Firms To Watch: Labour and employment

Led by Felix T. Sy, the team at Insights Philippines Legal Advisors (a member firm of the KPMG Law network) acts for international clients on a range of labour and employment matters.
Subido Pagente Certeza Mendoza & Binay (SPCMB Law Offices) has Ma. Joycelyn L. Guirnalda and Maria Patricia Alvarez at its helm and acts for clients on a broad range of employment matters.

Labour and employment in Philippines

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

Gatmaytan Yap Patacsil Gutierrez & Protacio (C&G Law)'s team has a standout track-record representing clients in labour disputes before the National Labour Relations Commission and the Supreme Court. It also often advises clients on obtaining working visas and permits. The practice’s workload also includes assisting with employment terminations, internal investigations pertaining to employee fraud or negligence and the preparation and review of employment contracts. Head of the team Cesar Santamaria and Katrine Paula Suyat-Antonio are adept in employment litigation and advisory work, while Vladi Miguel Lazaro is also noted for his capabilities in contentious mandates. Nicolo Mendiola assists multinational companies with reviewing policies and employment contracts to ensure compliance with domestic laws and regulations.

Practice head(s):

Cesar Santamaria


Other key lawyers:

Katrine Paula Suyat-Antonio; Vladi Miguel Lazaro; Nicolo Mendiola


Testimonials

‘C&G Law is very dependable and they are always available to address our concerns. They have been very responsive and proactive and their team is well-staffed and well-trained.’

‘Their client service is outstanding. They have commercial awareness and offer practical legal solutions to issues.’

‘Vladi Lazaro knows the law very well and is good at giving practical examples and suggestions. He also understands regulators’ expectations and how they think in the Philippines, which is useful.’

‘Vladi Lazaro’s advice is always practical and he guides you in the right direction.’

‘Vladi Miguel Lazaro is of the best lawyers we have worked with. He responds to our questions and requests, even at short notice, and is very thorough. He is very reliable and has extensive experience of Philippine law. ’

Work highlights


  • Represented a client with an illegal dismissal case filed by its former Regional Manager before the National Labor Relations Commission.
  • Represented a client with over 25 ongoing labour cases filed by employees found by the client to have committed various violations of company policies ranging from gaming behaviour, harassment, to fraud.
  • Represented a client whose employee with behavior and performance issues has claimed a mental health condition.

Martinez Vergara & Gonzalez Sociedad

Well-regarded for its expertise in labour and industrial relations, Martinez Vergara & Gonzalez Sociedad's team's workload includes advising on employment contracts, government notices, and termination notices. Head of the team Reynaldo Dizon is knowledgeable of statutory and reportorial requirements as well as labour policy manuals and employee handbooks. Kristine Bongcaron is proficient in assisting clients with union-related concerns and often advises foreign clients on the direct hiring of Filipino nationals. Miguel Sevilla’s practice encompasses occupational safety and health standards in addition to social security law compliance.

Practice head(s):

Reynaldo Dizon


Other key lawyers:

Kristine Bongcaron: Miguel Sevilla


Testimonials

‘They are very accommodating.’

‘The firm’s knowledge in labour and employment laws is beyond question. The lawyers have extensive practical experience, honed from years of actual, on the ground experience. They give timely advice based on our agreed timelines and are always ready to lend a helping hand.’

‘Very accessible.’

‘What makes their practice unique is that Reynaldo Dizon and Miguel R. Sevilla have a keen knowledge of the latest labour laws and update us regularly. They have also given us timely updates on the matters they are handling for us.’

‘Their key strength is that they have made it a point to be updated on the latest laws and have thus studied on how these laws impact their clients, including our company.’

‘As compared to other firms, they have proven to be very accessible and have made it a point to make themselves available to us at a moment’s notice.’

‘We are satisfied with their services; it’s accommodating and rates are reasonable.’

Key clients

So-En Garments Corporation


Work highlights


Quisumbing Torres

Quisumbing Torres’ full-service employment offering encompasses handling blacklisting and deportation proceedings, permanent resident and investor’s visas, as well as petitions for dual citizenship. Head of the group Kenneth Chua thrives in compensation and benefits-related work, as well as in advising on the employment aspects of M&A and pension funds. Gil Roberto Zerrudo is often engaged in discrimination law and occupational health and safety matters, in addition to trade union recognition procedures. Eliseo Zuñiga caters to executive transfers, employment contracts, redundancy and the downsizing of operations. Patrick Henry Salazar‘s key strengths lie in collective bargaining agreement negotiations, labour standards compliance and the reviews of employment documents.

Practice head(s):

Kenneth Chua


Other key lawyers:

Gil Roberto Zerrudo; Eliseo Zuñiga; Patrick Henry Salazar


Testimonials

‘Kenneth and his team are really responsive and the advice they give is practical.’

‘Kenneth Chua is excellent. He’s really responsive, reliable, and gives matters his personal attention. I appreciate that he’s willing to get on a call at short notice.’

‘The team is very responsive and they handle work with client centricity and accountability. The team is always able to provide updates and feedback in a timely manner.’

Key clients

Alphabet (Google Inc.)


GlaxoSmithKline


Sankyu Southeast Asia Holdings Pte. Ltd.


SBA Communications Corporation


Work highlights


  • Assisted a worldwide provider of software solutions and technical support in its investigation of fraud committed by a managerial employee.
  • Advised an independent supplier of medical image processing solutions in handling a labor union organization in a manufacturing plant.
  • Represented a client in the customer experience industry in obtaining a favorable decision from the Court of Appeals and the Supreme Court on the appeal of a decision involving a constructive dismissal complaint.

SyCip Salazar Hernandez & Gatmaitan

Entrusted by significant banking, healthcare, pharmaceutical and tech clients amongst others, SyCip Salazar Hernandez & Gatmaitan’s key strengths lie in handling disciplinary actions and terminations, employment contracts as well as advising on work visa and permit-related issues. Head of the group Dante Pamintuan and Leslie Dy specialise in labour litigation and bargaining, whilst Amer Mambuay is informed on employment issues in corporate mergers and acquisitions. Easter Princess Castro and Emmar Benjoe Panahon are well-versed in occupational safety and health standards, whilst Russel Rodriguez advises clients on employee benefits, labour standards and personnel movements.

Practice head(s):

Dante Pamintuan


Other key lawyers:

Leslie Dy; Amer Mambuay; Easter Princess Castro; Emmar Benjoe Panahon; Russel Rodriguez; Ronald Mark Lleno; Mark Kevin Dellosa


Testimonials

‘Leslie Dy is a seasoned legal adviser, especially in the area of labour and employment.’

‘Leslie Dy is truly someone we can trust and rely upon to provide the best legal advice for our business and our people.’

‘The team is very capable. They can deliver even when the deadline is tight.’

‘They provide organised and thorough discussions of the topics.’

‘They are competent, proactive, patient, and intuitive, with great attention to detail.’

‘They are very dynamic, supportive, and business enabling.’

‘They are knowledgeable, precise, and have integrity.’

Key clients

ADP Philippines Inc.


Adidas


Advokatfirmaet Schjødt AS, filial


Agents Only Technologies Inc.


AIA Philippines


Allens Linklaters, Australia


Atlas Copco (Philippines), Inc.


Asian Development Bank


Boeing International Corporation


British Council


Burberry


Cargill Philippines Inc.


Chubb Asia Pacific Pte. Ltd.


Clorox International Phils., Inc.


City Savings Bank


Citizen Machinery Philippines, Inc.


Connell Bros. Co. LLC


DTCC


ESS Manufacturing Company, Inc.


E-Trading Software Services


Firmenich Philippines, Inc.


Firstsource Solutions Limited – Philippine Branch


Fluor Daniel, Inc. – Philippines


Ford Group Philippines


Fordays Japan International, Inc.


Gardenia Bakeries (Philippines), Inc.


Green Cross Inc.


HAVI Logistics Philippines Inc.


HCL Technologies Ltd.


iGlobal Law


Innodata Knowledge Philippines, Inc.


Isuzu Autoparts Manufacturing, Inc.


Kering Asia Pacific Limited


Korn Ferry


Kroll LLC


Linklaters Singapore Pte Ltd


LF (Philippines), Inc.


Loyola House of Studies, Inc.


Macquarie Capital Securities (Philippines) Inc.


Mitsubishi Corporation – Manila Branch


Mori Hamada & Matsumoto LPC


OceanaGold (Philippines), Inc.


Omnicom Media Group – Philippines


Principal Financial Group, Inc


Qatar Airways


Quantrics Enterprises, Inc.


Quezon Power (Philippines) Limited


Refinitv Asia Pte. Ltd.


S Division Holdings, Inc.


sanofi aventis Philippines, Inc.


STADA Philippines, Inc.


TDK Philippines Corporation


TE Connectivity Manufacturing Philippines Inc.


TELUS International Philippines, Inc.


The Asia Foundation


TSB Enterprises, Inc.


Tupperware Brands Phils., Inc.


Union Bank of the Philippines


Work highlights


  • Acted as the legal advisor for Citibank on the sale of its retail banking business to UnionBank of the Philippines.
  • Represented Adidas Philippines, Inc. successfully in an illegal dismissal case filed by a former employee.
  • Represented Leighton Contractors (Asia) Limited – Philippine Branch successfully on an illegal dismissal case filed by a project employee who was repeatedly rehired.

Gorriceta Africa Cauton & Saavedra

Under the leadership of Ramon Andre Cedro, Francis Africa and  Edrian Apaya, Gorriceta Africa Cauton & Saavedra's practice thrives in the immigration space, often assisting clients with overseas employment matters. The team also handles the full spectrum of cases regarding labour relations and standards including bargaining negotiations, mandatory government employment compliance, sexual harassment in the workplace and unfair labour.

Practice head(s):

Ramon Andre Cedro; Francis Africa; Edrian M. Apaya


Key clients

Regent Foods Corporation


Work highlights


Villaraza & Angangco (V&A Law)

Leveraging support from the firm’s commercial law, IP, and litigation departments, Villaraza & Angangco (V&A Law) advises clients on immigration requirements, regulatory issues, and employment contracts. The team is also entrusted by multinational clients on domestic labour law and occupational health and safety standards matters, as well as in employee investigations, and COVID-19-related cases. Alejandro Alfonso Navarro is proficient in corporate restructuring and retrenchment; Rashel Ann Pomoy is seasoned in advising on contracting arrangements, illegal dismissals, and other domestic labour law violations before the National Labour Relations Commission. The two oversee the practice.

Practice head(s):

Alejandro Alfonso Navarro; Rashel Ann Pomoy


Testimonials

‘V&A Law’s team is very proactive in making certain our exposure is minimal and they are very responsive to our queries and needs. ’

‘Apart from the technical expertise that the firm brings in, they go to great lengths to protect the interest of their clients and are transparent in discussing all of the intricacies and issues of the case they are handling.’

‘They have a good network in the field. High calibre lawyers.’

‘The team is very knowledgeable and responsive.’

‘Strong knowledge of Philippines statutory regulations and compliances.’

‘Quick response, attention-to-detail and proactiveness. All partners have provided a positive experience.’

‘Rashel Pomoy is easily reachable. The team assigned to our cases were very thorough in the preparation of pleadings and case build-up.’

‘Alejandro Alfonso Navarro and Rashel Ann Pomoy are straightforward and they will not hesitate to tell you what is wrong and how can this be rectified.’

Key clients

Amazon Operations Services Philippines, Inc.


Seyfarth Shaw LLP


King & Spalding LLP


Taylor Vinters LLP


HIJO Resources Corporation


Jessie James Tamayo Nuñez (“JJTAN”) Inc.


Recruitment Center Philippines, Inc.


Tagum Resources Agri-Industries, Inc. (“TRAIN”)


PNG Forest Products, LTD.


CIBI Information Inc. (“CIBI”)


Autodesk Asia PTE. LTD. (Philippines Representative Office)


LF (Philippines), Inc.


Tata Consultancy Services


Prime BMD


CIBI Information, Inc.


Twitter, Inc.


Lantro Vision, Inc.


DTN


Lantro Phils, Inc.


Casto Travel Philippines, Inc.


NarraSoft


Access Healthcare Services Manila, Inc.


S&P Global Philippines, Inc.


Cisco Philippines


Airbnb


Telstra International Philippines, Inc.


Avid Technology Philippines


Business Support Outsourcing, Inc.


Traveloka


Lenovo


Lalamove Philippines


MᶜConnell Dowell


Work highlights


  • Acted as counsel for Amazon Operation Services Philippines, Inc. (“Amazon”) in cases of illegal dismissal cases filed by former employees.
  • Acted as the local counsel of Twitter, Inc., and provided advice concerning different aspects of its operations.
  • Representing Tagum Resources Agri-Industries, Inc. (“TRAIN”), in a multi-faceted and multi-party harassment suit involving more than 250 individuals.

Gulapa & Lim (Gulapa Law)

Led by Oscar Carlo Cajucom, Gulapa & Lim (Gulapa Law)'s labour and employment group represents both employees and employers in court and labour tribunals. The team’s practice also encompasses illegal dismissal cases, labour disputes pertaining to discrimination, as well as strike and preventive mediation complaints. Phillip Don Recentes handles work permit and work visa requirements.

Practice head(s):

Oscar Carlo Cajucom


Other key lawyers:

Phillip Don Recentes


Key clients

Pivot-Hawks Manila, Inc.


Paolo Alcantara


AXA Philippines, Inc.


TF BPO Inc.


Watermatic Philippines Inc.


STMPI Corporation


CCL


Tinkoff Bank


Angela Andaya


ESSEA


Work highlights


  • Assisted a client in successfully thwarting a strike illegally mounted by agency employees, and secured the withdrawal of the notice of strike filed by the union.
  • Assisted Paolo Alcantara in a labor dispute and won the case against her employer for having been illegally dismissed on the basis of transgender discrimination.
  • Assisted AXA Philippines in securing a favorable ruling in a case filed against them for illegal dismissal.

Kua Sy & Yeung Law Offices (SKY Law)

Kua Sy & Yeung Law Offices (SKY Law)'s labour and employment team is vastly experienced in representing corporations on collective bargaining, contracting issues, illegal dismissal claims and union strikes. Kesterson Kua oversees the department and is proficient in advising on alien employment, labour compliance issues, and occupational safety and health systems. Mark John Yeung is another key member of the team.

Practice head(s):

Kesterson Kua


Other key lawyers:

Mark John Yeung


Testimonials

‘Each partner at the firm has their strengths, and they play well into them.’

‘The team is efficient and very accommodating. They make sure that clients understand what is happening every step of the way.’

‘The partners are always available, they have a great passion for their work. The team goes the extra mile to understand the problem and offers solutions that are effective.’

‘Sky Law provides very professional services but still manages to make clients feel valued at a personal level.’

‘Sky Law is very warm and receptive to our needs. They are knowledgeable on the issues that we experience and have the problem solving mindset to resolve them in a timely and effective manner.’

‘They are very professional and easy to deal with. We had a court case which they handled for us very judiciously. They are such a joy to work with.’

‘Kesterson Kua makes his clients feel secure by treating each case with utmost attention, transparency, and care, regardless of the size of the issue at hand.’

‘Kesterson Kua is a very hands-on partner. He goes the extra mile to provide legal services.’

Key clients

Simco Food Corporation


Philippine Nylon Net Manufacturing


John O. Gan & Associates


Prolific Fuel Haus Corp.


Sino Cargo Works Agencies Inc.


Big Bee Tea House


Cebu Overseas Hardware Co.


China Communications Services Philippines Corp.


Innovative Packaging Industry Corporation


Landlite Philippines Corporation


Davies Paints Philippines Inc.


Albert Smith Signs Inc.


Zark’s Burgers


Primal Enterprises


Visaya Knowledge Process Outsourcing


SkyDev Solutions Inc.


Expressions Stationery Inc.


Intelegencia BPO LLC


BCD Philscan Travel


Ravago Equipment Rentals Inc.


Unitec Resources Inc.


Premiere Food Choice


Tesoro Group of Companies


Westpoint Industrial Sales Co.


Belleplas Plastic Industries


Kynar Panel Philippines Corp.


Tramway Buffet Garden


CW Home Depot


Bulls Paper Products Inc.


Inspira Prime


Expressions Stationery Shop Inc.


Sterling Paper Group of Companies


Work highlights


  • Assisted Inspira Prime Marketing, a lifestyle retailer in preventing a mass employee exodus and media expose to discredit the company which was organized by former employees.
  • Defended one of the country’s biggest travel & tour operators successfully from an illegal dismissal case filed by one of its former directors.
  • Advised the Sterling Paper Group of Companies in the dismissal and discipline of employees holding key position in the group.

Tolosa Javier Law

Headed by Filemon Ray Javier, Tolosa Javier Law’s labour and employment practice encompasses assisting with collective bargaining negotiations and contracting arrangements, as well as drafting and reviewing employment contracts. The team also caters to illegal dismissals, labour standards compliance as well as redundancy, retrenchment, and the downsizing of operations.

Practice head(s):

Filemon Ray Javier


Testimonials

‘Filemon Ray Javier is considered an expert when it comes to labour laws and regulations.’

‘Filemon Ray Javier has been excellent at providing for our diverse needs, from civil and labour litigation to immigration concerns.’

‘Client-centric, easy to work with, and collaborative. ’

Key clients

PMFTC, Inc.


San Miguel Yamamura Corporation


Nutri-Asia


Florabel Group of Companies


Schneider Electric


Metro Pacific Hospitals


Metro Pacific Investments Corporation


Metro Pacific Tollways


Metro Pacific Water


Cargill Philippines, Inc./C-Joy Poultry Meats Production, Inc.


Work highlights