The Legal 500

Quisumbing Torres’ projects and energy lawyers are praised for their ‘technical ability and knowledge’ and their ‘outstanding’ expertise in project finance. ‘They are also quick and prompt in responding to client queries and proactive in updating clients with development issues and polices that would affect them’. The firm is also praised for its ‘exceptional network internationally’, which comes from being part of the Baker & McKenzie network. The versatile group, which includes Pearl Liu, Lourdes Echavez-De Leon and Dennis Quintero covers all areas of mining and energy, including disputes, M&A, regulatory and project finance.

Perry Pe of Romulo has ‘an extensive and well-regarded team for project financing, especially on transactions relating to the privatisation of power assets in the Philippines’. Recent highlights include advising project company JG Summit Olefins Corporation on the multibillion-dollar project financing of a Naphtha Cracker Plant. The firm is also highly experienced in mining, and recently advised a subsidiary of Xstrata on its mining operations in the Tampakan copper-gold project.

SyCip Salazar Hernandez & Gatmaitan has an excellent reputation for energy and mining-related transactions and projects. Energy expert Andres Maria heads the team, which also includes projects gurus Marilyn Victorio-Aquino and Hector de Leon. A major highlight was representing the project company GNPower Mariveles Coal Plant Limited on the $1bn project financing of its two 300MW coal-fired power plants.

Fortun Narvasa & Salazar has an excellent reputation for its work in the mining sector. Recent highlights include providing due diligence to Vale International on the Philippine mining claims of Royalco Resources. Other clients include Mindoro Resources and Metals Exploration. Roderick Salazar is highly recommended.

Gemma Santos and Cristina Palma Gil-Fernandez are among the key partners at Picazo Buyco Tan Fider & Santos. The firm acts for several major energy and mining companies, including Pilipinas Shell Petroleum Corp, Petron, Manila Electric Company and Phoenix Petroleum.

Puno & Puno Law Offices has an excellent energy and mining practice, and Roderico Puno is praised for his ‘expertise and hands-on approach in dealing with clients’. The firm’s impressive list of clients includes Bauang Private Power, Davao Light and Power, First Gen, Manila Electric Company, and TeaM Energy Corporation, which is a joint venture between Tokyo Electric Power Company and Marubeni.

Project finance and energy are core areas for Puyat Jacinto & Santos Law Offices, which has six experienced partners, including Monalisa Dimalanta and Regina Jacinto-Barrientos. Highlights included advising Aboitiz Power Corporation on the acquisition of four power barges, with a total capacity of 242MW, from Duracom Mobile Power and East Asia Diesel Power.

Cebu-based firm Almase Suarez & Almase-Martinez Law Offices has a solid track record providing advice to the mining sector.

Angara Abello Concepcion Regala & Cruz Law Offices (ACCRALAW) is recommended for its contentious and regulatory advice, and is also strong on projects and corporate matters. Key partners include Teodoro Regala for project finance, Victor Lazatin for mining, and Avelino Cruz for energy.

Belo Gozon Elma Parel Asuncion & Lucila Law Office has a good reputation for its mining-related advice, an area where Roberto Parel is recommended. Clients include Petron Corporation, Omico Mining and Toledo Mining Corporation.

Carag, Jamora, Somera & Villareal Law Offices has a good reputation for advising on contentious and non-contentious mining issues.

Mel Macaraig is recommended for project finance matters at Castillo Laman Tan Pantaleon & San Jose, which has solid experience advising on major power and utilities projects.

Migallos & Luna Law Offices’ name partner Troy Ang Luna has developed a good reputation for mining law.

Based in Cebu, Palma Ybañez & Teleron has experience advising clients in the mining sector.

Platon Martinez Flores San Pedro & Leaño has an impressive stable of energy clients, such as Chevron, which it regularly advises on major contentious and non-contentious matters.

Ponce Enrile Reyes & Manalastas partners Jesus Manalastas and Enrique Dela Cruz are both noted for the energy and natural resources experience. Clients include Pilipinas Shell, Rio Tuba Nickel Mining Corp and Western Mindanao Power Corp.

Quasha Ancheta Peña & Nolasco has an active mining practice. Nilo Peña is the main contact.

Quiason Makalintal Barot Torres Ibarra & Sison was involved in several major financings for energy and infrastructure companies, and represented Energy Development Corporation on a $300m note issue and a separate $75m loan from the IFC. Manuel Torres is recommended for regulatory matters.

Daphne Grasparil is recommended for mining work at VeraLaw, a partnership of Del Rosario Bagamasbad & Raboca, whose clients include the Copper Development Corporation.