Philippines

Angara Abello Concepcion Regala & Cruz (ACCRALAW), led by Judy Hao, acted for Standard Chartered Bank in updating BDO Unibank’s medium term note programme and the issuance of $3 billion in senior notes due in 2021. Francisco Lim and Aison Velasco advised ASA Philippines Foundation on the issuance of up to Php2 billion in corporate notes which are guaranteed by the Credit Guarantee and Investment Facility. This was the largest issuance of notes by a microfinance institution in the Philippines.

Gatmaytan Yap Patacsil Gutierrez & Protacio assisted the Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi UFJ (as agent for itself and for other international lenders) in financing Therma Power’s acquisition of the partnership interests in GNPower Mariveles Coal Plant and GNPower Dinginin which increased the Aboitiz Group’s generation assets. Jaime Gatmaytan was the lead partner on this deal.

Martinez Vergara Gonzalez & Serrano (MVGS) is known for its strong relationship with one of the largest banks in Philippines. Banking and finance is the firm’s core practice  and is led by Mark Vergara, who has particular expertise in project finance and the power sector, and  often advises on M&A and other foreign investments.

Puyat Jacinto & Santos Law Offices worked on the same transaction: Ramil Bugayong, who heads the banking and finance practice, and Monalisa Dimalanta advised on AboitizPower Corporation’s acquisition of beneficial interests of the Blackstone Group, an US private equity firm, in GNPower Mariveles Coal Plant and GNPower Dinginin through its holding firm Therma Power. Bugayong also represented Rizal Bank, a microfinance-oriented rural bank, in relation to the equity investments by Bank of the Philippines.

“SyCip Salazar Hernandez & Gatmaitan is very reliable firm with talented partners. They deliver excellent and accurate work even on very tight and demanding schedules,” says a client. Marievic Ramos-Anonuevo and Maria Jennifer Barreto advised BDO Unibank and BDO Capital & Investment Corporation on a highly innovative transaction   involving the extension by BDO Unibank of a Php37.6 billion ($734.9 million) term loan facility to Tiger Resort Leisure and Entertainment. This was the biggest loan ever made by a single Philippine bank to a borrower.

Zambrano & Gruba’s banking and finance team is headed by Lily Gruba and has particular strength in advising banks on multibillion dollar loans in project financing matters. Gruba advised Asia United Bank on regular loan operations including preparing, reviewing and finalising loan and collateral documentation. Angelo Advincula and Jorge Melo were appointed as corporate secretary and general counsel of Philippine Bank of Communications respectively.

ACCRALAW led by Francisco Lim and Judy Hao advised international investors on BDO Unibank’s sale of Php60 billion-worth of shares to existing shareholders. This was the biggest rights offer made to date in the Philippines market. The team also advised BDO Capital & Investment Corporation on behalf of all underwriters on the registration and offer of Php50 billion of fixed rate retail bonds of SM Investments Corporation.

Mark Gorriceta is the managing partner of Gorriceta Africa Cauton & Saavedra. The firm has acted as lead legal counsel to either the issuer or underwriter of several listing applications at the Philippine stock exchange. Its most recent clients include Xeleb Technologies, Philab Holdings and Now Corporation. Gorriceta advised Audiowav Media on its listing application with the Philippine Stock Exchange to raise Php2.5 billion for its IPO. This is the first sensory branding tech company to be listed in Southeast Asia.

Ramil Bugayong, the head of the capital markets practice at Puyat Jacinto & Santos Law Offices, represented BPI Capital Corporation and RCBC Capital Corporation, joint underwriters, on various bond issues by DoubleDragon Properties. Maria Chavez advised Aboitiz Equity Ventures on the sale of 63 million common shares held in treasury worth $100 million. 

Agustin Montilla at Romulo Mabanta Buenaventura Sayoc & De Los Angeles advised Ayala Land on listing Php8 billion-worth of fixed rate bonds, the maiden tranche of its Php50 billion debt securities programme,  on the Philippine Dealing and Exchange (PDEx)-organised secondary market. This was the largest shelf registration programme approved by the Philippine Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to date. Perry Pe acted for Cemex Holdings Philippines in its Php25 billion IPO at Php10.75 per share, one of the country’s largest-ever IPOs.

Clients frequently mention Melyjane Bertillo-Ancheta, Marievic Ramos-Anonuevo and Vicente Gerochi of SyCip Salazar Hernandez & Gatmaitan. “She [Ancheta] is very diligent; contributes valuable inputs for decision making and good in anticipating client’s needs,” a client remarks. “Marievic is an industry expert and provides valuable inputs for decision making,” adds the client. The firm advised Shakey’s Pizza Asia Ventures in its primary and secondary offer of 306 million shares, with an over-allotment option of up to 50 million shares. Shakey’s IPO was one of the fastest to be approved in the SEC’s history. 

ACCRALAW is one of the busiest advisers on competition and antitrust. The firm advised Sports Direct International in securing a merger clearance from the Philippine competition commission. Christianne Salonga, James Alojado and Korina Manibog also assisted in obtaining a merger clearance for KWA Investments, a subsidiary of Bayer, which is merging with, Monsanto.

Gatmaytan Yap Patacsil Gutierrez & Protacio advised Altor, a leading Swedish private-equity company and Mannheimer Swartling, its Swedish counsel, in notifying the Philippine Competition Commission (PCC) of an Altor affiliate’s acquisition of Transcom through a public tender offer. The firm has acted for many global groups in merger clearances.

Aris Gulapa, the founder and head of the practice at Gulapa Law Office, advised Philippine AXA Life Insurance Corporation on securing post-acquisition clearance from the PCC. Gulapa also advised Ayala Land on the various conditions of a concession agreement under the Philippine Competition Act. 

Quisumbing Torres’ competition group is comprised of corporate & commercial, and dispute resolution lawyers with an in-depth understanding of clients’ business activities and experience in dealing with competition-related issues. Under Christina Macasaet-Acaban’s leadership, the team advised a leading global healthcare company on antitrust considerations relating to its distribution agreement with a well-known distributor of pharmaceutical products in the Philippines. Mia Imperial co-heads the team.

Due to the evolving competition and antitrust regime in the country, Romulo Mabanta Buenaventura Sayoc & De Los Angeles has been in demand regularly with clients for advisory work. Carlos Tayag, the head of the practice, has advised Partners Group, Shangtex and Luen Thai Holdings on various antitrust matters including merger notifications. 

SyCip Salazar Hernandez & Gatmaitan’s competition and antitrust practice group is under the joint leadership of Rocky Reyes and Ricardo Ongkiko. The team acted for Sanofi in securing clearance from the PCC for its purchase of Boehringer Ingelheim’s consumer healthcare business of through a business swap, where Boehringer Ingelheim proposed to acquire Sanofi’s animal health business. This was the first merger clearance issued by PCC after the enactment of the implementing rules and regulations of the Philippine Competition Act.

Led by Jaime Gatmaytan, the construction and real estate team at Gatmaytan Yap Patacsil Gutierrez & Protacio advised PwC on the civil registry system information technology project phase 2, only the second of two IT government projects commenced under the public-private partnership (PPP) framework. This innovative matter involves not only delivery of a physical information technology system but also software development. Gatmaytan also assisted Ernst & Young Solutions in the light rail transit line 6 project, which extends the line to the south of Metro Manila.

Gulapa Law Office, led by Aris Gulapa, acted for APO Agua Infrastructura (a joint venture between Aboitiz Equity Ventures and JV Angeles Construction Corporation) in its joint venture with the Davao City Water District to implement one of the biggest bulk water supply projects in Philippines, the country’s first such system fully powered by renewable energy. Gulapa and Charmaine Haw-Lim represented Aboitiz InfraCapital in preparing its prequalification documents for a regional airports project.

Picazo Buyco Tan Fider & Santos’s real estate practice provides legal advice on acquisition, lease, development and disposition. The firm’s key clients include Ayala Land, Greenfield Development and Pacific Mall. Adelina Gatdula is the main partner in the practice.

Quisumbing Torres’ construction group is headed by Donemark Calimon, while Elizabeth Opeña leads the real estate practice. The firm advised a joint venture between two Japanese engineering and construction companies in connection with shareholder issues in its local construction company. The practice proposed a restructuring of the local construction company and advised on its compliance with the foreign ownership regulations of the Philippine Contractors Accreditation Boards. Calimon is an accredited arbitrator of the Construction Industry Arbitration Commission and recently chaired the arbitral tribunals in two construction arbitrations.

The real estate practice at Romulo Mabanta Buenaventura Sayoc & De Los Angeles advises foreign investors on their real estate and construction investments. Dino De Los Angeles heads the real estate practice group.

SyCip Salazar Hernandez & Gatmaitan acted for the Erawan Group, a major hospitality and hotel developer in Thailand, in its various hotel construction and management projects in the Philippines. The team led by Marievic Ramos-Añonuevo advised on the due diligence, negotiation and documentation of the different contracts including leasing, licence and royalty agreements. The firm is also involved in the development of a commercial and residential condominium in the Fort Bonifacio Global City in Metro Manila, assisting a leading Japanese retail company which will manage the retail sector of the development.

ACCRALAW acted as Philippine counsel to Dell in connection with the sale of Dell Services, its IT services subsidiary, to NTT Data. Judy Hao acted for Roper Technologies in its merger with Project Diamond. Hao is described as “very open to client’s needs and makes sure client gets what it wants without compromising quality of work.”

Clients describe Castillo Laman Tan Pantaleon & San Jose as having “good experience and track record on handling corporate related matters such as requirements of Corporate Law and Security Exchange Commission”. Alvin Geli is appreciated by a client for his knowledge and practical legal opinions. Melina Gutierrez is mentioned for her expertise on corporate law-related matters concerning compliance with the local SEC’s requirements.

The corporate team at Cruz Marcelo & Tenefrancia is “diligent, hardworking and easy to get along with”, says a client. Pancho Umali represented Goldenwill in the acquisition of unused air development rights from another real estate developer. “The team gives prompt advice which is in keeping with the latest developments in law,” a client notes.

Clients have high praise for Mark Gutierrez of Gatmaytan Yap Patacsil Gutierrez & Protacio. “He is extremely knowledgeable in regards to corporate structuring and is very accessible,” says one client. Norma Patacsil advised Cargill Philippines, a leading American agriculture company, and Sidley Austin, its foreign counsel, on joint venture agreements with Jollibee Foods to set up and operate the Philippines’ largest poultry processing plant.

Puyat Jacinto & Santos Law Offices advised Marubeni Group through its Philippine subsidiary Axia Power Holdings Philippines Corporation on the purchase of a 20% stake in Southern Luzon Thermal Energy Corporation, operator of a 2x135-MW thermal power plant in Calaca, Batangas. Najha Estrella was the lead partner in the transaction.

Quisumbing Torres (member firm of Baker McKenzie) regularly acts for multinational companies in divestitures, incorporations, M&A and regulatory affairs. “The team adapts quickly to different regulatory situations and is not afraid to roll up their sleeves and liaise with regulators where necessary,” a client remarks. Dennis Quintero frequently wins praise for his familiarity with local and global laws. Clients appreciate Leo Dominguez for his exceptional experience with government and related parliamentary Acts. Quintero advised Allianz on post-closing and operational matters in relation to the completed acquisition of a controlling interest in a major local commercial bank’s life insurance business in the Philippines. Alain Charles Veloso is praised for his “good client counselling skills and legal competence”.

Leading law firm Romulo Mabanta Buenaventura Sayoc & De Los Angeles has a well-respected corporate and M&A practice that handles matters such as international joint ventures, strategic alliances and regulatory compliance. Agustin Montilla and Carlos Tayag acted for Globe Fintech Innovations in the first investment by Ant Financial Services Group, an Alibaba Group affiliate, in the Philippines. Cynthia Castillo advised Globe Telecom when it and PLDT (Philippine Long Distance Telephone) bought San Miguel’s telecoms assets for $1.5 billion, the country’s biggest deal in nearly three years. The team also advised Woori Bank, a leading Korean bank, on its acquisition of Wealth Development Bank, the first purchase of a local bank by a foreign bank under the new liberalised banking investment laws.

As the largest commercial law firm in the country, SyCip Salazar Hernandez & Gatmaitan is well-regarded for its expertise in M&A, joint ventures, corporate compliance and governance. Marievic Ramos-Anonuevo, Rose King-Dominguez, Franco Larcina and Aaron Riturban represented San Miguel on the acquisition, mentioned above under Romulo Mabanta Buenaventura Sayoc & De Los Angeles, of its telecoms assets by the PLDT and Globe Telecoms, the two main Philippines telecoms operators. Maria Teresa Mercado-Ferrer advised Tim Hortons International on a joint venture agreement for the establishment of Tim Hortons Quick Service Restaurants in the Philippines with TH APAC Holdings.

ACCRALAW is highly respected and well-known for its ability in dispute resolution and litigation. Francisco Lim and Oliver Pantaleon acted for STI Education Systems Holdings, the largest creditor of the Philippine Women’s University (PWU), in foreclosure proceedings on PWU’s properties and opposing the petition for the rehabilitation of PWU filed by another creditor. Victor Lazatin and George Aquino successfully represented Smartmatic – TIM Corporation in the High Court concerning validity of the Php1.72 billion contract of lease awarded by the Commission on Elections during preparation for the 2016 national elections, thus ensuring the nationwide automation of the voting.

Cruz Marcelo & Tenefrancia’s litigation and dispute resolution practice is highly reputable. Led by Simeon Marcelo and Rodel Cruz, the team advised the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry in an important litigation involving significant regulatory changes and restructuring of the domestic power sector. The case involves stopping implementation of new policy by the Department of Energy and the Energy Regulatory Commission regulating big power consumers to source their electricity supply from retail electricity suppliers. “The team makes it a point to pre-clear major pleadings with me and provides prompt status reports after hearings. They also provide support during major discussions with concerned government entities,” says one client.

Gatmaytan Yap Patacsil Gutierrez & Protacio’s dispute resolution and litigation team is described as “thorough, committed and diligent”. Ben Yap, Jesus Protacio and Jess Lopez advised First Philippine Electric Corporation and First Philec Solar Corporation on a dispute arising from their joint venture agreement and a solar wafer slicing agreement. The matter was concluded after the parties entered into a compromise agreement where the opponent paid the clients more than $50 million to settle the matter.

“Quisumbing Torres provides practical legal advice that was flexible to accommodate to the business’ needs,” says a client. “The team always delivers more than we expect,” the client adds. Ramon Quisumbing, the managing partner, is representing two of the world’s leading chemical companies in several damages and tort cases filed by several thousand banana plantation workers, which together constitute possibly the biggest such suits in the Philippines.

“SyCip Salazar Hernandez & Gatmaitan is a top tier firm in the Philippines and has a solid reputation for delivering quality legal service. Their litigation team is best in the field,” says a client. Another client adds: “SyCip is by reputation deemed to be the biggest and best practice in the country. Their senior team is very experienced in local issues and can, when required, provide speedy resolution to issues and challenges.” The team acted for Filminera Resources against petitioners claiming the client damaged the environment and that it should stop its mining operations until the alleged damage was resolved. This important case comes as President Duterte’s administration has strongly conveyed pro-environment policies, increased audits and closed or suspended mining companies’ operations.

Zambrano & Gruba’s dispute resolution and litigation practice has a strong focus on tax. Angelo Advincula represented De La Salle University in a consolidated Supreme Court case against the Bureau of Internal Revenue concerning assessment for deficiencies in income tax, VAT and documentary stamp tax covering the taxable years 2001, 2002 and 2003. The team successfully argued in court and obtained reduced income tax and VAT bills for the client.

“Cruz Marcelo & Tenefrancia has an excellent natural resources group,” a client remarks. Patricia Bunye, Victor Pangilinan and Pancho Umali advised Sagittarius Mines (one of six holders of Financial and Technical Assistance Agreements in the Philippines) on its available options regarding the cancellation of its environmental compliance certificate for the Tampakan copper-gold mining project in violation of its right to due process. One client appreciates Umali for his efficiency and broad knowledge of the law.

At Gatmaytan Yap Patacsil Gutierrez & Protacio, Ben Yap, Anthony Gutierrez and Cesar Santamaria advised ThermaPrime Drilling Corporation in negotiations with a Japanese company for a joint venture or other arrangements to undertake geothermal drilling activities in Japan. The firm is also advising on the project, which would be the first energy derivatives market in the country and second in South East Asia if it is implemented. A client praises the firm: “C&G Law is a very professional law firm, and I am very impressed by their works.”

“Puyat Jacinto & Santos Law Offices is the biggest and one of the strongest energy firms in Philippines,” says a peer. Luther Ramos and Fidel Valeros advised Masinloc Power Partners on the 300MW expansion of its coal-fired thermal power plant. The team advised on all aspects of regulatory and legal matters as well as obtaining permits for its battery energy storage projects. The team is assisting Quezon Power in relation to the operation of a 460MW coal-fired thermal power plant.

Lourdes de Leon and Dennis Quintero co-heads the energy and natural resources practice at Quisumbing Torres. “I worked with Dennis Quintero in relation to a potential matter in the Philippines. He gave advice on the oil and gas legal and regulatory regime in the country,” a client notes. Quintero acted for Lumino Capital on renewable projects, such as its potential investment in pellet mills for biomass projects and tree plantations in the Philippines. Alain Charles Veloso has been promoted to partner in July 2017.

SyCip Salazar Hernandez & Gatmaitan led by Arlene Maneja, acted for Manila Electric Company, the largest utility distributor in the Philippines, on complying with the new competitive selection process (CSP) regulations issued by the Energy Regulatory Commission. “They provide sound and practical legal advice that translates to concrete solutions to disputes with the government or private entities,” says a client.

Lily Gruba heads the energy and natural resources practice at Zambrano & Gruba. Angelo Advincula advised Union Energy Corporation on the joint development and operation of a 45MW hydro-electric power development in the Chico River and a 14MW hydro-electric power development in the Pantabangan River by entering into joint venture with a Philippine energy corporation.

An “excellent” IP practice group at ACCRALAW is led by Alex Fider. The team acted for Asian Honda Motor in obtaining civil search and seizure warrants on the basis of the client’s design and patent infringement. Nearly 200 motorcycle units were seized from the five retail stores and warehouses targeted. Aleli Quirino and John Gaba defended LOLANE, Seri Somboonsakdikul’s trade mark, in an opposition case before Supreme Court against Orlane. “The team has competent lawyers and they do really know the intricacies of the law,” says one client.

Bengzon Negre Untalan (BNU) is a highly respected, full service IP boutique firm serving  local businesses and global clients such as San Miguel, Nestlé, Apple and H & M. “Bengzon is very well known for both IP prosecution and litigation,” says a peer. The firm provides a range of IP services including advice on confidential information and trade secrets, domain name protection and technology transfer.

“Cruz Marcelo & Tenefrancia is known for its IP litigation capability,” a rival notes. Susan Villanueva and Divina Pedron acted for United Laboratories in a patent prosecution and contentious matter relating to anti-hypertension medicine that stopped the revival of a patent that had been abandoned for 13 years, allowing the market to remain open to benefit the public. Patricia Bunye represented Filinvest Land, a leading real estate developer in the Philippines, in a domain name dispute against a US corporation.

Del Rosario & Del Rosario assists various IT multinationals and world-famous brands in IP matters. Arturo Del Rosario advised Facebook and Instagram on the processing of oppositions to trade mark infringements. “Del Rosario is a small pro-active firm who dares to take a stand,” says a client. 

Hechanova Bugay Vilchez & Andaya-Racadio is a well-established IP specialist firm led by Editha Hechanova. She advised Hijos de Rivera, a Spanish brewery, in a trade mark opposition against Sociedad Anonima Damm (SA Damm). She also represented Parfums Christian Dior in an opposition case concerning its famous mark ‘J’adore’ against Suyen Corporation’s body spray and cologne product series trade mark.

Quisumbing Torres’ IP practice handles copyright, patent, trade mark and other IP transactions in a broad range of industries, including retail, consumer goods and data processing. Bienvenido Marquez III, the leader of the practice, successfully acted in a brand enforcement case for an American multinational software corporation that makes software for the architecture, engineering, construction, manufacturing, media, and entertainment industries against a Korean company based in the Philippines which was illegally using the client’s software without any licence. The action resulted in a record legalisation amount for a software copyright infringement cases in the Philippines.  Divina Ilas-Panganiban is another IP partner to note.

Clients and peers recognise the quality of SyCip Salazar Hernandez & Gatmaitan’s dedicated IP practice. “It is very hard to question SyCip’s ability in IP sector,” a peer comments. The team provides a full IP service to clients such as Colgate Palmolive, Merck and Biofarma from branding and trademark issues, and strategic IP portfolio management to protection and enforcement, infringement and unfair competition. Vida Panganiban-Alindogan represented Monde Nissin (Australia) in an opposition proceeding against registration of honey-infused skincare manufacturer BeeLove’s trade mark.

“Disini & Disini is known in the Philippines as the best at handling technology-related companies and cases,” says a pleased client. JJ Disini and Mark Parcia advised UnionBank of the Philippines on its partnerships and transactions with multiple fintech companies. The team was in charge of the documentation work and other legal matters including contracts which includes terms related to IP ownership, data privacy provisions and banking regulations. Disini also advised OLX Philippines on its launch of a consumer-to-consumer online marketplace platform.

Quisumbing Torres is the go-to firm for legal advice and assistance on the compliance of Philippine entities with the requirements of the implementing rules and regulations of the Data Privacy Act of 2012. Among Divina Ilas-Panganiban’s representative matters is the conduct for the world’s largest research-based pharmaceutical company of a due diligence review of the day-to-day procedure and examination of standard business forms and documents for compliance with the data privacy laws and regulations, and training the company’s key officers in data privacy and social media. “QT’s [Quisumbing Torres] international exposure and recognised expertise in the field gives us confidence to work and trust their advice,” says a client.

SyCip Salazar Hernandez & Gatmaitan is a well trusted partner for many of the largest local and international companies. Its technology, media & telecoms practice team, led by Emmanuel Lombos, Carlos Roberto Lopez and Franco Larcina, acted for PLDT in a landmark case which involved nationality requirements for telecoms entities and other public utilities.

ACCRALAW is particularly strong in defending corporations in disputes with employees. Emerico De Guzman and Clarence Valdecantos, acting for Procter & Gamble Philippines, obtained a favourable ruling from the Court of Appeals against employees alleging violations of labour standards laws, as a principle in contracting arrangements. Emiterio Manibog and Joy Leong-Pambid assisted Pilipinas Shell Petroleum Corporation in addressing a notice of strike filed by the union at its refinery arising from a deadlock in collective bargaining agreement negotiations, thereby preventing a strike threat.

“Del Rosario & Del Rosario provide prompt, extensive and accurate reply to legal questions and concern. They also accommodate any legitimate requests even on short notice,” says a client. Herbert Tria and Saben Loyola defended Intership Navigation against a claim for death benefits arising from the accidental death of a seafarer.

“I required recruitment and employment law advice and Gatmaytan Yap Patacsil Gutierrez & Protacio’s team was exceptionally responsive and lateral thinkers,” a client notes. Cesar Santamaria, Anthony Gutierrez and Ben Yap advised Thermaprime Drilling Corporation on the reconciliation of conflicting rules of the Philippines and Japan regarding staffing and contracting. Santamaria represented Hyder Consulting Middle East in an illegal dismissal case filed by an employee.

Kenneth Chua heads the Quisumbing Torres employment team. It represents various multinational companies, including business process outsourcing entities, in employment matters relating to their operations in the country. Johnson & Johnson is one of their key clients.  Gil Roberto Zerrudo and Eliseo Zuñiga, Jr. are key partners to note.

Siguion Reyna, Montecillo & Ongsiako is highly valued by peers as a representative labour firm in the country. “It is truly one of the strongest labour firms in Philippines. Without this firm, you cannot mention any other firms in labour space,” says a rival. Romarie Villonco is the main contact.

Russel Rodriguez, of the labour and employment department of SyCip Salazar Hernandez & Gatmaitan, acted for Dentsu Aegis Network in acquiring several creative service and advertising agencies in the Philippines, including DM9 JaymeSyfu, the country’s most awarded creative agency, and Digit DM9 Interactive, its digital creative agency. The team assisted with the transfer of the employees and employment contract preparations. The firm conducted a series of workshops for Sanofi-aventis Philippines which was designed to equip managers to discharge their basic duty effectively and implement the rules on employee discipline through theoretical teaching and practice training aligned with relevant laws and the company’s code of conduct.

Manuel Manaligod and Pancho Umali of Cruz Marcelo & Tenefrancia advised the Public-Private Partnership Center and the Department of Transportation and Communication, via CPCS Transcoms on a legal feasibility study into a motor vehicle inspection system project and the proposed state of the network of motor vehicles’ inspection centres across the Philippines.

Headed by Jaime Gatmaytan, the project and infrastructure practice at Gatmaytan Yap Patacsil Gutierrez & Protacio has earned a solid reputation for advice on power plant matters, including renewable energy projects. Albert Yu Chang represented Prysmian Powerlink on a project involving the supply, laying and commissioning of a submarine power cable link to connect the Negros and Panay Islands in the Philippines. The firm is also involved in the Davao Sasa port modernisation project, the most important container terminal in Mindanao, the second largest island in the Philippines. This project is part of the government’s priority PPP programme and is in line with its infrastructure policy strategy.

Gulapa Law Office has “solution-oriented partners” in dealing with projects and infrastructure work. The firm assisted a Chinese contractor in conducting due diligence on a power project in the Philippines. Aris Gulapa assisted APO Production Unit in its lease of solar panels from LGC Logistics, looking for reliable sources of energy to prevent term-loan facility to Cebu Air to finance the purchase of a new Airbus A330-300 aircraft.

Headed by Dennis Quintero, Quisumbing Torres’ energy, mining and infrastructure group maintains a solid reputation for its cross-border capabilities in practices including finance, corporate, tax and environmental law. The firm advises one of the largest Korean state-owned water resources corporations on Philippine law matters in relation to its investment and provision of service to a Philippine bulk water supply project under the PPP programme.

“Romulo Mabanta Buenaventura Sayoc & De Los Angeles’ credentials and reputation was a big part of the choice. It is a high-profile firm which reputation is always matched with results,” says a client, who praised Fernando Sioson and Catherine King Kay for their “commitment to the project, high expertise and skills in relevant fields, as well as ability to take ownership regardless of level of seniority.”

Arlene Maneja of SyCip Salazar Hernandez & Gatmaitan acted for Metro Pacific Investments Corporation on a project related to a joint venture proposal to expand and maintain Clark International Airport (CRK) and to develop an express rail service that will link CRK to the central business district in Makati. Maneja also advised the client on an unsolicited proposal to rehabilitate, operate and maintain MRT3, a critical transport system in Metro Manila. The team advised on the project structuring, submission under the build-operate-transfer (BOT) law and drafting the proposed concession agreement.

“Del Rosario & Del Rosario has the strongest shipping practice in the Philippines. They definitely deserves the top ranking,” a peer agrees. Joseph Rebano, Denise Cabanos and Saben Loyola advised GARD AS, Japan P&I and UK P&I on evident illegal collection of environmental fees on vessels passing through territorial waters of Zambales, Philippines. The firm regularly advises clients such as MV Christina, Densan Shipping and MT Alpine Magnolia on wrongful seizure and detention of vessels.

ACCRALAW represented Banco De Oro in the Supreme Court against the Bureau of Internal Revenue to nullify rulings in relation to treating particular government bond issuance as a quasi-deposit transaction subject to 20% withholding tax. Ruby Yusi advised Vestas Services Philippines on claiming for a refund of excess input VAT from a contractor for renewable energy developers.

Du-Baladad and Associates, a niche tax firm, is led by Benedicta Du-Baladad, Fulvio Dawilan and Irwin Nidea. The firm advises local and international enterprises on tax disputes, tax accounting and tax-efficient structures.

Roxanne Tadique and Katrine Suyat of Gatmaytan Yap Patacsil Gutierrez & Protacio advised Baiyin International Investment on a matter identifying potential tax exposure involving several transactions entered into by a non-resident foreign corporation, including the tax implications of its $20 million loan to Ipilan Nickel Corporation. The team provided legitimate tax avoidance measures to manage the tax cost of the counterparty.

The Quisumbing Torres tax team, headed by Dennis Dimagiba, offers expertise in tax and customs disputes, tax incentives for foreign investment, tax aspects of M&A and supply chain management, and tax treaty matters.  The team’s key clients are from the pharmaceutical, semi-conductors, software and e-commerce industries. It advised a leading music streaming service provider on the proper characterisation of payments it was receiving from a partner telecommunications company in the Philippines. Ronald Bernas is another partner to note.

SyCip Salazar Hernandez & Gatmaitan is widely recognised for resolving complex and landmark tax disputes and litigation. “The firm has a good, solid reputation in the Philippines as being a top tier law firm. I am particularly impressed with one of their litigation partners, Carlos Lopez. Their analysis, recommendations and strategies are insightful and practical,” a client praises. Lopez is appreciated for his “ability to quickly grasp issues on a complicated matter and provide quick, insightful advice to clients”. The team acted for Lear Automotive Services’ Philippine branch in a case about whether royalties are deductible in determining the gross income tax base subject to the special 5% tax on enterprises located in export processing zones. The final resolution of this case will affect all companies located in export processing zones.

“Zambrano & Gruba is very competent in handling tax issues,” says a client. Angelo Advincula represented clients in the Court of Appeals in an action for a refund of erroneously paid capital gains taxes arising from a tax-free exchange of shares. Advincula also advised Apo Cement in the Supreme Court concerning the validity of a deficiency documentary stamp tax assessment. A client notes the firm’s “ability to fully understand our case, and provide the simplest but most effective way to defend our case”.