Del Rosario & Del Rosario

Firm overview

The Philippine maritime industry is a dynamic and ever-growing business in which DelRosarioLaw has played, and continues to play, a major part. The firm acts for multinational shipping clients on controversies involving labour, personal injury, vessel arrest, collisions, salvage, oil pollution, damage/loss of cargoes, bunker claims, charter party/bill of lading disputes, protection & indemnity (P&I)/hull & machinery (H&M) and freight demurrage & defence (FD&D) work, ship finance, sale and purchase documentation, registrations, management and crewing.

Co-managing partner Ruben T. Del Rosario, charter president of the Philippine Maritime Voluntary Arbitrators Association, is regularly invited to speak at national and international fora on issues related to amendments to the standard terms and conditions of the POEA contract and other matters relating to Filipino crew claims.

DelRosarioLaw’s labour practice acts on a full range of matters involving Filipino seafarers’ claims and industrial relations disputes. With Filipinos making up over 25% of all seafarers worldwide, labour claims and suits for death, disability, illness, illegal dismissal and other related claims are substantial.

DelRosarioLaw represents, among others, the International Group of P&I Clubs, as well as insurance companies and cruise lines.

In response to the growing needs of the clients, Del Rosario Pandiphil, the firm’s paralegal affiliate, handles all seafarers’ medical claims. Del Rosario Pandiphil, is also now the Philippine network partner of the Through Transport Club, the largest club for ship, terminal, and depot operators, container lessors, and freight forwarders, and is a member of, and insured with, the ITIC Club. 

The firm’s continuing evolution

The firm’s corporate practice has grown substantially in recent years to accommodate the increased business and outsourcing activities of its clients in the Philippines. These include direct foreign investments, company formations, such as RO/ROHQ, mergers and acquisitions, joint ventures and general corporate work.

The firm’s tax and immigration practice has likewise grown to support its growing corporate clientele to ensure compliance with the ever-developing local regulatory environment.

Major international law firms regularly refer cases to DelRosarioLaw, trusting them to ably handle their representation in the Philippines. The litigation and dispute resolution practice of the firm continually broadens its various fields of law to cope with the ever-expanding business concerns of its clients.

In recent years there has been a large increase in matters pertaining to intellectual property matters. The firm’s IP clients include international giants Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and Sony.

Co-managing partner Arturo T. del Rosario Jr, besides specialising in maritime law, also holds the position of President of the Intellectual Property Association of the Philippines and spearheads DelRosarioLaw‘s work covering trademark and patent applications and disputes.