Aviation in Philippines

SyCip Salazar Hernandez & Gatmaitan

SyCip Salazar Hernandez & Gatmaitan has a strong aviation financing practice, which typically advises on the loan transaction and security documentation aspects of various major deals; in regards to loans, it also advises on the numerous remedial options that are available to clients in the event of a default. In addition, it frequently advises its client roster, which is formed in large part of foreign and local banks as well as financial institutions, on their obtaining a license to do business in the Philippines, wherein it assists with the Civil Aviation Authority registration process and with the obtaining of a foreign air carrier’s permit. The group excels in litigation also. Philbert Varona is the practice head and both Melyjane Bertillo-Ancheta and Bhong Paulo Macasaet are also well-regarded team members.

Practice head(s):

Philbert Varona


Other key lawyers:

Melyjane Bertillo-Ancheta; Bhong Paulo Macasaet


Testimonials

‘The team is very capable and competent when advising on aviation matters and providing local law advice and on-the-ground assistance. They are prompt and efficient and solutions-oriented.’

‘Bhong is a capable attorney who works diligently and has a good grasp of aviation matters as they impact on the Philippines.’

Key clients

BBAM Singapore Pe. Ltd.


Credit Agricole Corporate and Investment Bank


Voyager Aviation Holdings (formerly Intrepid)


Nordic Aviation Capital A/S


SMBC Aviation Capital Limited


Dubai Aerospace International


Philippine National Bank


Gulapa & Lim (Gulapa Law)

The aviation practice at Gulapa & Lim (Gulapa Law) has a particular focus advising its clients on various aspects of projects, namely in the preparation of unsolicited proposals for the development, construction, and operation of airports. The team routinely drafts concession agreements for these projects also. The 'patient and very deliberate' Aris Gulapa and Jose Maria Angel Machuca co-head the department.

Practice head(s):

Aris Gulapa; Jose Maria Angel Machuca


Testimonials

‘Gulapa Law has represented public and private sector client on airport projects, so they are familiar with the different issues and perspectives in this space.’

‘Aris Gulapa is hands-on and gives his full attention to all the projects he is involved in, regardless of the size. He is a very good lawyer. Patient and very deliberate.’

Key clients

Aboitiz InfraCapital Inc. (“AIC”)


CAPP Industries, Inc.


Work highlights


  • Conducted due diligence and advised AIC on its acquisition of shares in GMR Megawide Cebu Airport Corporation and its affiliates.
  • Assisted AIC in the preparation of its unsolicited proposal and the drafting of the Concession Agreement for the operation and maintenance of the Laguindingan Airport.
  • Assisted the project proponent in the preparation of the unsolicited proposal, including drafting the Concession Agreement and providing related legal advice for the upgrade, expansion, operation and maintenance of the New Bohol International Airport (Panglao).

Puyat Jacinto & Santos Law Offices

Ramil BugayongGwen Grecia-De Vera and Miguel Antonio Mendoza are the key contacts at Puyat Jacinto & Santos Law Offices in the aviation space. The team is skilled in advising its clients on a wide array of infrastructure and PPP projects, including those relating to airports.

Practice head(s):

Ramil Bugayong; Gwen Grecia-De Vera; Miguel Antonio Mendoza