Antitrust and competition in Philippines

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

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:

Andrea Katipunan


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.

Quisumbing Torres

The team at Quisumbing Torres is recommended for its capabilities advising its client roster, which includes major national and international names and covers sectors including healthcare, manufacturing, consumer goods and retail, on all aspects of competition law. The team is adept at advising on merger control regulation matters, and at filing notifications with the Philippine Competition Authority. Practice head Maria Christina Macasaet-Acaban has a particular focus on M&A in addition to handling work involving foreign investments and corporate reorganisations. Alain Charles Veloso assists multinational companies on various regulatory matters. Michael Macapagal has a a strong reputation for his expertise in competition law enforcement. Recent highlights for the team include Camille Bianca Gatmaitan-Santos' promotion to partner in July 2023.

Practice head(s):

Maria Christina Macasaet-Acaban


Other key lawyers:

Alain Charles Veloso; Michael Macapagal; Camille Bianca Gatmaitan-Santos; Lara Camille Lee


Testimonials

‘The team gives fresh insights on competition law issues and how to handle them in a practical and pragmatic manner.’

‘The team gives a comprehensive and up-to-date snapshot of the current issues and cites examples from other jurisdictions in case there is a lack of precedent in the country.’

‘Alain Charles Veloso is always the penultimate presenter. He has such a warm personality that it puts his audience at ease almost immediately; then he confidently outlines his presentation.’

Key clients

GlaxoSmithKline


Shell


Work highlights


  • Advising and representing a multinational insurance company in an investigation initiated by the Philippine Competition Commission’s Competition Enforcement Office against a pool of insurance companies, their officers, and a government-owned and controlled corporation for allegedly entering into anti-competitive agreements for the exclusive provision of mortgage redemption insurance to its account holders for almost four decades. This is the first cartel case of the PCC.
  • Advising and assisting a Taiwan-based cargo shipping line in responding to the subpoena of the Philippine Competition Commission.
  • Assisting a multinational oil and gas company in securing clearance from the Philippine Competition Commission in relation to its proposed additional investment in a joint venture company with the renewable energy subsidiary of natural resources development company.

SyCip Salazar Hernandez & Gatmaitan

Headed by Rocky Alejandro Reyes, the team at SyCip Salazar Hernandez & Gatmaitan regularly advises its clients on regulatory matters relating to the Philippine Competition Act, and it is also well-equipped to handle complex transactions and greenfield issues. The group has extensive experience analysing the competition law aspects of various vertical restraint arrangements, including resale price restrictions and sole supply agreements, and is also active in policy development. Its client portfolio features local corporations, large global companies, and international law firms. Arlene Maneja is a key figure in the team, and is particularly adept in advising on the antitrust implications of proposed acquisitions and business ventures. January 2023-promoted partners Roshni Balani and Mark Xavier Oyales are also recommended.

Practice head(s):

Rocky Alejandro Reyes


Other key lawyers:

Roshni Balani; Mark Xavier Oyales; Arlene Maneja


Key clients

Aboitiz Group


Alten Europe


Archer Daniels Midland Company


Arthaland Corporation


Battery Grade Materials Inc.


Credit Corp Group Limited


Daelim Philippines, Inc.


Del Monte Philippines Inc.


Dentsu Aegis Network


DP World


ENEOS Corporation (Japan)


Equinix Asia Pacific Pte. Limited


Frontier Tower Associates Philippines, Inc.


Global Payments Process Centre, Inc.


Grab Holdings, Inc.


JERA Asia Private Limited and JERA Co., Inc.


Jobstreet.com Philippines, Inc.


JP Morgan Chase & Co.


KKR Asia Limited


Manila Electric Company


Metro Pacific Group


Mirova


Mitsui


Mitsubishi Corporation


Mitsubishi Fudosan


Naval Group


Navigator Holdings Ltd


Nova Asia Company


PayPal Inc.


PH Global Jet Express, Inc.


Red 5 Limited


San Miguel Corporation


Shelbyville Limited


Shiseido Company Limited/Shiseido Philippines Corporation


Surge Ventures III


ThomasLloyd Group Limited


TPG Growth III SF Pte Ltd


wpd Philippines, Inc.


Work highlights


  • Advising on the private acquisition by San Miguel Equity Investments Inc. of Eagle Cement Corporation, a listed company, and the public acquisition (through a tender offer) of the shares of the minority shareholders.
  • Acted as Philippine counsel to Aboitiz InfraCap in a joint venture with EdgeConneX in relation to the development and operation of hyperscale data centers.
  • Acting as Philippine competition law counsel for Mitsui and KDDI.

Gulapa & Lim (Gulapa Law)

Spearheaded by Aris Gulapa, the team at Gulapa & Lim (Gulapa Law) has a wealth of experience in competition and antitrust law enforcement. It specialises in assisting financial institutions and government agencies in obtaining clearance from the Philippine Competition Commission. The group is highly regarded for its work in the private sector, and is well-placed to handle a wide-range of compliance and regulatory matters. Melissa Chavez-Dee plays a pivotal role in the department.

Practice head(s):

Aris Gulapa


Other key lawyers:

Melissa Chavez-Dee


Testimonials

‘Swift, accurate and practical legal support.’

‘Aris Gulapa is brilliant, accommodating and responsive.’

‘Working with Gulapa Law, I have observed that this firm understands that legal matters do not exist in a vacuum. Gulapa Law takes the time to thoroughly understand the clients’ business, industry, and objectives.’

‘They tailor their legal advice to not only ensure compliance with the law but also to provide practical and commercially viable solutions that align with the client’s strategic goals. This unique blend of legal acumen and commercial awareness sets Gulapa Law apart from other firms.’

Key clients

Asian Development Bank


Ayala Corporation


AXA Philippines


Work highlights


  • Conducted due diligence and advised AIC on its acquisition of shares in GMR Megawide Cebu Airport Corporation and its affiliates.
  • Assisting AXA Philippines, which is engaged in the business of life insurance, process its merger with a wholly-owned subsidiary Charter Ping An, which is engaged in the business of non-life insurance.
  • Assisted Aboitiz Power Corporation in securing a Letter of Non-Coverage from the compulsory notification requirement with the Philippine Competition Commission in relation to its acquisition of STEAG GmBH’s voting shares in STEAG State Power, Inc.

Villaraza & Angangco (V&A Law)

Noted for its experience across the energy, infrastructure, telecommunications, banking and logistics sectors, Villaraza & Angangco (V&A Law) advises on large-scale acquisitions, while obtaining merger clearances for these transactions. The team is led by Sylvette Tankiang, Franchette Acosta and Kristin Charisse Siao.

Practice head(s):

Sylvette Tankiang; Franchette Acosta; Kristin Charisse Siao


Key clients

AC Logistics Holdings Corporation (subsidiary of Ayala Corporation)


Udenna Corporation


Consortium of Philippine Banks (BDO Unibank, Inc., Bank of the Philippine Islands, Rizal Commercial Banking Corporation)


Fountel Corporation


Nissan Philippines, Inc.


Sarmiento Loriega Law Firm

Bryan A. San Juan heads the practice at Sarmiento Loriega Law Firm, which is adept at advising on merger control matters and has a wealth of experience advising on antitrust enforcement and compliance issues also. Further, it is particularly well-placed to assist its clients in cases regarding the information requirements of the PCC, and on investigations during Phase 1 to Phase 2 reviews of notifiable transactions. The group also frequently advises on cases involving transfer pricing.

Practice head(s):

Bryan A. San Juan


Serrano Law

Elmer Serrano heads up the practice at Serrano Law, which has a particular focus on merger control matters; the group has represented clients in all stages of the PCC merger control process, including in pre-notification consultations, Phase 1 and Phase 2 reviews, and in requests for exemptions. Phil Ivan Chan is an important practitioner in the team, as is Tephanie Gandia.

Practice head(s):

Elmer Serrano


Other key lawyers:

Phil Ivan Chan; Tephanie Gandia


Testimonials

‘The team is very easy to work with, highly responsive to our needs and requirements and can handle complex issues.’

‘Elmer Serrano and Phil Ivan Chan are highly effective in communicating potential issues or implications of certain options. They always provide sound and practical legal advice.’

‘We’ve been working with this team for more than a decade. Aside from their legal expertise, they have a deep understanding of our businesses and commercial knowledge of the banking and financial services industry.’

‘Elmer Serrano and Phil Ivan Chan are very professional, knowledgeable and experienced. They provide practical solutions to complex issues.’

Key clients

BDO Unibank, Inc.


2GO Group, Inc.


Work highlights


  • Advising BDO Unibank, Inc. on the acquisition of the entire equity interest in SM Keppel Land, Inc. from Keppel Philippines Properties, Inc. and Opon-KE Properties, Inc., companies owned and controlled by Keppel Corporation, a publicly listed conglomerate in Singapore.
  • Acting as transaction counsel on the merger of 2GO Group, Inc. and its subsidiary, Special Container and Value Added Services, Inc..