Gatmaytan Yap Patacsil Gutierrez & Protacio (C&G Law) > Manila, Philippines > Firm Profile

Gatmaytan Yap Patacsil Gutierrez & Protacio (C&G Law)
30/F 88 CORPORATE CENTER
SEDENO CORNER VALERO STREETS
SALCEDO VILLAGE, MAKATI CITY 1227
Philippines

Philippines > Antitrust and competition Tier 1

The agile team at Gatmaytan Yap Patacsil Gutierrez & Protacio (C&G Law) is headed by Norma Margarita Patacsil and is particularly well-regarded for its expertise assisting its clients in obtaining merger clearances on large transactions. Further, the practice receives a steady flow of instructions on regulatory issues, namely relating to the Philippine Competition Act. The team is also recommended for its provision of advice in relation to alleged anti-competitive behaviour. It is experienced in auditing and compliance competition matters; and in providing competition law training to clients and their employees. Andrea Katipunan is praised for her work on the range of corporate deals she acts on for both domestic and foreign clients, as well as for her expertise in PPPs and government procurements.

Practice head(s):

Norma Margarita Patacsil

Other key lawyers:

Testimonials

‘The competition practice of this firm is very strong. They work with various MNCs and are handling some of the most complex investigations as well mergers ongoing in the Philippines.’

‘Norma, who leads the practice, is very sound and provides effective solution oriented guidance to clients.’

‘The supporting associates are clear-headed, strong in English and draft good submissions that require little amendment.’

Key clients

Ayala Land, Inc.

Work highlights

  • Acted in an unusual five-way merger involving ALI, the largest land developer in the Philippines with a market capitalisation of approximately PHP400bn, and four of its subsidiaries/affiliates.

Philippines > Banking and finance Tier 1

The team at Gatmaytan Yap Patacsil Gutierrez & Protacio (C&G Law) continues to be busy advising local and international borrowers and lenders on various lending and financing transactions, as well as on a wide range of securities deals. The group, which is co-led by Jaime Renato B. Gatmaytan and Annalisa Carlota, also excels in advising on banking regulations and frequently supports clients on various registration requirements and other applications for approval from the Philippines’ Central Bank. In addition, the practice is skilled at advising on the financing aspects of energy and infrastructure projects further to being highly regarded for its work on green financing mandates, transactions involving the non-performing assets of banks, and matters relating to the technology sector. The firm is also a member of Rajah & Tann Singapore LLP, and as such is well-equipped to work on complex multi-jurisdictional matters.

Practice head(s):

Jaime Renato B. Gatmaytan; Annalisa Carlota

Testimonials

‘The practice responds to us with quality feedback timely and effectively.’

‘Annalisa Carlota always provides professional services for us.’

Work highlights

  • Acting for a bank on a RMB2.3bn loan to the government of the Republic of the Philippines to finance the implementation of the Samal Island-Davao City Connector Project.
  • Advising on $20m term loan facility for a Philippine-based fintech company.
  • Advised on a $20m loan to an agribusiness company.

Philippines > Dispute resolution Tier 1

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

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.

Philippines > Labour and employment Tier 1

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

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.

Philippines > Projects and energy Tier 1

The thriving practice at Gatmaytan Yap Patacsil Gutierrez & Protacio (C&G Law) is highly regarded for its work in the projects, energy and infrastructure sectors. Under the joint leadership of Ben Dominic Yap and Jaime Renato Gatmaytan, it regularly acts as counsel for many of the largest power generation companies operating in the Philippines, as well as for several other industry participants from a wide-range of sectors. Yap works with leading energy companies both on the contentious and non-contentious aspects of their construction, energy, and infrastructure projects. Gatmaytan advises developers and sponsors on tenders for generation projects overseas; Annalisa Carlota is is a projects and finance lawyer with a vast array of experience in energy and infrastructure development in the Philippines and across Asia; and Andrea Katipunan has significant experience in complex energy deals and regulatory matters.

Practice head(s):

Ben Dominic Yap; Jaime Renato Gatmaytan

Other key lawyers:

Testimonials

‘The team responded to us quickly and effectively.’

‘Annalisa Carlota has always provided professional services for us. ’

 

Key clients

Aboitiz Group of Companies

Ayala Group of Companies

Lopez Group of Companies

Global Business Power Corporation

Work highlights

  • Advising First Gen Corporation and FGEN LNG Corporation on an LNG infrastructure development project valued in excess of $1bn.
  • Advising on the The Export-Import Bank of China’s RMB2.3bn loan to the government of the Republic of the Philippines to finance the implementation of the Samal Island-Davao City Connector Project.
  • Advising on The U.S. International Development Finance Corporation’s $20m loan to an agribusiness company.

Philippines > Real estate and construction Tier 1

Gatmaytan Yap Patacsil Gutierrez & Protacio (C&G Law)'s practice is well-equipped to advise its clients on the construction of a range of infrastructure projects including airports, rail systems, roads, and telecoms towers. The department is also experienced in contentious real estate and construction mandates before administrative tribunals, as well as before international and domestic arbitration panels. Team heads Jaime Renato Gatmaytan and Ben Dominic Yap are adept in transactional work in the construction, energy, and infrastructure sectors. Annalisa Carlota handles private and public infrastructure projects across the Philippines and other Asian countries.

Practice head(s):

Jaime Renato Gatmaytan; Ben Dominic Yap

Testimonials

‘Annalisa Carlota provided a professional service.’

‘Rajah & Tann Singapore LLP responded to us with quality feedback in a timely and effective manner.’

Key clients

Aboitiz (A group of companies)

Ayala (A group of companies)

Lopez (A group of companies)

SM (A group of companies)

Metro Rail Transit Corporation

Work highlights

  • Advising First Gen Corporation and FGEN LNG Corporation on an LNG infrastructure development project valued in excess of $1bn.
  • Advising on Ayala Land, Inc.’s rare five-way merger involving 2 publicly-listed companies.
  • Advising on The Export-Import Bank of China’s RMB2.3bn loan to the government of the Republic of the Philippines to finance the implementation of the Samal Island-Davao City Connector Project.

Philippines > Tax Tier 1

Praised for its ‘extensive tax practice’ by a client, Gatmaytan Yap Patacsil Gutierrez & Protacio (C&G Law) regularly advises several leading Philippine conglomerates and multinational corporations. It is skilled at advising on challenging assessments for various internal revenue taxes, and on other governmental impositions. Under the leadership of Anthony Gutierrez, it often helps clients with claiming tax refunds involving significant sums before various tax authorities, administrative tribunals, the Court of Tax Appeals, and the Supreme Court. The tax group also frequently advises on corporate and commercial transactions, and on large-scale projects, infrastructure, and energy matters. Advice on tax compliance matters is another core area of focus. Roxanne Tadique is also a key member of the Tax & Customs Practice Group and is a licensed accountant.

Practice head(s):

Anthony Gutierrez

Other key lawyers:

Testimonials

‘A technically strong team that provides practical advice with due consideration for commercial realities. Responsive and supportive.’

‘Anthony is very competent, responsive and well-versed in the area of tax whilst demonstrating the ability to apply this technical knowledge practically to our questions and situations.’

‘Anthony communicates clearly and well and is experienced and has a good grasp of the issues specific to our industry which is very much appreciated.’

‘Most importantly, Anthony is sincere and takes a real interest in our case and our local team is comfortable reaching out to him and working with him and his team. Pricing is competitive.’ 

‘C&G Law has top-notch tax lawyers with comparable exceptional academic and professional backgrounds. It also has an international linkage which is lacking in some of the domestic law firms, which we find very useful especially for issues involving cross-border transactions as well as transfer pricing.’

All the lawyers of C&G Law that we have dealt with are very proactive in terms of client management. Feedback and status reports are given on a timely basis, without need of a follow-up from us.’

‘This consistent level of client service delivery is maintained by C&G Law regardless of whether the engagement is a major or a minor one.’

Key clients

Metro

Rail Transit Corporation

SN Aboitiz Power-Magat, Inc.

A. Menarini Philippines Inc.

First Gen Corporation and FGEN LNG Corporation

Retail Energy Supply Association

SM Prime Holdings, Inc.

Robinsons Land Corporation

Ayala Group of Companies

TeaM Energy Corporation

Opella Healthcare Philippines Inc.

Webb Fontaine Asia, Inc.

Work highlights

  • Advising a leading Philippine power generation group on tax-related issues on over $1bn LNG infrastructure development project with onshore and offshore components.
  • Acted and obtained a favourable judgment from the Court of Tax Appeals for Metro Rail Transit Corporation for the cancellation of one of the largest tax assessments in recent years.
  • Representing SN Aboitiz Power-Magat, Inc. to advocate the cancellation of a tax assessment relating to incentives granted to renewable energy developers which is the first of its kind.

Philippines > Corporate and M&A Tier 2

Norma Margarita Patacsil heads the group at Gatmaytan Yap Patacsil Gutierrez & Protacio (C&G Law), which continues to be busy advising numerous clients on a variety of significant corporate and commercial transactions across a range of industries. It is skilled at advising on diverse matters such as the incorporation of new entities, governance and compliance, as well as acquisitions and mergers. The group has also assisted several clients in obtaining Philippine Competition Commission approval on some key deals. Andrea Katipunan has a broad practice – she has advised on a variety of public-private partnerships. Katrine Paula Suyat-Antonio has significant experience in government procurement and build-operate-transfer projects.

Practice head(s):

Norma Margarita Patacsil

Testimonials

‘Good size and reputation. Some high-quality partners and associates.’

‘Personable and reasonable. Good sounding boards.’

‘Norge Patacsil is excellent.

Key clients

Ayala Land, Inc

Holcim Philippines, Inc

Work highlights

  • Advised Ayala Land, Inc in an unusual five-way merger involving two publicly listed companies.
  • Advising on a merger creating a significant global ship management company.
  • Advising on a joint venture between a member of a leading Philippine conglomerate and its Singaporean partner to develop and operate carrier-neutral data centres across the Philippines.

Philippines > TMT Tier 2

A key contact for e-commerce platforms, online service providers as well as social media and social networks, Gatmaytan Yap Patacsil Gutierrez & Protacio (C&G Law)'s practice is adept in advising on data protection, network infrastructure as well as online content and advertisements matters. Head of the group, Mary Thel Mundin is often engaged in fintech mandates while Deborah Sobrepena-Lacson advises clients on domestic telecoms infrastructure and regulation cases. Vladi Miguel Lazaro and Dwight Tan are also noted for their expertise in data protection and privacy.

Practice head(s):

Mary Thel Mundin

Testimonials

‘G&C Law have good experience in the telecommunications industry and take a commercial and pragmatic approach to their legal advice.’

‘I find them very responsive and thorough. ’

‘Deborah Sobrepena-Lacson is commercial and pragmatic.’

‘Very well-versed in the practice area, very thorough and details-oriented, while being practical at the same time. A good mix.’

‘Mary Thel Mundin is very knowledgeable, thorough, and helpful.’

‘They have good experience in the telecommunications industry and take a commercial and pragmatic approach to their legal advice, with a focus on finding solutions rather than highlighting all the problems. I find them very responsive and thorough.’

‘They are all commercial and pragmatic lawyers who provide simple advice on complex issues, empowering my business to make decisions and put in place appropriate risk mitigations.’

Work highlights

Philippines > Capital markets Tier 3

Philippines > Immigration Tier 3

Gatmaytan Yap Patacsil Gutierrez & Protacio (C&G Law)‘s immigration group frequently advises clients on work permits and visas in addition to special non-immigrant visas for foreign investors. Cesar Santamaria spearheads the group and is supported by associate Carlo Cabrito who is knowledgeable of requests for reconsiderations on orders to leave the Philippines.

Practice head(s):

Cesar Santamaria

Other key lawyers:

Testimonials

‘Integrity, responsiveness, and expertise.’

Work highlights

  • Assisting a client with reviewing its ongoing arrangement with a Philippine recruitment agency for compliance with domestic laws on overseas employment.
  • Assisted in an application for Authority to Employ Alien for the the Department of Justice’s executive.
  • Advised a client in respect of various work permit and visa options available to its employees.

Asia Pacific: Regional International Arbitration > Leading firms

Rajah & Tann Singapore LLP is commended for its ‘unique blend of experience, strategy, and a genuine willingness to listen and consult with clients‘ with a wide-ranging practice experienced in commercial arbitrations, investor-state arbitrations, infrastructure disputes, and international arbitration-related court litigation. The practice is adept at acting on multi-jurisdictional arbitration matters across the ASEAN region. The practice is led by a range of impressive individuals, with Kelvin Poon SC and Avinash Pradhan both Singapore-based, and Eri Hertiawan and Simon Barrie Sasmoyo leading the Indonesia practice. Ben Dominic Yap and Surasak Vajasit lend their expertise to the ‘results driven, and quick on their feet‘ team, acting out of Philippines and Thailand respectively. In Vietnam, Chau Huy Quang and Logan Leung are key names.

Practice head(s):

Kelvin Poon, SC; Avinash Pradhan; Eri Hertiawan; Simon Barrie Sasmoyo; Ben Dominic R. Yap; Surasak Vajasit; Chau Huy Quang; Logan Leung

Other key lawyers:

Andre Yeap; Devathas Satianathan

Testimonials

‘This practice is unique primarily due to the team’s robust experience and thoughtful strategy, aligned specifically with their client’s risk appetite. Unlike other firms that may insist on a rigid approach, this practice puts the client’s needs and concerns at the forefront, ensuring a customized strategy that resonates with the client’s comfort and expectations.’

‘Compared to other firms, this practice stands out for its unique blend of experience, strategy, and a genuine willingness to listen and consult with clients before making decisions.’

‘What makes the individuals we work with at this firm stand out is a combination of experience, strategic thinking, and a genuine commitment to our needs and concerns. Two key individuals that exemplify these qualities are Andre Yeap and Devathas Satianathan.’

‘Andre Yeap, a Senior Counsel and a household name in the field, has been instrumental in guiding us to favourable results. Andre’s approach is centered around effectiveness and cost-saving. His vast experience and willingness to listen to our concerns have made him invaluable to us, differentiating him from others in the industry. His reputation truly stands as a testament to his capabilities.’

Devathas Satianathan has also been exceptional, particularly in his ability to quickly grasp the intricacies of our case. His skill in connecting events and identifying chains of events that we might have overlooked has proven vital. His agile thinking and understanding of the case have been qualities we have deeply valued.

‘Rajah and Tann differentiates itself by its multidimensional approach. By seamlessly merging legal expertise with an understanding of business dynamics, the practice offers solutions that are both legally sound and strategically robust’ 

‘Results driven, and quick on their feet. ’

‘Avinash Pradhan is commercial and assists clients to attain best results. ’

Key clients

The Republic of the Philippines

Vedanta Limited

National Bank of Fujairah

Roberto 16 Pte Ltd (Owners of “Di Matteo”) and the Standard P&I Club (as the shipowner’s P & I insurer)

Hilton Group

Phnom Penh SEZ Plc

FIMBank plc

National Oilwell Varco Norway AS

Shinhan Bank

York International Pte Ltd

Work highlights

  • Represented the Filipino government in an ICC arbitration against Chevron and Shell concerning their income tax liability.
  • Representing Vedanta in two matters relating to a Singapore-seated treaty arbitration under the UNCITRAL Rules arising from its claims, which are valued in excess of US$3n, against India under the United Kingdom-India BIT.
  • Acting in a dispute with a foreign investor over gaming interests in a Southeast Asian country, concerning an alleged wrongful deprivation of profits stemming from those interests.

Gatmaytan Yap Patacsil Gutierrez & Protacio (C&G Law), formerly known as Caguioa & Gatmaytan, is a full-service law firm in the Philippines specializing in competition and anti-trust, corporate and commercial transactions, energy and infrastructure, labour and employment, litigation and arbitration, mergers and acquisitions, real estate and construction, taxation as well as technology, media and telecommunications.

C&G Law currently comprises 17 partners, led by founding partners Jaime Renato B Gatmaytan, Ben Dominic R Yap, Norma Margarita B Patacsil, Anthony Mark A Gutierrez and Jesus Paolo U Protacio, as well as a full complement of associates and paralegals.

C&G Law is counsel to major Philippine and multinational companies which include banking and financial institutions, conglomerates, educational institutions, energy companies, investment companies, law firms, manufacturing companies, medical establishments, mining and cement companies, pharmaceutical companies, and special purpose vehicles and their servicing outfits.

Now in its 15th year of existence, C&G Law and its partners are highly regarded in various fields by a number of prestigious international publications, such as AsiaLaw, Asian Legal Business, Chambers and Partners, the Global Arbitration Review, International Financial Law Review, The Legal 500 and Who’s Who Legal. In recent years, the firm has also consistently been a finalist for the “Philippines Law Firm of the Year” category at the Chambers Asia-Pacific Awards, including the 2021 edition of these awards.

C&G Law is a member firm of Rajah & Tann Asia, Southeast Asia’s largest legal networks. This offers C&G Law’s clients seamless access to over 800 fee earners who are qualified to practice local law in ten countries across the region, many of whom are highly regarded in their respective fields and jurisdictions.

Department Name Email Telephone
Corporate and commercial Jaime Renato B Gatmaytan jrbgatmaytan@cagatlaw.com +632 88940377 to 79
Corporate and commercial Norma Margarita B Patacsil nmbpatacsil@cagatlaw.com +632 88940377 to 79
Corporate and commercial Albert Vincent Y Yu Chang albert.yuchang@cagatlaw.com +632 88940377 to 79
Corporate and commercial Annalisa J. Carlota annalisa.carlota@cagatlaw.com +632 88940377 to 79
Corporate and commercial Kristine N. L. Evanglista kristine.evangelista@cagatlaw.com +632 88940377 to 79
Dispute resolution and arbitration Ben Dominic R Yap bdryap@cagatlaw.com +632 88940377 to 79
Dispute resolution and arbitration Jesus Paolo U Protacio jpuprotacio@cagatlaw.com +632 88940377 to 79
Dispute resolution and arbitration Jess Raymund M Lopez jrmlopez@cagatlaw.com +632 88940377 to 79
Dispute resolution and arbitration Vladi Miguel S. Lazaro vmslazaro@cagatlaw.com +632 88940377 to 79
Taxation and customs Anthony Mark A Gutierrez amgutierrez@cagatlaw.com +632 88940377 to 79
Labour and employment Cesar E Santamaria Jr cesantamaria@cagatlaw.com +632 88940377 to 79
Japan desk Tomoko Okazaki tomoko.okazaki@cagatlaw.com +632 88940377 to 79
Project finance, energy and infrastructure Jaime Renato B Gatmaytan jrbgatmaytan@cagatlaw.com +632 88940377 to 79
Project finance, energy and infrastructure Annalisa J. Carlota annalisa.carlota@cagatlaw.com +632 88940377 to 79
Project finance, energy and infrastructure Albert Vincent Y Yu Chang albert.yuchang@cagatlaw.com +632 88940377 to 79
Competition and antitrust Norma Margarita B Patacsil nmbpatacsil@cagatlaw.com +632 88940377 to 79
M&A Annalisa J. Carlota annalisa.carlota@cagatlaw.com +632 88940377 to 79
M&A Kristine N. L. Evanglista kristine.evangelista@cagatlaw.com +632 88940377 to 79
M&A Norma Margarita B Patacsil nmbpatacsil@cagatlaw.com +632 88940377 to 79
M&A Mary Thel T Mundin thel.mundin@cagatlaw.com +632 88940377 to 79
M&A Albert Vincent Y Yu Chang albert.yuchang@cagatlaw.com +632 88940377 to 79
Real estate Albert Vincent Y Yu Chang albert.yuchang@cagatlaw.com +632 88940377 to 79
Real estate Mary Thel T Mundin thel.mundin@cagatlaw.com +632 88940377 to 79
Number of lawyers : 50+
English
Filipino
Japanese
Rajah & Tann Asia