Dispute resolution in Philippines

Cruz Marcelo & Tenefrancia

John Jerico Balisnomo heads the practice at Cruz Marcelo & Tenefrancia, which has a stellar reputation in the market. It is particularly well-regarded for its work across commercial, tax, banking and administrative litigation, as well as for its expertise in all aspects of regulatory contentious matters. The group also excels in alternative dispute resolution and insolvency proceedings. In addition, it has a strong appellate practice. Rodel Cruz represents a wide range of clients from leading companies and conglomerates to high-net-worth individuals. Senior partner Miguel Silos is another leading figure who has a strong track record in cases involving bank fraud and debt restructuring. Silos is also recognised for his work on cases relating to international trade, taxation and other forms of civil and criminal litigation. Simeon Marcelo is another name to note.

Practice head(s):

John Jerico Balisnomo


 


Other key lawyers:

Rodel Cruz; Miguel Silos; Simeon Marcelo; Victor Emmanuel Pangilinan


Testimonials

‘The team are very friendly, you can ask anything you want. You can learn from the team. They listen carefully and give you not only what you need to know but what needs to be done.’

‘The CMT team stands out for its professionalism and ease in communication. They are always ready to talk to us and come up with solutions. ’

‘Miguel Silos is consistently reliable and presents practical options to problems.’

‘The depth of the team’s experience in the practice and the members’ ability to give comprehensive advice that covers the practical aspects of the proceedings and the various approaches available, make this practice group of Cruz Marcelo Tenefrancia very competitive.’

‘The attentiveness and the consideration of the client’s particular circumstances in crafting advice. ’

‘The team is very responsive, and does not have your typical big law firm mentality of sending four to five lawyers for every case handled, and charging you hourly rates for all the four to five lawyers. You get good service of a big law firm, without the big charges that come with many big law firms.’

‘The following are all exceptional service-oriented lawyers: Victor Emmanuel M. Pangilinan and Miguel U. Silos.’

Key clients

Ayala Corporation


Pilipino Banana Growers and Exporters Association


Secur Links Network and Technologies, Inc.


Unicapital, Inc.


Alpha Plus Property Holdings Corporation


Dole Food Company, Inc.


Max’s Group, Inc.


Yujuico Group of Companies


Union Bank of the Philippines


Redco Properties Group Ltd


Work highlights


  • Represented Unicapital, Inc in a case against a Philippine medical services corporation and its former president/CEO for the non-payment of a loan that was obtained through false representations.

Gatmaytan Yap Patacsil Gutierrez & Protacio (C&G Law)

Under the joint leadership of Ben Yap and Jesus Paolo Protacio, the excellent team at Gatmaytan Yap Patacsil Gutierrez & Protacio (C&G Law) is well-equipped to handle a broad range of local and international high-value disputes. Its domestic and international arbitration practice is also well-regarded. The nimble team covers a diverse range of matters from construction and contractual disputes to advising on the enforcement of foreign judgments and arbitral awards. The group is also recognised for its work on major disputes involving the energy sector. Head of the firm’s tax practice group Anthony Mark Gutierrez receives plaudits for his work on a variety of tax disputes and for his focus on commercial litigation. Vladi Miguel Lazaro plays a pivotal role in the department as well, representing clients in tax-related court proceedings against local government units.

Practice head(s):

Ben Yap; Jesus Paolo Protacio


Other key lawyers:

Anthony Mark Gutierrez; Vladi Miguel Lazaro


Testimonials

‘The firm has continued to provide us with succinct advice on a number of complex matters including taxation and matters of corporate law. Billing has always been clear and fair.’

‘They respond quickly with advice and have been available on short notice for conference calls, and well prepared for interactions when negotiating.’

‘They are very responsive and provide thorough and knowledgeable advice, tailored to the needs of the client.’

‘Jesus Paolo Protacio is very reactive and has a quick grasp of the legal questions involved. He always submits the product well in advance, leaving room for discussion with the client.’

‘Firm’s response is timely and responsive to business requirements.

‘Partner in charge Atty. Lazaro provides practical legal advice that is responsive to business requirements.’

Key clients

Standard Chartered Bank


Metro Rail Transit Corporation


TeaM Energy Corporation


STEAG State Power, Inc.


TeaM Sual Corporation


SM Prime Holdings, Inc.


Robinsons Land Corporation


Ayala Group of Companies


SN Aboitiz Power-Magat, Inc.


SN Aboitiz Power-Benguet, Inc.


AP Renewables, Inc.


East Asia Utilities Corp.


First Gen/Lopez Group of Companies


Aice Brands Ice Cream Philippines, Inc.


GNPower Mariveles Energy Center Ltd. Co.


GNPower Dinginin Ltd. Co.


Work highlights


  • Representing Standard Chartered Bank in pursuing its PHP1.12bn claim against Philippine Guarantee Corporation (a government owned and controlled corporation, formerly known as Trade and Investment Development Corporation and Philippine Export-Import Credit Agency).
  • Representing Metro Rail Transit Corporation (MRTC) in proceedings before various courts (including the Philippine Supreme Court) against the local governments of Makati City, Pasay City, Mandaluyong City and Quezon City.

Martinez Vergara & Gonzalez Sociedad

Jointly spearheaded by Eduardo Martinez and Shirley Alinea, the versatile team at Martinez Vergara & Gonzalez Sociedad is experienced in all areas of criminal and civil law, in addition to commercial and administrative litigation. It also has a strong practice in commercial arbitration and alternative dispute resolution. Martinez, who is an appeals court mediator accredited by the Philippine Judicial Academy, is also actively involved in the firm’s family law practice. He covers civil, criminal and commercial litigation. Alinea specialises in debt restructuring, as well as arbitration and other alternative modes of commercial dispute resolution. Kristine Bongcaron is also recommended. She heads the firm’s intellectual property team and co-heads the commercial arbitration, alternative dispute resolution, data privacy and security practice groups. In addition, Bongcaron is a trained arbitrator of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines.

Practice head(s):

Eduardo Martinez; Shirley Alinea


Other key lawyers:

Kristine Bongcaron


Testimonials

‘MVGS has consistently advised me on many different legal facets and has always given me sound legal advice.’

Quisumbing Torres

Eliseo Zuñiga heads the department at Quisumbing Torres, which adeptly handles all forms of dispute resolution, with particular strength in large-scale commercial disputes. The team is skilled at advising on mediation and arbitration, as well as general and specialised litigation for international and local clients. Ramon Quisumbing is recognised for his work on all aspects of commercial, civil and appellate litigation. Donemark Calimon has a broad practice and is also an accredited arbitrator of several Philippine arbitration institutions. Michael Macapagal has a wealth of experience in a wide range of matters including healthcare disputes, as well as all forms of civil and criminal litigation. Miguel Galvez and Marvin Masangkay are notable members of the practice, while Dranyl Jared Amoroso has a particular focus on criminal litigation and arbitration. Camille Bianca Gatmaitan-Santos was promoted to the partnership in July 2023.

Practice head(s):

Eliseo Zuñiga


Other key lawyers:

Ramon Quisumbing; Donemark Calimon; Michael Macapagal; Camille Bianca Gatmaitan-Santos; Dranyl Jared Amoroso; Miguel Antonio Galvez; Marvin Masangkay


Testimonials

‘Donemark Calimon – extremely hardworking, goes the extra mile, pragmatic and innovative.’

‘QT are part of the Baker McKenzie group, who have an international reputation for excellent service, particularly in the construction industry. Their staff are extremely well trained and provide an excellent service.’

‘Their individual knowledge is outstanding and their work ethic in undertaking extensive research in order to ensure that the advice given is as good as it can be.’

Key clients

Alphabet (Google Inc)


Manulife Philippines


Shell Pilipinas Corporation


China Harbour Engineering Company


Work highlights


  • Successfully assisted an American citizen in the enforcement of a foreign judgment, including post-judgment interest, in the Philippines in the total amount of $2.6m against a Philippine insurance company.
  • Successfully assisted an American chemical conglomerate in an international commercial arbitration involving a non-solicitation clause in a contract with its local client, which is a subsidiary of a large conglomerate in the Philippines.
  • Successfully assisted a Singapore-based oil trading company in a petition for interim measure of protection under the Special Rules of Court on Alternative Dispute Resolution and subsequent international commercial arbitration.

SyCip Salazar Hernandez & Gatmaitan

The ‘organised and thorough’ team at SyCip Salazar Hernandez & Gatmaitan is ably led by Ricardo Ma. P.G. Ongkiko. It represents foreign and local clients from a wide range of industries, and has a particularly strong appellate and Supreme Court practice. The group has been involved in numerous landmark commercial cases in the Supreme Court in recent years too. In addition, it has a first-class arbitration practice, and frequently represents clients before various administrative agencies. Carlos Lopez has particular experience in high-value intra-corporate disputes and commercial arbitration. Ma. Patricia Paz-Jacoba has a vast array of experience in complex commercial contract, intra-corporate and shareholders’ disputes. Paz-Jacoba is also highly regarded for her work on white-collar crime investigations and prosecutions. John Regalado specialises in commercial arbitration.

Practice head(s):

Ricardo Ma. P.G. Ongkiko


Other key lawyers:

Carlos Lopez; Ma. Patricia Paz-Jacoba; John Regalado


Testimonials

‘Very good team with very experienced individuals.’

Ma. Patricia B. Paz-Jacoba – great to work with and gives very good advice.’

‘The team are able to navigate through the difficult litigation process.’

‘The breadth and depth of the team’s expertise makes SyCipLaw a one-stop shop that provides clients with a high level of confidence that all bases are covered, all available options are thoroughly considered, and relevant risks are meticulously identified and addressed accordingly.’

‘The SyCipLaw members that I have worked with for over two decades share that passion, candour and professionalism to provide only quality and on-time service to their clients. They are forthright in their engagements, always making sure that our rights and interests are enforced and protected to the full extent of the law.’

‘Competent; proactive; accessible; patient; intuitive; great attention to detail.’

‘The professionalism of SyCip Law is impeccable. It has successfully built a relationship of trust with us and sustained a collaborative spirit in working with our organisation.’

‘Ma. Patricia Paz-Jacoba has been an exceptional colleague who has attended to our needs with high-quality client service and reliable expertise.’

Key clients

First Pacific Company Ltd.


Citibank


PLDT, Inc.


Philex Mining Corporation


Manila Electric Company


Metro Pacific Investments Corporation


Philippine Stock Exchange


OceanaGold


Dow Chemical


Maynilad Water Services, Inc.


Chamber of Mines of the Philippines


Lepanto Consolidated Mining Corporation


Manila North Tollways Corporation


North Luzon Expressway Corporation


Pacific Ores Metals & Chemicals


Philippine Gold Processing & Refining


Keppel Group of Singapore


Cal Energy / CE Casecnan Water and Energy Co., Inc.


Ormat Power


San Roque Power


Del Monte


BMW AG


Ford Motor Company


Volkswagen AG


United Coconut Planters Bank


Bank of America


Export-Import Bank of the United States


Bank of the Philippine Islands


Filminera Resources


Philip Morris


Jet Aviation (Hawker Pacific)


NSC Holdings


Mitsubishi Corporation


Mitsubishi Heavy Industries


Marubeni Corporation


Tokyu Construction


Toyo Construction


Hilton International


Delta Airlines


Qatar Airways


Grolier International


Wyeth


Colgate-Palmolive


Makati Medical Center


Asian Hospital and Medical Center


Adelaide and Meath Hospital


Lutheran Church Missouri Synod


AkzoNobel PNG Ltd


GIC


Kia Motors


Grab Holdings, Inc. (MYTAXI.PH)


Chevron


Philippine Geothermal Production Co., Inc.


Delta Design Philippines LLC (Cohu)


ACG Automotive Philippines, Inc.


NTT Docomo, Inc.


JLL Mortgage Services Pty. Ltd


Astronergy Solar Philippines, Inc.


Integrated Marketing Services, Inc.


Johanna Subic Seafoods Corporation


Johanna Seafoods Ltd


Nokia Shanghai Bell Co., Ltd


Globe Telecom, Inc.


KEB Hana Bank


Mabuhay Interflour Mill, Inc.


Huang Hsiang Development Corporation


Prinpia Co., Ltd


Vibal Group


Pueblo de Oro Development Corporation


ICCP Land Management Inc.


Wirecard AG


d&b audiotechnik GmbH


Aspen Philippines, Inc.


Light Rail Manila Corporation


BAM International sarl


Firstsource Solutions Ltd


Fordays Japan International Inc.


hibu (UK) Ltd


Telus International Phils., Inc.


UPS Asia Group Pte Ltd


Western Mindanao Power Corporation


Western Shipping Pte. Ltd.


Work highlights


  • Representing The Manila Electric Company (MERALCO), the country’s largest power distributor, against a petition filed by the Office of the Solicitor General in the Supreme Court assailing the validity of a settlement agreement between MERALCO and the National Power Corporation, a government owned and controlled corporation.
  • Defended officers of Hawker Pacific Asia (now Jet Aviation) against charges of conspiracy and violation of the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act (Republic Act No. 3019) in relation to contracts to inspect and overhaul Bell 412 helicopters of the Office of the President of the Philippines. The charges were dismissed by the Office of the Ombudsman and the dismissal was upheld by the Supreme Court.
  • Representing Barrick Gold Corporation and Placer Dome, Inc in their defence against a petition for a writ of kalikasan filed by certain individuals supported by their provincial government.

Villaraza & Angangco (V&A Law)

Led by Raquel Wealth Taguian, the outstanding team at Villaraza & Angangco (V&A Law) has considerable expertise in various business sectors ranging from banking, insurance, telecommunications, construction and real estate, through to energy and infrastructure. It has a proven track record in international disputes, and is well-placed to handle an array of complex corporate/commercial cases on various international trade issues. The group is also adept at advising foreign investors on disputes with their domestic partners. Names to note include Alejandro Alfonso Navarro who covers an array of commercial cases and arbitrations. Augusto San Pedro is a senior partner who handles many complex commercial disputes and arbitrations. Thea Daep specialises in areas as diverse as money laundering, fraud and other aspects of commercial and corporate law. Joseph Anthony Lopez frequently advises on civil and corporate litigation, as well as other areas such as family law and competition law litigation.

Practice head(s):

Raquel Wealth Taguian


Other key lawyers:

Alejandro Alfonso Navarro; Thea Daep; Joseph Anthony Lopez; Augusto San Pedro


Testimonials

‘They provide good, reliable, clear and concise advice and recommendations (each aspect of which is very rare in my (nearly 25 years’) experience of dealing with Philippines law firms).’

‘Augusto San Pedro is incredibly good and my go-to counsel in the Philippines. He is in a league of his own.’

‘The firm has speciality areas run by young and aggressive people. The work ethic as well as discipline is evident even for first-time clients. An impressive bench of lawyers who can rise to challenges, and know when to do so.’

‘The members of the team are highly personable and articulate but at the same time humble and considerate. What stands out is their ability and willingness to listen before making an opinion.’

Key clients

Senior Officers of Rizal Commercial Banking Corporation, Rizal Commercial Banking Corporation


Manila Water Company, Inc. (Manila Water)


Aircraft Support Industries Development Inc. (ASI)


UC Malampaya Philippines PTE Ltd. (UCMPPL)


Fountel Corporation, Felicitas Antoinette, Inc., and members of the Board of Directors of Professional Services Inc.


A consortium of cement importers in the Philippines consisting of Cohaco Merchandising & Development Corp., Fortem Cement Corporation, NGC Land Corp., Pabaza Import and Export Inc., and Philcement Corporation


Consortium of the largest Philippine Banks consisting of Rizal Commercial Banking Corporation, Bank of the Philippine Islands and BDO Unibank, Inc.


Former Directors of Alliance Select Foods International, Inc. (ASFII)


June Uy Go, Joseph G. Uy, Jr., Evelyn Uy Sy, Josephine Camile Uy Go, Andrea Uy Go, Irene G. Uy, and Estate of Joseph K.H. Uy


Joint venture of F. Cura Industries and Enplus Co. LTD


Owner of an island located in the Verde Island Marine Passage Corridor


Work highlights


  • Secured an acquittal of the last of four officers of Rizal Commercial Banking Corporation (RCBC) against charges of money laundering in connection with one of the most sensational cases in the world involving a cyberheist of $101m taken from a Bangladesh bank, which was allegedly committed by North Korean hackers and transferred using the SWIFT system through various banks.
  • Engaged by Manila Water Company for a case already pending with the Supreme Court en banc and a decision was already rendered. The firm secured a favourable decision from the Supreme Court through a successful motion for reconsideration.
  • Representing Aircraft Support Industries Development Inc, a leading airport design and construction corporation, in arbitration proceedings before the Construction Industry Arbitration Commission involving claims against it by subcontractors.

Puyat Jacinto & Santos Law Offices

The able team at Puyat Jacinto & Santos Law Offices handles all forms of litigation as well as domestic and international arbitration, in sectors including energy and construction. Various members of the department are qualified arbitrators and officers of the Philippine Dispute Resolution Centre. At a senior level, key names to note include Joshua Gilbert ParaisoFidel Valeros and Roberto Miguel Ramiro. Roy Enrico Santos and Sergio Ildefonso Felipe Pinlac are also seasoned practitioners.

Practice head(s):

Roy Enrico Santos; Joshua Gilbert Paraiso; Fidel Valeros; Roberto Miguel Ramiro; Sergio Ildefonso Felipe Pinlac


Tolosa Javier Law

Led by Benjamin Tolosa, Tolosa Javier Law boasts an excellent reputation for its work on a wide range of disputes. It focuses on commercial, civil, criminal and administrative litigation, as well as having significant experience in arbitration. The group deftly handles diverse matters such as intra-corporate disputes, breach of contract, antitrust litigation and constitutional law. Other areas of expertise include advising on white-collar crimes, corruption charges and government contracts, in addition to foreclosure proceedings. Filemon Javier has considerable experience of representing clients before all levels of the courts and various administrative agencies in the Philippines.

Practice head(s):

Benjamin Tolosa


Other key lawyers:

Filemon Javier


Testimonials

‘The team’s response time to quick queries is unparalleled. In addition, the output provided is well-written.’

‘Fil-Ray makes himself available for minor or critical queries without hesitation. Such open and immediate access makes the firm unique.’

‘TJ Law’s responsiveness and use of latest tools for faster communications is a strength. As compared to other firms that are not used to the latest technologies, I believe it is an advantage.’

Key clients

Manila Water Company, Inc.


Manila Electric Company


Concentrix Philippines


San Miguel Yamamura Packaging Corporation


Nutri-Asia, Inc.


Chevron Philippines, Inc.


Easytrip Services Corporation


Metro Pacific Investments Corporation


PMFTC Inc.


Flex Fuel Petroleum Corporation


C-Joy Poultry Meats Production, Inc.


Cargill Philippines


De Guzman San Diego Mejia & Hernandez has demonstrable experience in all aspects of litigation, such as breach of contract, fraud and intellectual property cases. It has developed a niche insurance claims practice too, and regularly works on substantial insurance claims. At the helm are Michael MejiaRodolfo San DiegoNestor Mejia and Jose Emmanuel Hernandez, who collectively have a wealth of experience in other sectors such as maritime, energy and mining.

Practice head(s):

Michael Mejia; Rodolfo San Diego; Nestor Mejia; Jose Emmanuel Hernandez


Testimonials

‘Most important to us are the people who handled our case are very familiar and knowledgeable about insurance legal issues and terminologies. Their practice for collaboration is acceptable to us particularly the way they used modern technologies to meet our expectations.

‘We valued their partnership in times we needed their legal advice and services for all of our legal issues particularly if the claim was denied due to fraudulent claim. Most of all, they immediately responded.’

‘The team’s vast and detailed experience in insurance cases is clearly seen with their nuanced approach to recommending optimum solutions. Attys Nestor Mejia, Joel Hernandez and Rodolfo San Diego can make us feel as real partners in resolving controversies and conflicts.’

The team is competent and reliable. Especially in a specialised industry where we, one of their clients, belong, it is helpful that we have a legal counsel that has vast experience in the field. They also have a competent pool of lawyers who make regular updates to appraise clients of case status and prioritise face-to-face meetings if need be.’

‘Atty Rodolfo San Diego, Atty Nestor Mejia and Atty Jose Emmanuel Hernandez are the main partners and lawyers whom we regularly deal with. For cases being assigned to them, they handle them with utmost competency and passion.’

‘I have been working with Atty Nestor Mejia in the insurance industry for decades now. His partners at GSMH Law have followed Atty Mejia’s lead and their collective track record has solidified their position as our trusted legal partner.’

‘Atty Nestor Mejia and Atty Jun San Diego’s proficiency in dissecting complex legal issues while providing prompt, insightful advice greatly enables us to make strategic decisions involving our cases.’

‘Atty Joel Hernandez makes sure that we understand any potential outcomes by presenting the advantages and disadvantages of each possible course of action.’

Key clients

Pioneer Insurance and Surety Corp.


The New India Assurance Co., Ltd


BPI/MS Insurance Corporation


Mapfre Insular Insurance Corp.


Malayan Insurance Co., Inc.


Charter Ping-An Insurance Corp.


MAA General Assurance Philippines, Inc.


AFP General Insurance Corp.


PNB General Insurers Co., Inc.


Golden Arches Development Corporation


Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Philippines, Inc.


McDonald’s Philippines Realty Corporation- Philippine Branch


MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company S.A.


Seaglory Shipping Services, Inc


GNPower Mariveles Energy Center Ltd. Co.


Pandiman Philippines Inc.


Ben Line Agencies


Tsuneishi Heavy Industries (Cebu), Inc


Hellespont Marine Services Ltd.


Aboitiz Equity Ventures, Inc.


Taisei Philippine Construction, Inc.


IHI Infrastructure Systems Co. Ltd


WeGen Distributed Energy Philippines Holdings Corporation


UBX Philippines Corporation


Udenna Land Corporation


Armscor Global Defense, Inc.


SiA (Sellinall) Philippines Corporation


Ajinomoto Philippines Corporation


Ajinomoto Philippines Flavor Food, Incorporated.


International Justice Mission


Jiu-Jitsu Federation of the Philippines


Automobile Association of the Philippines


Philippine British Assurance Company, Inc.


Aidea Philippines, Inc.


Meinhardt Philippines, Inc.


Lycee Francais de Manille


CEVA Logistics Philippines, Inc.


Asian Terminals, Inc.


Dehadista Gaming, Inc.


Work highlights


  • Advised and advocated for a consortium of insurance companies in denying a $119m fraudulent claim of a manufacturing company.
  • Assisted major insurance companies in eliciting the testimony of a terrorist to strengthen the denial of an P800m insurance claim due to the destruction caused by the terrorist group.
  • Advised a shipyard company in managing multiple claims including a claim for a capsized vessel brought about by a super typhoon.

Divina Law

Enrique Dela Cruz heads an excellent team at Divina Law, which represents clients from the banking and finance, manufacturing and retail sectors. It also frequently works with clients in other sectors such as real estate, oil and gas, healthcare and insurance. The firm has successfully represented clients both in securing arbitration awards and in the enforcement of arbitral awards.

Practice head(s):

Enrique Dela Cruz


Other key lawyers:

Rhegine Peralta


Testimonials

‘I cannot say enough about the professionalism and service our foundation has received from Divina Law. Our experience has been top notch from day one.’

‘Atty Rhegine Peralta and a team of four others always came very prepared. Had lots of great suggestions. Briefs were well written. Atty Rheg in particular was a superstar in the way she defended our case orally as well. Calm, cool and always on point. It was truly a pleasure to work with them. I’m happy to say we also won our case!’

They patiently explained things to me. At the same time they were very proactive too.

Key clients

Ramon Magsaysay Foundation Inc.


Vivotel Corporation


Work highlights


  • Defended the client in an unjust attempt of its counterparty to enforce a long-expired contract after almost four years from the extended closing date as per the memorandum of agreement and extension agreement and execute a deed of absolute sale on a PhP 750m property.
  • Prosecuting the claim of the client based on a design and construction agreement to design and construct a 33-storey building with a contract price of PhP 2,887,771,000 in a commercial district in Metro Manila.
  • Regularly leads and conducts trainings and webinars on legal matters, including the enforcement of foreign arbitral awards in the Philippines. In 2022, the firm was accredited as an Alternative Dispute Resolution organisation of the Department of Justice-Office of the Alternative Dispute Resolution.

Gorriceta Africa Cauton & Saavedra

Francis Africa and Ramon Andre Cedro jointly head the dispute resolution department at Gorriceta Africa Cauton & Saavedra. It frequently handles civil, criminal, tax, corporate and labour related disputes. The team is also well-equipped to advise on compliance and regulatory matters in the transport sector. Other areas of focus include cases concerning nullity of marriages and adoption, as well as data privacy and cybersecurity issues.

Practice head(s):

Francis Africa; Ramon Andre Cedro


Kua Sy & Yeung Law Offices (SKY Law)

Kua Sy & Yeung Law Offices (SKY Law) fields a team which is lauded for its ‘willingness to help’. It is ably led by Michael Marlowe Uy, who joined the partnership in 2022, and specialises in the prosecution of white-collar crime, construction and commercial arbitration, as well as asset recovery. It has several local and international clients, and has particular expertise in assisting Filipino-Chinese businesses. Kurt Glen Yeung, Kesterson Kua and Edson Byron Sy provide key support.

Practice head(s):

Michael Marlowe Uy


Other key lawyers:

Kurt Glen Yeung; Kesterson Kua; Edson Byron Sy


Testimonials

‘Being a relatively smaller firm, it remains easy to contact any of the partners if we need something from the team or if we have issues or suggestions with their team’s work; so I am confident that the information is cascaded immediately and effectively down to their team of lawyers.’

‘SKY Law Team headed by Atty Marlowe formulated and created a strategy that will help us to achieve justice.’

‘SKY Law has always been accommodating with its clients’ needs, regardless of how simple the questions are, the partners are very willing to explain in ways that are easy to understand and direct clients to making smart decisions. ’

‘All lawyers from SKY Law are highly accommodating, and very adept in handling legal matters.’

‘The team sees to it that any case endorsed to them is properly handled. They are very tenacious to follow up for additional info that may help the case.’

‘The individual I work with has the initiative to make follow ups, edit articles to make it look professional, and is very patient and understanding of our shortcomings.’

‘SKY Law is a great law firm to work with especially for Filipino-Chinese or Chinese like us, since the senior partners understand the nuances and backgrounds involved in these two cultures. Thus, I would 100% recommend them to fellow Filipino-Chinese or Chinese looking for a law firm‘.

‘Atty Kurt Yeung has been my go-to for dispute resolution cases. His speedy response contributes a lot to my willingness to consult him. He demonstrates a level of skill and expertise that makes me very confident that he has thoroughly analysed the situation before giving me a reply.’

Key clients

Arizona Geo-Synthetics Inc.


Emervet Animal Health Corporation


Inspira Prime International Corporation


Steelworld Manufacturing Corporation


Zark’s Food Ventures Corporation


Work highlights


  • Represented a construction firm in a dispute over unpaid fees and additional costs.
  • Successfully recovered a nine-figure claim involving prime real estate in Metro Manila.
  • As private prosecutor, obtained a conviction for fraud against a former corporate officer.

Sarmiento Loriega Law Firm

Sarmiento Loriega Law Firm has considerable strength in litigation across mining, energy, online gaming and other areas such as manufacturing and real estate. Under the collective leadership of Julito SarmientoJose Linsangan and Bryan A. San Juan, the team plays a significant role in public interest cases in the electric power industry, as well as taking on various regulatory matters. The group has been busy too in other areas, spanning from tax litigation through to advising on the enforceability of foreign transactions involving international corporations.

Practice head(s):

Julito Sarmiento; Jose Linsangan; Bryan A San Juan


Testimonials

‘Excellent lawyers who are very thorough and up to speed on Philippine law intersecting with NY and English law.’

Key clients

Iloilo I Electric Cooperative, Inc.


Iloilo II Electric Cooperative, Inc.


Iloilo III Electric Cooperative, Inc


Work highlights


  • Currently acting as counsel for Iloilo I Electric Cooperative, Inc., Iloilo II Electric Cooperative, Inc., and Iloilo III Electric Cooperative, Inc., electric cooperatives from the province of Iloilo, who are challenging the constitutionality and legality of the issuance by Congress of a franchise in favour of another power player to the extent that the latter’s expanded franchise overlaps with the franchise areas of the petitioners.

Subido Pagente Certeza Mendoza & Binay (SPCMB Law Offices)

The agile team at Subido Pagente Certeza Mendoza & Binay (SPCMB Law Offices) is adept at handling a variety of complex civil and criminal cases. It also excels at representing clients in special proceedings, tax and election cases. The group is well-placed to act for clients at all levels of the courts and administrative bodies. It is collectively led by Daniel SubidoMa. Joycelyn L. GuirnaldaJoseph Joel CastilloMaria Patricia Alvarez and Mary Christine Charisse Catre.

Practice head(s):

Daniel Subido; Joycelyn Guirnalda; Joseph Joel Castillo; Maria Patricia Alvarez; Mary Christine Charisse Catre


Tiongco Siao Bello & Associates

Tiongco Siao Bello & Associates receives a steady flow of instructions from a diverse range of clients, which includes several conglomerates in the Philippines, as well as a major business process outsourcing company. Other key clients include a number of healthcare institutions, in addition to a significant manufacturing and consumer goods company in the Philippines. Under the joint leadership of Greg Joseph SJ. Tiongco and John Philip Siao, it also acts for several of Asia’s biggest technology companies.

Practice head(s):

Greg Joseph SJ Tiongco; John Philip C Siao


Testimonials

‘Team with experience along a broad range of litigation types, with good relationships with courts and other relevant agencies.’

‘Talented lawyers with a commercial view of litigation; they are able to understand my positions and prioritise to suggest the most appropriate courses of action.’

Key clients

National Grid Corporation of the Philippines


The Coca-Cola Company


COINS.PH


SEAOIL Philippines


Phoenix Petroleum Philippines, Inc.


Teleperformance


Genpact, LLC


Marca Pina


PIK Group


Manpower Group


Philippine FamilyMart CVS, Inc.,


AICE Ice Cream


Beta Electromechanical Corporation


Work highlights


  • Handled 65 expropriation dispute matters for the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines.
  • Handling several dispute resolution matters for the Coca Cola Company with value of above PhP100m.