

Conducted legal due diligence on various parcels of land with a total area of 500 hectares for a real estate developer.

Shipping

Work highlights

Advised Regal Ware on the release of its shipments with the Bureau of Customs.

Key clients

Hoya Marine Corporation

Tax

Work highlights

Acting for a construction company in a tax dispute before the Court of Tax Appeals.

Technology and telecommunications

Work highlights

Assisted an Asia-based tower company in its investment of the tower company business in the jurisdiction.

Advised a leading tech company in connection with the legal evaluation of the product.

Client feedback

“The firm was attentive and delivered client-focused solutions.” – Banking and finance

“Good relationships with regulatory bodies Provides opinions on certain issues.” – Capital markets

“The firm is very detail-oriented, methodical, highly intelligent, scrupulous, and very responsive and sympathetic to clients like us.” – Corporate and M&A

“The SyCip partners working on my deal are amazing in supporting and advancing our commercial endeavours and then translating this into legal documents and procedures.” – Infrastructure

Carina Laforteza

“Attorney Laforteza is extremely intelligent and experienced in tax and corporate law.”

Arlene Maneja

“Arlene is good at finding legal solutions to support the overall business plan. She is extremely responsive and efficient.”

Tolosa Javier Law Firm is a young full service law firm which newly breaks into our rankings. Its strength areas are dispute resolution, labour and employment, regulatory and energy. Benjamin Tolosa Jr and Filemon Ray Javier are among key partners.

Energy

Work highlights

Advised Meralco on the Third Party Bids and Awards Committee in relation to power plant contract biddings.

Dispute resolution

Work highlights

Acting as the private prosecutor for a food company against malefactors who forcibly took control of and locked down its manufacturing plant.

Client feedback

“Tolosa Javier Law firm is very proactive; they provide the kind of services exactly what we needed.” – Corporate and M&A

“It has good working relationships with the court personnel, as well as the employees of the different administrative agencies. The partners are very cohesive, and they always strategise together whenever they are confronted with a sensitive and difficult legal issue.” – Labour and employment

Filemon Ray Javier

“Attorney Javier is an expert in labour law. He well combines his expertise on labour with the corporate matters the firm handles.”

Dyan Danika Lim-Ong

“She is very knowledgeable in litigation law and real estate laws. She expresses herself really well guided by the legal knowledge she has accumulated over the years.”

Full service firm Villaraza & Angangco is recognised for its practice areas of corporate and M&A, dispute resolution, intellectual property, real estate and technology and telecommunications. Its key lawyers include dispute partners Alejandro Alfonso Navarro and Augusto San Pedro as well as IP specialist Bienvenido Somera. Corporate lawyer Leonardo Singson left the firm in March 2020.

Banking and finance

Work highlights

Assisted Alternergy Mini Hydro Holdings in negotiating with the Development Bank of the Philippines to secure financing for a hydropower project located in Gabaldon.

Key clients

Dito Telecommunity Corporation, FSG Technology Ventures, Swiss Reinsurance Company

Capital markets

Work highlights

Provided legal advice to Swiss Reinsurance Company regarding the overview of reinsurance regulations in the Philippines as well as compliance with the Data Privacy Act.

Key clients

Channel Systems Asia, China Telecommunications Corporation, Fountel Corporation, Playpoint (Singapore)

Corporate and M&A

Work highlights

Advised Udenna Corporation for the preparation, negotiation, and finalisation of the share sale and purchase agreement between Chevron Philippines and Udenna.

Key clients

Aboitiz Land, Alliance Global Group, Ayala Land, ISOC Infrastructure, Taihu Holding

Dispute resolution

Work highlights

Advised key officers of Rizal Commercial Banking Corporation in a case filed by Bangladesh Bank in New York concerning a cross-border cyberheist resulting in remittance of $101 million from the Bangladesh Bank’s account in the Federal Reserve Bank of New York to accounts in Sri Lanka and the Philippines.

Key clients

China Telecommunications Corporation, Felicitas Antoinette, Fountel Corporation, Manila Water Company

Infrastructure

Work highlights

Assisted ISOC Asia Telecom Towers in the preparation and completion of its joint venture with Malaysian integrated telecommunications infrastructure services company edotco Group.

Key clients

Mitsubishi Estate, Solar Pacific Energy Corporation

Intellectual property

Work highlights

Retained by Petron Corporation since 2002 as the lead external IP counsel and representing the company in various trademark infringement and IP related criminal cases.

Key clients

Aima Technology Group, BDO Unibank, F&CO, Getz Pharma

Labour and employment

Work highlights

Acted as counsel to Amazon Operation Services Philippines concerning employee complaints and successfully achieved a mutually acceptable settlement with the complainants.

Key clients

Autodesk Asia, CommSec, Tropical Focus Philippines

Tax

Work highlights

Engaged by Emperador Distillers to provide various legal and tax advice on a wide range of topics which includes guidance on the documentary stamp tax.

Key clients

China Telecom Fufu Information Technology, EWP Philippines, Infinitus Health Products (Philippines), Schweitzer-Mauduit International

Client feedback

“It is able to prepare legal strategies and distilling them down in something manageable and useful. It is also very personable, attentive to clients’ needs and concerns.” – Real estate

Maria Concepcion Simundac

“Con takes in much information, analyses and synthesizes it. She exercises good judgement and provides the best advice to us. She is also well versed with the intricacies of our business.”

Zambrano Gruba Caganda & Advincula is best known for its tax practice. The firm is also active in the banking and finance and corporate and M&A work. Lily Gruba, Angelo Patrick Advincula and Antero Jose Caganda are among the key contacts.

Banking and finance

Work highlights

Retained by Asia United Bank Corporation to prepare and review its documentation for the regular loan operations.

Key clients

Bank of the Philippine Islands, BDO Unibank, Philippine Bank of Communications

Competition/antitrust

Work highlights

Engaged by a Singapore-listed real estate developer to advise on its acquisition of two companies from the competition perspective.

Corporate and M&A

Work highlights

Advised a local restaurant on selling its rights over one of the biggest fast-food chains in the country.

Dispute resolution

Work highlights

Acted as local counsel to a publicly listed bank in arbitration proceedings before the Hong Kong International Arbitration Centre.

Key clients

Asia United Leasing and Finance Corporation, G&W Architects, Philippine Airlines

Tax

Work highlights

Represented a marketing company client before the Court of Tax Appeals against tax deficiency assessments in an aggregated amount of over $1 million.

Key clients

Island Quarry and Aggregates Corporation

Client feedback

“The team is very proactive. It can handle difficult situations, and add great value to their clients.” – Tax

John Godinez

“Very competent, both technically and practically.”