The Legal 500

Angara Abello Concepcion Regala & Cruz Law Offices (ACCRALAW)’s Ramon Samson leads a heavyweight department that has 17 partners. It recently represented Banco de Oro and several other banks in a dispute against the State, regarding a final withholding tax on a Php35bn bond issue. Key partners include Victor Lazatin and Luis Vera Cruz.

Estelito Mendoza & Associates’ name partner Estelito Mendoza is a former Solicitor General of the Philippines, who has established an excellent reputation for big ticket and controversial disputes.

Gregorio Ortega, Benjamin Bacorro and Pedro Carbonell jointly head Ortega Del Castillo Bacorro Odulio Calma & Carbonell’s well-regarded dispute resolution practice. Its clients include Air France, Reuters, The Philippine Daily Inquirer, Nippon Cargo Airlines and Northwest Airlines.

Platon Martinez Flores San Pedro & Leaño has been very active on the disputes front and has recently been defending Chevron against a multimillion-peso lawsuit brought by local residents regarding an oil pipeline leak. The firm also successfully represented a sub-contractor of the Southern Metro Manila Skyway in a $50m dispute. Arturo Selim and Peter Bantilan are very well regarded.

Poblador Bautista & Reyes has an excellent reputation for disputes work, with team members such as Alexander Poblador and Luis Clemente noted for their strong track record. Clients include Manila Water Company, First Philippine Industrial Corporation and Metro Rail Transit Development Corporation.

Quisumbing Torres has a diverse disputes practice that is well versed in both litigation and international arbitration matters. Highlights included representing Forum Energy in a $10m arbitration regarding a sale and purchase agreement. Other clients include Dow Chemical Company, Occidental Chemical Corporation, Intex Resources and Schneider Electric. Ramon Quisumbing leads a highly rated five-partner team.

Romulo has a very good reputation for civil, administrative and criminal litigation matters as well as alternative dispute resolution. Key partners include Eduardo de los Angeles and Jacinto Jimenez.

Ricardo Ongkiko heads the quality disputes team at SyCip Salazar Hernandez & Gatmaitan, which is experienced in domestic litigation and international arbitration work. It recently advised two foreign mining companies on major disputes involving alleged environmental damage claims. The firm’s diverse client base includes Barrick Gold, Del Monte International, Bank of America, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries and Colgate-Palmolive.

Villaraza Cruz Marcelo & Angangco has a good reputation for fraud, tax and banking-related cases. Simeon Marcelo leads the highly regarded disputes team, which includes Alejandro Navarro and Rodel Cruz.

Roberto Dio is one of the main practice contacts at Castillo Laman Tan Pantaleon & San Jose, which is well regarded for both major international disputes and contentious insolvency issues.

Ongkiko Manhit Custodio & Acorda has an excellent reputation for high-profile dispute matters. The extremely well regarded Mario Ongkiko heads the litigation department.

Belo Gozon Elma Parel Asuncion & Lucila Law Office is known particularly for its litigation advice to TMT sector clients. Gener Asuncion is very active on this front.

Carag, Jamora, Somera & Villareal Law Offices has an excellent reputation for IP litigation but is also well versed on general commercial disputes. Maria Trinidad Villareal is one of the main contacts.

Cochingyan & Peralta Law Offices regularly represents international clients in major litigation and arbitration cases. Jose Cochingyan is the main contact.

Ruben Del Rosario and Arturo Del Rosario at Del Rosario & Del Rosario are both highly regarded for handling maritime sector disputes.

Fortun Narvasa & Salazar has strong experience in litigation and arbitration matters, with Philip Sigfrid Fortun and Gregorio Narvasa both particularly well regarded.

JGLaw regularly handles litigation and arbitration matters. Ponciano Gonzales is the main disputes partner.

Manolito Manalo heads the active civil and criminal litigation team at Ocampo & Manalo. Recent clients include Nippon Express, Panalpina Transport, Chery Motors, and Fully Booked.

Silverio Benny Tan and Purisimo Buyco of Picazo Buyco Tan Fider & Santos are both very experienced in dispute resolution matters.

Ponce Enrile Reyes & Manalastas’ litigation department is headed by Denis Habawel. It covers a broad range of matters, including civil and commercial disputes as well as class action lawsuits.

Puyat Jacinto & Santos Law Offices has good experience in representing clients on banking and insolvency disputes as well as energy sector-related cases. Roy Enrico Santos is one of the lead partners.

Quiason Makalintal Barot Torres Ibarra & Sison’s disputes team handles alternative dispute resolution as well as civil and criminal litigation matters. Orencio Ibarra heads the practice.

Siguion Reyna Montecillo & Ongsiako has a sizeable team and is very well known for contentious employment matters. It is also recommended for international arbitration cases, with Mario Andres particularly well regarded in this field.

Zambrano & Gruba Law Offices has an excellent reputation for contentious tax matters and is also highly regarded for general commercial disputes. Clients such as Philippine National Bank and Philippine Airlines regularly instruct the firm. Antero Jose Caganda and Angelo Patrick Advincula are both very active.