Philippines

Angara Abello Concepcion Regala & Cruz (ACCRALAW) regularly advises lenders and borrowers on syndicated loans, loan restructuring arrangements and project finance. Teodoro Regala, Tadeo Hilado, Eusebio Tan, Judy Hao and Andre Navato Jr are the partners to note.

Castillo Laman Tan Pantaleon & San Jose’s banking and finance practice is particularly known for its transactional work. Mel Macaraig has advised clients such as the Asian Development Bank (ADB), the International Finance Corporation (IFC) and Nomura International. Other banking and finance partners to note include Alvin Geli and Polo Pantaleon.

Picazo Buyco Tan Fider & Santos’s core strength is its banking and finance practice. It regularly acts as counsel for the country’s leading banks and financial institutions. The team is especially strong in negotiating and arranging documentation for bonds and syndicated loans. Cristina Gil-Fernandez advised ING and Standard Chartered in BDO Unibank’s issuance of long-term negotiable certificates of time deposit. Gemma Santos is the partner to note for banking and finance. 

Quiason Makalintal Barot Torres Ibarra Sison & Damaso’s corporate practice includes banking and finance, investments, and trade and securities regulation. The banking and finance team is best known for its project finance work and has worked with clients such as Energy Development Corporation, Manila Electric Company and Cagayan Electric Power & Light. Eileen Pangalangan-Pardo and Ruel Soriano are notable partners.

Jose Salvador Mirasol heads the corporate banking and finance group at Romulo Mabanta Buenaventura Sayoc & De Los Angeles. The firm regularly works with foreign banks, multinational corporations and financial institutions on structured products and cross-border advisory work. “The firm often works with quite a few institutional clients,” says a peer.

SyCip Salazar Hernandez & Gatmaitan has carved out a strong reputation in acquisition and project financing. Of counsel Mia Gentugaya and Vicente Gerochi advised Standard Chartered as issue manager and facility agent; Philippine National Bank, Union Bank of the Philippines, Land Bank of the Philippines and Maybank Philippines as noteholders; and National Grid Corporation of the Philippines as issuer on the Php15 billion ($321 million) corporate notes facility for the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines’s financing of coal plants. Rafael Morales left the firm to set up his own law firm in 2016. Aaron Riturban joined the partnership in 2016. Marievic Ramos-Añonuevo is the new head of banking, finance and securities.

Zambrano & Gruba’s managing partner Lily Gruba advised Asia United Bank on loan documentation for projects that range from wind farms to real estate. Jack Advincula is another partner to note. “Jack is knowledgeable, attentive and thorough,” says a client.

Multi-service firm ACCRALAW has been actively involved in pre-initial public offering restructurings, IPOs and debt securities of various local companies. Judy Hao and Francisco Lim are important contacts.

Castillo Laman Tan Pantaleon & San Jose is known for its expertise in public and private placements, privatisations and domestic IPOs. Mel Macaraig is well regarded for his capital markets expertise. He has advised clients such as Citibank, the IFC and the ADB.

Gorriceta Africa Cauton & Saavedra was founded by Mark Gorriceta in 2016. Gorriceta was formerly a partner at the now dissolved Javier Santiago Torres & Gorriceta Law Offices. Gorrieta has been advising on a number of IPOs, including DM Wenceslao & Associates on its $470 million share offer and SB Capital Investment and Maybank ATR Kim Eng Capital Partners on the $42 million IPO of Pointwest Technologies.

Picazo Buyco Tan Fider & Santos has established a strong reputation in capital markets. It advises on IPOs, reverse takeovers, top-ups and follow-on offerings, and private share placements. Notable clients include the Philippines Securities and Exchange Commission, the ADB, Standard Chartered, Deutsche Bank, Chartis Insurance and the Jardine Group. Cristina Gil-Fernandez acted for 8990 Holdings in its issue of Php9 billion fixed-rate bonds. Gemma Santos and Frances Riturban advised Vista Land & Lifescapes on the establishment of the $1 billion medium term note (MTN) programme of its subsidiary VLL International and its guarantee of $300 million of notes issued under the MTN programme.

Romulo Mabanta Buenaventura Sayoc & De Los Angeles excels in a number of practices including capital markets. The team regularly advises clients on IPOs and regulations affecting the Philippine capital markets. Agustin Montilla and Cynthnia Roxas-del Castillo are the partners to note.

SyCip Salazar Hernandez & Gatmaitan is one of the leading firms in the Philippine legal market. Simeon Ferrer advised PNB Capital and Investment, BDO, Standard Chartered, China Banking Corporation, SB Capital Investment, Maybank ATR Kim Eng Capital Partners and RCBC on the Php7.3 billion offer for subscription and issue of fixed-rate bonds of South Luzon Tollway. Marievic Ramos-Añonuevo and Melyjane Bertillo-Ancheta advised AP Renewables on matters related to Philippine law in the issuance of a $225 million climate bond for the Tiwi-MakBan geothermal power facilities.

ACCRALAW offers expertise in advising on civil, administrative and criminal litigation arising from alleged violations of anti-monopoly and competition laws. “They have foreign trained lawyers who are familiar with competition,” says a peer. Partners with expertise in the practice include Leland Villadolid and Chrysilla Bautista.

Founder and managing partner Aris Gulapa lead the competition and antitrust practice at Gulapa Law Office, which advised Ayala Land on the effects of the Philippines’ Competition Act on the south integrated terminal system public-private partnership (PPP) project. In another matter, Gulapa is advising Aboitiz Equity Ventures and Vinci Airports on competition aspects of a bid for the financing and undertaking of the expansion, operation and maintenance of five regional airports in the Philippines.

Rocky Reyes leads the competition and antitrust practice at SyCip Salazar Hernandez & Gatmaitan. The firm has been advising clients on risks of non-compliance with various aspects of the new Philippine Competition Act. Of special concern for clients is the merger notification regime for transactions of more than Php5 billion.

Victor Lazatin and George Aquino of ACCRALAW are representing DMCI Project Developers in a dispute in the Supreme Court regarding the Torre de Manila, a residential condominium development. The Order of the Knights of Rizal sued DMCI to demolish the Php2.7 billion development because of its effect on heritage preservation.

Polo Pantaleon leads the real estate team at Castillo Laman Tan Pantaleon & San Jose. He has advised clients such as Fuego Development, Greenfield Development and Ascendas Property. “They are very business and results oriented,” says a peer.

Cruz Marcelo & Tenefrancia assists developers in real estate transactions and construction projects, including commercial, residential, industrial and mixed-use properties. Pancho Umali advised Goldenwill on the public bidding for the purchase of Fort Bonifacio lands, worth Php1.04 billion.

Gatmaytan Yap Patacsil Gutierrez & Protacio has a highly respected construction practice, especially for public private partnerships (PPPs). The firm has advised clients such as Ayala Land and Megaworld Corporation. Aris Gulapa has left the practice to set up his own firm.

At Gulapa Law Office, managing partner Aris Gulapa is advising a consortium on the bid for the north-south railway PPP project that will link Metro Manila with provinces in southern Luzon. The firm advises private sector clients on acquiring rights to develop government properties and to lease them out to other private parties.

Picazo Buyco Tan Fider & Santos has a notable real estate practice that advises on the acquisition, lease, development and disposition of real estate. Adelina Gatdula and Paul Salanga are the main partners in the practice.

Romulo Mabanta Buenaventura Sayoc & De Los Angeles advises on land ownership and lease of government lands, particularly for foreign investors. Joaquin Sayoc and Ronaldo Ventura are important contacts.

SyCip Salazar Hernandez & Gatmaitan’s construction and real estate practice is prominent in complex transactions. Practice head Rocky Reyes is advising private property developer Filinvest Land on a 288-hectare development in Clark Green City.

ACCRALAW’s corporate practice is well known for its expertise in establishing complex business ventures, structuring corporate vehicles for foreign investments and resolving intra-corporate disputes. Senior partner Eusebio Tan and Tadeo Hilado are the names to note.

Castillo Laman Tan Pantaleon & San Jose is known in the Philippines for its corporate and commercial work, including ownership structures, tax considerations and M&A deals. Noel Laman’s strength in handling M&A, foreign investments and IP is highly regarded. Polo Pantaleon specialises in corporate law, cross-border investments, real estate and general business advisory. The corporate and commercial team advised CRH, an Irish multinational construction materials company, on the partnership with Aboitiz Equity Ventures in the acquisition of Lafarge’s business in the Philippines. Dina Lucenario and Mel Macaraig are also notable partners.

Clients praise the “excellent” lawyers in the corporate and M&A practice of Cruz Marcelo & Tenefrancia. “Aida Roxas-Rivera is an excellent lawyer and communicator,” says a client. “Aida is experienced, knowledgeable, reliable and service-orientated,” says a client. “Aida and Rosa Bagtas excelled in analysing complex legal, regulatory and commercial issues and providing us with clear guidance. In addition to their professionalism, they were both unflappable professionals who showed a consistent ability to work under stress and still produce quality work. It was a pleasure to work with them and we would gladly do so again in the future,” says another client. Roxas-Rivera and Bagtas advised Aboitiz Equity Ventures on the Php1 billion acquisition of the majority interest in PETNET, a Western Union agent network in the Philippines.

Mark Gorriceta leads the corporate/M&A practice at Gorriceta Africa Cauton & Saavedra. He advised consumer technology company Xurpas on the acquisition of technology company Storm Flex System. In another deal, he advised Xurpas on the acquisition of a stake in gaming platform Match Me.

Gulapa Law Office advised Research and Technology Laboratories in the joint venture negotiations and vehicle structuring with The Harvestry Group. The firm is advising the Philippine government and private sector clients on their joint venture in the water industry. Founder Aris Gulapa is the name to note.

Picazo Buyco Tan Fider & Santos has a strong corporate and M&A practice that provides advice on a range of commercial transactions, including joint ventures, capital restructuring, corporate acquisitions and privatisations. Esther Gacutan acted for Macquarie Infrastructure in the acquisition of San Carlos Solar Energy. Benny Tan advised Apex Mining on the acquisition of a 98% stake in Itogon Suyoc Resources. Antonio Picazo and Gemma Santos are leading practitioners in the team. Senior partner Estrelita Gacutan has acted for global brands Mitsubishi, San Miguel and Kirin Brewery.

Led by managing partner Carlos Platon and Hector Martinez, the corporate and M&A team at Platon Martinez Flores San Pedro Leaño handles all aspects of corporate formation and reorganisation, M&A, joint ventures, spin-offs and corporate due diligence investigations. Martinez is also the head of the taxation and banking practices of the firm.

Headed by Raymund Rodriguez, the corporate and M&A group at Poblador Bautista & Reyes advises clients on corporate organisation, compliance and the regulatory aspects of asset and share acquisitions. 

Puyat Jacinto & Santos Law Offices has a solid position in the M&A sector. Ramil Bugayong advised Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi UFJ on the acquisition of 20% of the voting stock of Security Bank Corporation for a total investment of Php36.9 billion. Rachelle Diaz-Tan is also a partner to note.

Romulo Mabanta Buenaventura Sayoc & De Los Angeles’s corporate and M&A team advises clients on business formation, regulatory compliance, international joint ventures and strategic alliances. The practice advised Lafarge on the acquisition of its Philippine business by Aboitiz Equity Ventures and CRH. It also advised the Bankers Association of the Philippines on the Philippine Stock Exchange’s acquisition of a 100% equity interest in the Philippine Dealing System (PDS). The association is an organisation of Philippine banks that hold shares in PDS in trust for its members. Augustin Montilla, Perry Pe and Ricardo Romulo are the partners to note.

SyCip Salazar Hernandez & Gatmaitan has carved out a strong reputation in M&A. Rose King-Dominguez advised Aboitiz Power, SunEdison and San Carlos Sun Power on the acquisition of an equity interest in Sacasun, a solar power developer. Simeon Ferrer and Arlene Maneja advised The Philippine Stock Exchange on the acquisition of the PDS. Franco Larcina joined the partnership in 2016.

ACCRALAW’s litigation and dispute resolution practice is highly reputable. Led by Ramon Samson, the team specialises in international and domestic arbitration, complex commercial litigation, and disputes in the energy and utilities industries. Victor Lazatin, former managing partner and now of counsel, is one of the best-known arbitration lawyers in the Philippines. He and George Aquino represented Smartmatic-TIM against the Commission on Elections about the validity of a Php1.72 billion contract of lease, with an option to purchase, for 23,000 machine readers. Samson and Antonio Nachura advised Flo Water Resources Iloilo on a Php97 million dispute with Metro Iloilo Water District over failure to pay for water delivered under a water supply contract.

Castillo Laman Tan Pantaleon & San Jose has a notable dispute resolution and litigation practice. The firm handles civil, commercial, criminal and tax litigation before judicial and quasi-judicial bodies. Roberto Dio is the partner to note.

Led by Rodel Cruz, Cruz Marcelo & Tenefrancia’s dispute resolution practice has earned unanimous plaudits from clients. The firm has advised clients such as Pilipinas Shell, Bank of Philippine Islands and Philippine National Bank. “They are responsive, cooperative and personal and they share our corporate mission and values,” says a client. “Elmar Galacio and Daryl Chua are highly competent,” says a client.

Gatmaytan Yap Patacsil Gutierrez & Protacio has made a niche for itself in energy, construction and infrastructure disputes. Long-term clients include Lopez Group and Aboitiz Group, two power generation companies. “They are very good in the energy space,” says a peer. “Ben Yap is highly responsive and has lots of energy,” says a client.

The strengths of Poblador Bautista & Reyes’s dispute resolution practice lie in real estate, commercial and insolvency litigation. Alexander Poblador, Mario Bautista and Gilbert Reyes are notable contacts.

Puno & Puno has a strong presence in litigation and dispute resolution, especially in the energy and infrastructure sectors. The team has expertise in criminal, insolvency and commercial litigation in addition to arbitration and mediation. Regis Puno and Helena Rosales-Calo are the partners to note.

Puyat Jacinto & Santos Law Offices has carved out a good reputation for itself in dispute resolution in energy, infrastructure, banking and finance, and business process outsourcing. The practice is advising Quezon Power, Masinloc Power Partners and SEM Calaca Power, all power generation companies, about a dispute with Power Sector Assets and Liabilities Management Corporation regarding Manila Electric’s price hike. Fidel Valeros is advising American IT company HP on various litigation matters.

Quiason Makalintal Barot Torres Ibarra Sison & Damaso’s litigation practice is led by Orenico Ibarra. He regularly advises on petitions for rehabilitations, suspensions of payments, liquidations, enforcement of contracts and tort damages. The team handles commercial litigation before the appellate courts and various administrative bodies.

Romulo Mabanta Buenaventura Sayoc & De Los Angeles is well known for its broad expertise in handling civil, criminal, administrative and regulatory commercial disputes. The practice also has extensive experience in international commercial arbitration matters. Jacinto Jimenez and Louie Ogsimer are notable contacts.

Headed by Ricardo Ongkiko, SyCip Salazar Hernandez & Gatmaitan’s extensive litigation and dispute resolution practice excels in arbitration and litigation. Emmanuel Lombos is advising Light Rail Manila and Metro Rail Transit on Supreme Court petitions challenging the reduction of government fare subsidies in Manila. “Emmanuel has a brilliant mind, is a strategic thinker, and defends his clients to the best of his considerable ability,” says a client. Carlos Lopez is advising George SyCip on an intra-corporate dispute involving a listed food company’s Php1 billion stock rights offering. 

ACCRALAW advises government agencies and private sector entities on PPPs in the natural resources and power sectors. The practice is advising a number of clients on renewable energy projects. Eusebio Tan is the partner to note.

Gatmaytan Yap Patacsil Gutierrez & Protacio is advising Therma Visayas on the financing of a Php32 billion 300-MW coal-fired power plant in Cebu. Jaime Gatmaytan heads the energy, social infrastructure and utilities department, while Norma Patacsil leads on projects in mining, transport and utilities.

Picazo Buyco Tan Fider & Santos’s energy and natural resources practice advises a number of mining companies and also has clients in the coal power and renewable energy industries. Estrelita Gacutan is the main partner for the practice.

Puyat Jacinto & Santos Law Offices’s energy practice excels in the Philippine legal market. Group head Monolisa Dimalanta and Najha Estrella are advising San Buenventura Power about the financing, development, construction and operation of a 400-megawatt (MW) coal-fired thermal power plant in Quezon. Dimalanta, Estrella and Joshua Paraiso are advising Quezon Power in matters relating to the operation of a 500-MW coal-fired thermal power plant also in Quezon.

At Quisumbing Torres, Elizabeth Opeña is advising a European solar energy company on its joint venture with a Philippine company to develop, construct and operate a 50-MW solar power plant in Central Philippines under a feed-in-tariff scheme. Dennis Quintero, head of mining, metals and natural resources, is advising Red Mountain Mining on the acquisition of Mindoro Resources’s copper and gold interests in the Philippines. Lourdes de Leon, head of energy and utilities, and Dennis Dimagiba, a tax partner, are advising a subsidiary of a Chinese company on the transaction structuring, tax and regulatory matters related to the proposed design, construction and development of a wind power project in the Subic Bay Freeport Zone.

Romulo Mabanta Buenaventura Sayoc & De Los Angeles regularly advises clients involved in the exploration and development of natural resources, particularly on environmental law compliance and community clearance. Peter Pacheco is the main contact.

SyCip Salazar Hernandez & Gatmaitan has a top energy practice. “They are definitely a leader in the sector,” says a peer. Vicente Gerochi advised Hanwha Q Cells Korea on the $50 million 25-MW Digos Solar power project. The project involved pre-financing and entering into engineering, procurement and construction agreements, including the entitlement to feed-in tariff rates under the Renewable Energy Law. Hector De Leon and Angel Salita advised banks DBS, Mizuho and Standard Chartered on the $435 million multi-facility project financing for SMC Consolidated Power’s 300-MW coal-fired power plant in Bataan. Arlene Maneja advised Manila Electric on its 20-year power supply agreement with Redondo Peninsula Energy.

Romulo Mabanta Buenaventura Sayoc & De Los Angeles is well-respected by peers for its expertise in financial regulation. Ma Elena Hernandez-Cueva, Juan Tan and Ronaldo Ventura are important contacts.

The financial regulatory practice at SyCip Salazar Hernandez & Gatmaitan has advised clients such as UBS, HSBC, ANZ, JP Morgan Chase and Deutsche. Marievic Ramos-Añonuevo heads the practice.

SyCip Salazar Hernandez & Gatmaitan is well known for its expertise in advising international insurance companies on taking equity stakes in domestic insurance companies, M&A, regulatory and compliance matters, and insurance coverage disputes. The practice has advised clients such as ACE, AXA and Zurich. Rocky Reyes is the main contact.

ACCRALAW receives unanimous praise from peers for its IP practice. “They have an extensive range of clients,” says a peer. Recognised for its strength in litigation, the practice is also noted for representing local and foreign clients in registering and maintaining trade marks. “It is a very well-established firm with a long history,” says a peer. Alex Fider, head of IP and senior partner, is recognised for his handling of contentious matters. “Alex is highly recommended,” says a peer.

Esguerra & Blanco is a full service firm with an IP practice that focuses on advertising, food and drugs, and information and communications technology. Registration, technology transfer and licensing are some of the team’s strengths.  “This firm is very strong,” says a peer. The group handles filings and proceedings at the Intellectual Property Office and the Bureau of Food and Drugs about brand name clearance, product registration and consumer protection. Managing partner Ramon Esguerra is an important asset.

Name partner Editha Hechanova leads the IP practice at specialist firm Hechanova Bugay Vilchez & Andaya-Racadio. The firm is best known for its work in enforcement, opposition and litigation. The firm has advised clients such as Honda, Daimler and Sanyo Electric.

Poblador Bautista & Reyes’s IP team covers a range of matters, with contentious trade mark work garnering the most attention. The practice acts for clients in patent, utility models and industrial design prosecution, enforcement and litigation. Name partner Gilbert Reyes is one of the leading IP litigators in the Philippines.

Romulo Mabanta Buenaventura Sayoc & De Los Angeles’s IP practice handles patent filing, enforcement and litigation; trade marks; copyright and domain names. The team also advises on e-commerce, cyberspace and software matters. Overseeing the practice is Rogelio Nicandro, an experienced litigator and arbitrator in IP, banking and insurance.

SyCip Salazar Hernandez & Gatmaitan’s IP practice regularly advises clients in the retail, pharmaceuticals, medical devices, electronics, food, cosmetics and hospitality industries. On the trade mark side, the team provides portfolio management, protection and enforcement for clients, such as global brands Roche, Abbott Laboratories, Rolex, Gap and Coach. Enrique Manuel and Vida Panganiban-Alindogan are the names to note.

ACCRALAW is known for its expertise in dealing with internet, privacy, fraud, cyberspace and information technology. The firm has advised media entities before regulatory bodies, such as the Movie and Television Review and Classification Board and the courts on advertising, entertainment and libel. Alex Fider is the leading lawyer for the practice.

Disini & Disini Law Office’s specialty has been IT, telecommunications and media since the firm was founded in 2000. The practice has been advising Rappler, a Manila online news platform, on media issues, including a freedom of expression case before the Supreme Court. The case was filed against the Commission on Elections for granting presidential and vice presidential debates only to the nation’s largest commercial television companies. Disini has also been advising Naspers Classified on OLX, its online classifieds platform, on data privacy and service provider liability. “JJ Disini is very knowledgeable, hands-on with cases and is reachable when needed for advice,” says a client. “Work with Mr. Disini was professionally conducted. Deliverables under the contract were performed exceedingly well. Mr. Disini was, in all interactions, helpful, attentive and responsive,” says another client.

SyCip Salazar Hernandez & Gatmaitan regularly advises clients on regulatory, licensing and M&A matters in IT, telecommunications and media. The firm has advised on electronic payment systems, data protection, advertisements and promotional content. Rose King-Dominguez and Franco Larcina are notable partners.

ACCRALAW’s labour and employment practice advises on a wide range of labour issues, including disputes, administrative investigations, restructuring programmes and collective bargaining negotiations. “I would recommend them for the breadth of industries they cover,” says a peer. Emiterio Manibog is handling a number of disputes involving termination and labour standards for Coca-Cola. Ernesto Añasco is assisting Canon Business Machines on labour contracts.

Castillo Laman Tan Pantaleon & San Jose has a notable labour and immigration practice. The group advises on matters related to labour relations, employee benefits and contracts, and labour disputes. The firm has handled contentious matters related to unions and job security issues from mergers, consolidations and multi-bargaining unit enterprises. Rommel Cuison, Regina Gamboa-Pimentel and Enrique Galang are important contacts.

Grace Quevedo-Panagsagan leads the labour practice at Platon Martinez Flores San Pedro Leaño. The firm regularly advises employers on employment agreements, discipline and employee termination matters, drafting and negotiating agreements with labour unions. Notable clients include Merck and Coca-Cola.

Puyat Jacinto & Santos Law Offices provides reputable legal advice in employment benefits, labour standards, union activities and business process outsourcing support. There is a strong focus on handling internal investigations for multinational clients. The practice has advised a global audit and advisory firm on handling fraud investigations and labour law requirements for disciplinary action proceedings. Joseph Castillo is the main partner.

Romulo Mabanta Buenaventura Sayoc & De Los Angeles’s labour and employment practice covers compliance, litigation, occupational health and safety, union relations and immigration requirements for overseas employment. Enriquito Mendoza is the partner to note.

SyCip Salazar Hernandez & Gatmaitan has a strong labour and employment team. The practice advises clients in various areas, including arbitration, employee retention and disciplinary action. Dante Pamintuan advised Ingram Micro on employment litigation. Leslie Dy advised Makati Medical Center on collective bargaining negotiations. “Leslie is knowledgeable and extremely responsive,” says a client.

In the projects and infrastructure sector, Castillo Laman Tan Pantaleon & San Jose is best known for its work in mass transportation. Mel Macaraig is the partner to note.

Cruz Marcelo & Tenefrancia is known for its expertise in navigating the tender and procurement processes of projects on mass transport, bulk water supply and toll roads. Manuel Manligod and Pancho Umali are advising the Public-Private Partnership Center and the Department of Transportation and Communication on the Php170 billion North-South Railway project and the $180 million upgrade of the San Fernando Airport.

At Gatmaytan Yap Patacsil Gutierrez & Protacio, Norma Margarita Patacsil is advising the International Finance Corporation, which together with the Development Bank of the Philippines, are the transaction advisers to the Department of Transportation and Communications and Light Rail Transit Authority for the LRT Line 2 PPP in Manila. Jaime Gatmaytan is advising EY, which is adviser to the Department of Transportation and Communications, on the 19-km LRT Line 6 project. The firm advised Ayala Land on the bidding for the financing, design, construction and operation of an $88.9 million south integrated transport system project in metropolitan Manila.

Formed in September 2015, Gulapa Law Office was established by infrastructure expert Aris Gulapa after he left Gatmaytan Yap Patacsil Gutierrez & Protacio. Gulapa is advising Ayala Land on a PPP. The firm is also advising the Maya Consortium consisting of Aboitiz Equity Ventures and VINCI Airports on the bid for the bundled regional airports PPP.

Puyat Jacinto & Santos Law Offices is a market leader in infrastructure law. Gwen Grecia-de Vera successfully advised NATS Services on its Php66 million bid for the Ninoy Aquino International Airport runway optimisation project. Grecia-de Vera and Jomar Castillo are advising the Department of Transportation and Communication about the competitive selection for the rehabilitation of the existing 13.8-km Light Rail Transit System (LRT) Line 2 and its proposed 4.19-km east extension, both through a PPP model.

Headed by Pearl Liu, Quisumbing Torres’s energy, mining and infrastructure group has earned a solid reputation for its cross-border capabilities in practices including finance, corporate, tax and environmental law. Dennis Quintero is advising one of Korea’s largest banks and the investment banking arm of another large Korean bank on a multi-billion dollar waste incineration plant project.

Romulo Mabanta Buenaventura Sayoc & De Los Angeles regularly advises investors, contractors, banks and institutions on projects. Perry Pe and Peter Pacheco handle a variety of PPPs and build-operate-transfer transactions.

SyCip Salazar Hernandez & Gatmaitan is involved in many mass railway transit, toll road and water system infrastructure projects in the Philippines. Arlene Maneja is advising the Philippine Airports Consortium on the pre-qualification and bidding for airport development, operations and maintenance for the Bacolod-Silay and Iloilo Airports and the Davao, Laguindingan and New Bohol (Panglao) Airports, all totalling $2.4 billion. Maneja also advised Metro Pacific Tollways Development on the $516 million connector road project between North Luzon and South Luzon expressways. She is also advising Team Polaris on the pre-qualification and bidding for the $542 million Bulacan bulk water project.

ACCRALAW has a leading insolvency and restructuring practice. Senior partner Francisco Lim and Oliver Pantaleon represented STI Education Systems in a Php799 million restructuring matter. It involved filing oppositions against Philippine Women’s University and a petition for involuntary rehabilitation. The Rehabilitation Court issued an order denying the rehabilitation and commencement order, which would otherwise have restrained creditors such as STI from foreclosing on the university’s mortgaged properties.

At Gulapa Law Office, Aris Gulapa acted as the court-appointed rehabilitation receiver of Philippine Phosphate Fertiliser. The firm is also advising clients on the restructuring of foreign-invested enterprises by creating separate investment vehicles for carved-out business activities. Some of the firm’s clients include food service manufacturing company Duke Manufacturing and manufacturing services company Pivot International.

Del Rosario & Del Rosario is a specialist maritime firm with a strong reputation. The firm has advised clients such as Royal Caribbean Cruises, Star Bulk Carriers and OSM Maritime Services. “Charles Cruz was attentive and speedy,” says a client. “Joseph Rebano delegates well and pays attention to details,” says a client. “Saben Loyola is creative but keeps things simple,” says another client.

Established as a specialist aviation law firm, Ocampo Manalo Bernabe Valdez & Lim has grown into a full service firm. “They are very strong in aviation,” says a peer. With two decades of experience in transportation law, the firm regularly represents major transportation companies about traffic rights, franchises, charter permits, accident insurance, joint ventures and commercial agreements. Clients include Qatar Airways, Turkish Airlines, DHL Airways and Nippon Express. Manolito Manalo is the co-founder and managing partner.

SyCip Salazar Hernandez & Gatmaitan’s expertise extends across aviation and maritime law. The practice advises on the acquisition and disposition of vessels, ship financing, liability and claims relating to collisions, as well as aircraft finance and leasing transactions. Domingo Castillo is a notable partner.

Ruby Yusi leads the tax department at ACCRALAW. The firm advises in a range of areas, including tax advisory matters, compliance audits, claims for refunds and representations in tax cases.

Du-Baladad & Associates is a specialist tax firm that offers a variety of advice on topics including tax disputes and litigation; planning; compliance and advocacy. “The firm is very professional and knows our company’s needs,” says a client. Benedicta Du-Baladad, managing partner and CEO, is a certified public accountant and lawyer with more than 25 years of experience in taxation and corporate law. Senior partner Fulvio Dawilan represented real estate developer Dakudao & Sons in litigation to invalidate the imposition of value added taxes on tax-free exchanges of properties. “Irwin Nidea is competent and knowledgeable,” says a client.

Ruel Soriano, Benedict Tugonon and Wilfrido Sanchez lead the tax practice at Quiason Makalintal Barot Torres Ibarra Sison & Damaso. Notable clients include Levi Strauss, Rizal Commercial Banking and Lopez Holdings.

Romulo Mabanta Buenaventura Sayoc & De Los Angeles has a notable tax practice that offers a broad range of services, including advice on refunds and planning. Priscilla Valer leads the practice.

Tax forms an important part of Salvador Llanillo & Bernardo’s legal services. It is known for its advocacy and litigation skills. Managing partner Serafin Salvador is the name to note.

Headed by Rolando Medalla Jr, SyCip Salazar Hernandez & Gatmaitan’s tax practice offers expertise in corporate transactions and defends clients against tax and custom duty assessments. Clients include companies in the banking, construction and insurance sectors.

Lily Gruba leads Zambrano & Gruba’s well-known tax practice. Antero Caganda is representing Philippine National Bank in a tax refund case pending before the Supreme Court. Angelo Advincula represented retailer Puregold Duty Free in having value-added and excise tax assessments set aside.