{"id":225662,"date":"2025-08-15T13:11:51","date_gmt":"2025-08-15T13:11:51","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/my.legal500.com\/events\/?page_id=225662"},"modified":"2026-03-25T12:14:52","modified_gmt":"2026-03-25T12:14:52","slug":"speakers","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/my.legal500.com\/events\/gc-summit-philippines-2026\/speakers\/","title":{"rendered":"Speakers"},"content":{"rendered":"<p data-olk-copy-source=\"MessageBody\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-245198\" src=\"https:\/\/www.legal500.com\/events\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2026\/01\/Atty.-Mark-S.-Gorriceta.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" srcset=\"https:\/\/my.legal500.com\/events\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2026\/01\/Atty.-Mark-S.-Gorriceta.png 150w, https:\/\/my.legal500.com\/events\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2026\/01\/Atty.-Mark-S.-Gorriceta-100x100.png 100w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><strong>Mark S. Gorriceta, chairman and managing partner, Gorriceta Africa Cauton &amp; Saavedra<\/strong><\/p>\n<p class=\"ewa-rteLine\">Mark S. Gorriceta is the Chairman and Managing Partner of Gorriceta Africa Cauton &amp; Saavedra, one of the Philippines\u2019 leading and fastest-growing law firms, known for its strong focus on technology, infrastructure, and emerging industries. He also heads the firm\u2019s Corporate, Banking &amp; Finance, and Technology, Media &amp; Telecommunications (TMT) practice groups. Under his leadership, the firm has expanded its regional footprint with offices in Singapore, Malaysia, and Thailand, serving clients across Southeast Asia.<\/p>\n<p class=\"ewa-rteLine\">Mark has been consistently recognized among the Philippines\u2019 Top 100 Lawyers (2020\u20132025) by Asia Business Law Journal and as a Leading Individual for TMT Law by The Legal 500. He is widely regarded as the country\u2019s leading counsel in fintech, digital assets, blockchain, AI, data privacy, e-commerce, and digital platforms.<\/p>\n<p class=\"ewa-rteLine\">With over two decades of private-practice experience, Mark advises startups, multinational corporations, and domestic conglomerates on complex corporate transactions, digital transformation initiatives, regulatory strategy, capital markets, mergers and acquisitions, and cross-border matters.<\/p>\n<p class=\"ewa-rteLine\">Beyond private practice, Mark plays a key role in shaping the Philippines\u2019 digital economy. He is the Chairman of Go Digital Philippines, a national private-sector initiative under the Private Sector Advisory Council, and serves in leadership and trustee roles across major fintech, blockchain, AI, cybersecurity, and investor organizations. He is also a faculty member at the Ateneo de Manila University Graduate School of Business, where he teaches Mergers &amp; Acquisitions.<\/p>\n<div data-olk-copy-source=\"MessageBody\">\n<hr \/>\n<\/div>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-245200\" src=\"https:\/\/www.legal500.com\/events\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2026\/01\/Atty.-Kristine-T.-Torres-Photo.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" srcset=\"https:\/\/my.legal500.com\/events\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2026\/01\/Atty.-Kristine-T.-Torres-Photo.png 150w, https:\/\/my.legal500.com\/events\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2026\/01\/Atty.-Kristine-T.-Torres-Photo-100x100.png 100w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><strong>Kristine T. Torres, partner, Gorriceta Africa Cauton &amp; Saavedra<\/strong><\/p>\n<p class=\"ewa-rteLine\">Kristine Torres is a Partner at Gorriceta Africa Cauton &amp; Saavedra, where she heads the Project Finance and ESG Practice Groups and is a core member of the Corporate and Technology, Media, and Telecommunications (TMT) Practice Groups. She is widely recognized for her deep expertise across corporate and business law, mergers and acquisitions, corporate and commercial law, capital markets, banking and finance, project finance, ESG, compliance and regulatory and TMT.<\/p>\n<p class=\"ewa-rteLine\">Kristine regularly acts as lead counsel on complex transactions including mergers and acquisitions, joint ventures, equity and debt investments, structuring, project finance, capital markets, banking and finance, PPPs, compliance and regulatory, TMT and ESG, with particular experience in highly regulated and across a large range of industries such as IT, tech and fintech, AI, retail, education, energy, logistics, banking, finance, retail trade and private equity &#8211; advising clients on matters that require both technical depth and strategic judgment. She also has extensive experience advising clients on a variety of compliance, regulatory, and licensing matters. Her expertise has consistently been recognized by The Legal 500 being named as a Next Generation Partner in TMT and as a Recommended Lawyer in Corporate and M&amp;A, Banking and Finance, Projects and Energy, and Capital Markets.<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-245202\" src=\"https:\/\/www.legal500.com\/events\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2026\/01\/Atty.-Edsel-F.-Tupaz-Photo.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" srcset=\"https:\/\/my.legal500.com\/events\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2026\/01\/Atty.-Edsel-F.-Tupaz-Photo.png 150w, https:\/\/my.legal500.com\/events\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2026\/01\/Atty.-Edsel-F.-Tupaz-Photo-100x100.png 100w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><strong>Edsel F. Tupaz, senior partner, Gorriceta Africa Cauton &amp; Saavedra<\/strong><\/p>\n<p class=\"ewa-rteLine\">Edsel F. Tupaz is Senior Partner at Gorriceta Africa Cauton &amp; Saavedra, one of the Philippines\u2019 leading full-service law firms. He leads the Firm\u2019s Data Privacy, Cybersecurity, and AI Initiatives, as well as its Special Projects (Infrastructure) practice, advising on complex, high-stakes regulatory, data protection, technology, and cross-border matters.<\/p>\n<p class=\"ewa-rteLine\">Edsel advises Fortune 500 companies, NASDAQ-listed firms, major financial institutions, and leading technology startups in Silicon Valley and across Asia on data protection, AI governance, fintech, digital platforms, e-commerce, and banking and financial services.<\/p>\n<p class=\"ewa-rteLine\">He is a Fellow of Information Privacy (FIP) and holds the AIGP, CIPT, CIPP\/E, and CIPM certifications from the International Association of Privacy Professionals (IAPP). He has been featured in the Data Protection Leader (July 2025 edition) by OneTrust DataGuidance as a leading Philippine data protection expert and is listed in international experts\u2019 directories for Philippine privacy law.<\/p>\n<p class=\"ewa-rteLine\">He holds a Master of Laws (LL.M.) from Harvard Law School, where he served as Managing Technical Editor of the Harvard Human Rights Journal. He earned his Juris Doctor and B.A. in Economics (Honors Program) from Ateneo de Manila University and is dual-qualified in the Philippines and New York.<\/p>\n<div>\n<hr \/>\n<\/div>\n<div data-olk-copy-source=\"MessageBody\">\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-248370\" src=\"https:\/\/www.legal500.com\/events\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2026\/02\/Rashel-Pomoy.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" srcset=\"https:\/\/my.legal500.com\/events\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2026\/02\/Rashel-Pomoy.png 150w, https:\/\/my.legal500.com\/events\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2026\/02\/Rashel-Pomoy-100x100.png 100w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div data-olk-copy-source=\"MessageBody\"><strong>Rashel Ann C. Pomoy, senior partner, deputy co-managing partner, deputy head- labor and employment department, Villaraza &amp; Angangco<\/strong><\/div>\n<p data-olk-copy-source=\"MessageBody\"><span style=\"font-size: 1rem\"><br \/>\nRashel Pomoy is the Deputy Managing Partner, Deputy Head of the Firm\u2019s Labor and Employment Department, and Partner in the Litigation &amp; Dispute Resolution Department. A trusted advisor to both local and international clients, she is known for her skill in navigating complex employment issues, both contentious and advisory. She was one of the youngest lawyers to be promoted to partner in the Firm\u2019s history, reflecting her track record and leadership in the practice.<\/span><\/p>\n<div data-olk-copy-source=\"MessageBody\">\n<p class=\"ewa-rteLine\">Rashel advises domestic and multinational clients on the full spectrum of employment and labor relations matters. Her practice includes workplace investigations, collective bargaining issues, large-scale retrenchments, corporate restructures, and cross-border employment transfers. She is regularly engaged to draft and review employment policies, handbooks, severance and release agreements, and non-compete clauses. Clients value her ability to deliver clear and actionable advice in time-sensitive and high-stakes situations.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div data-olk-copy-source=\"MessageBody\">\n<hr \/>\n<\/div>\n<div data-olk-copy-source=\"MessageBody\">\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-256282\" src=\"https:\/\/www.legal500.com\/events\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2026\/03\/Rhys-Murillo.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" srcset=\"https:\/\/my.legal500.com\/events\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2026\/03\/Rhys-Murillo.png 150w, https:\/\/my.legal500.com\/events\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2026\/03\/Rhys-Murillo-100x100.png 100w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p><strong>Rhys Alexei Y. Murillo, CPA, JD, CCO, general manager and corporate secretary \u2013compliance, legal, external and gov\u2019t affairs division, Nissan Philippines<\/strong><\/p>\n<div data-olk-copy-source=\"MessageBody\">\n<p class=\"ewa-rteLine\">Rhys Alexei Y. Murillo is a CPA-Lawyer with nearly 20 years of in-house experience supporting both local and multinational companies.<\/p>\n<p class=\"ewa-rteLine\">He is currently the General Manager for Compliance, Legal, External and Government Affairs at Nissan Philippines, Inc., and serves as Corporate Secretary. He also holds leadership roles as Director and Treasurer of the Legal Management Council of the Philippines (LMCP), Vice President and Chairman of the Legal Committee of the Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines, Inc. (CAMPI), and Chairman of Technical Committee 2 of the ASEAN Automotive Federation.<\/p>\n<p class=\"ewa-rteLine\">In his in-house and compliance leadership roles, Rhys has extensive exposure to labor and workplace compliance matters, including dismissals and terminations, retrenchments and redundancies, and administrative investigations.<\/p>\n<p class=\"ewa-rteLine\">He earned his BS Accountancy degree from De La Salle University\u2013Taft and his Juris Doctor from Ateneo Law School. He became a Certified Compliance Officer in 2020, placing third in his class.<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<\/div>\n<div data-olk-copy-source=\"MessageBody\">\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-256284\" src=\"https:\/\/www.legal500.com\/events\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2026\/03\/Thea-Jimenez.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" srcset=\"https:\/\/my.legal500.com\/events\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2026\/03\/Thea-Jimenez.png 150w, https:\/\/my.legal500.com\/events\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2026\/03\/Thea-Jimenez-100x100.png 100w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p data-olk-copy-source=\"MessageBody\"><strong>Thea Marie B. Jimenez, head, labor relations division\u2013legal affairs and corporate secretariat group, Rizal Commercial Banking Corporation<\/strong><\/p>\n<div data-olk-copy-source=\"MessageBody\">\n<p class=\"ewa-rteLine\">Thea Marie B. Jimenez is a labor and employment lawyer with 16 years of experience advising on complex workplace matters and supporting corporate operations in regulated environments. Admitted to the Philippine Bar in 2010, she has built a strong practice spanning labor relations strategy, employment dispute management, and day-to-day advisory work for commercial institutions.<\/p>\n<p class=\"ewa-rteLine\">She currently serves as Head of the Labor Relations Division of Rizal Commercial Banking Corporation (RCBC), a role she has held since 2010. In this capacity, she has led labor relations and employment law initiatives, and has represented the institution before key tribunals and government agencies, including the National Labor Relations Commission (NLRC) and the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE). Prior to joining RCBC, she served as Assistant Legal Counsel at Rustan Commercial Corporation and as an Associate at Quasha Law and De La Rosa Nograles Law Offices.<\/p>\n<p class=\"ewa-rteLine\">Thea earned her Bachelor of Science in Management, major in Legal Management, from Ateneo de Manila University in 2005, and her Juris Doctor from Ateneo de Manila University in 2009.<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<\/div>\n<div data-olk-copy-source=\"MessageBody\">\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-256288\" src=\"https:\/\/www.legal500.com\/events\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2026\/03\/Cielo-Gono.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" srcset=\"https:\/\/my.legal500.com\/events\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2026\/03\/Cielo-Gono.png 150w, https:\/\/my.legal500.com\/events\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2026\/03\/Cielo-Gono-100x100.png 100w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p data-olk-copy-source=\"MessageBody\"><strong>Cielo Marjorie A. Go\u00f1o, senior legal counsel, Huawei Technologies Philippines<\/strong><\/p>\n<div data-olk-copy-source=\"MessageBody\">\n<p class=\"ewa-rteLine\">Cielo Marjorie A. Go\u00f1o is Senior Legal Counsel at Huawei Technologies Phils. Inc. She oversees legal strategy for the company\u2019s telecommunications, digital energy, cloud, and consumer business groups, and serves as lead counsel on high-stakes transactions. In this role, she works closely with finance, commercial, and technical teams to bring complex deals from negotiation through implementation.<\/p>\n<p class=\"ewa-rteLine\">Beyond transactions, Cielo directs risk and crisis management, addressing regulatory issues to prevent or minimize operational impact. She is also recognized for closing compliance gaps through effective engagement with both public and private stakeholders.<\/p>\n<p class=\"ewa-rteLine\">Cielo likewise spearheads capacity-building initiatives to strengthen legal awareness and reinforce internal policies across the organization. She also manages external litigation to promote accountability and safeguard the company\u2019s interests.<\/p>\n<div class=\"ewa-rteLine\">\n<hr \/>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div data-olk-copy-source=\"MessageBody\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-249566\" src=\"https:\/\/www.legal500.com\/events\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2026\/02\/Jerome-D-Canlas.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" srcset=\"https:\/\/my.legal500.com\/events\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2026\/02\/Jerome-D-Canlas.png 150w, https:\/\/my.legal500.com\/events\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2026\/02\/Jerome-D-Canlas-100x100.png 100w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px\" \/><\/div>\n<p data-olk-copy-source=\"MessageBody\"><strong><br \/>\nJerome D. Canlas, partner, Cruz Marcelo &amp; Tenefrancia<\/strong><\/p>\n<p class=\"ewa-rteLine\">Jerome D Canlas\u2019 practice focuses on Telecommunications and Information and Communications Technology Law, as well as Labor Law. He is currently a member of the firm\u2019s Data Privacy Practice Group and is part of a team that successfully defended an online lending corporation against a temporary ban on processing of personal data, which would have effectively halted the operations of said corporation. Mr. Canlas is a Certified Information Privacy Professional (CIPP\/E).<\/p>\n<p class=\"ewa-rteLine\">Mr. Canlas is also a Partner in the Litigation and Dispute Resolution Department and his areas of practice include tax and customs litigation, appellate practice, trial advocacy, and corporate and banking litigation. He obtained his Juris Doctor Degree from the University of the Philippines in 2009. He also holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from the same university, graduating cum laude in 2005. He authored the thesis entitled \u201cProject MODEX and the Modernization of Philippine Elections\u201d, which was awarded as the Best Political Science Thesis of his batch. Mr. Canlas was admitted to the Philippine Bar in 2010.<\/p>\n<p class=\"ewa-rteLine\">Mr. Canlas holds a Master of Laws (LL.M.) in International Economic and Business Law and EU-Graduate Diploma from Kyushu University in Japan as a Monbukagakusho Scholar (Young Leaders\u2019 Program). He has held internships in several international law firms in Japan, as well as in the Hague Conference on Private International Law (HCCH). He has likewise been a speaker in several conferences such as the Conference on Multidisciplinary Perspectives on Algorithms held in Japan in 2019.<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<div data-olk-copy-source=\"MessageBody\">\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-249568\" src=\"https:\/\/www.legal500.com\/events\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2026\/02\/Rogelio-D-Torres.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" srcset=\"https:\/\/my.legal500.com\/events\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2026\/02\/Rogelio-D-Torres.png 150w, https:\/\/my.legal500.com\/events\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2026\/02\/Rogelio-D-Torres-100x100.png 100w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><strong style=\"font-size: 1rem\">Rogelio D. Torres, Jr, partner, Cruz Marcelo &amp; Tenefrancia<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div data-olk-copy-source=\"MessageBody\">\n<p class=\"ewa-rteLine\">Rogelio D. Torres has been in the practice of law in the Philippines for almost 20 years with significant experience in dispute prevention and resolution, including appellate practice; labor and employment, including assisting corporations in collective bargaining issues and advising clients\u2019 human resource department personnel in handling policies relating to labor standards as well as dismissal-related issues and proceedings; banking, energy and mining litigation even before quasi-judicial agencies; and corporate governance and regulation, rehabilitation and reorganization, including compliance with Anti-Money Laundering laws and rules and policies. At present, Mr. Torres is a member of the Management Committee as well as the Deputy Partner-in-Charge for Non-Legal Personnel overseeing the Human Resource Department of Cruz Marcelo &amp; Tenefrancia. Mr. Torres has been appointed as an Investigating Commissioner for the Commission on Bar Discipline since 2019 until the present, and was awarded as one of the Outstanding Commissioners in 2022.<\/p>\n<p class=\"ewa-rteLine\">One of the Top 10 Ateneo de Manila University Alumni Leaders recognized by CEO Insights Asia in 2024 for being a top-notch professional and thought leader who drive corporate realm to its future in multiple dimensions, as well as an Alumni of Ateneo de Manila University in the Philippines.<\/p>\n<p class=\"ewa-rteLine\">Mr. Torres obtained his Juris Doctor degree from the Ateneo de Manila University School of Law in 2005. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from the Ateneo de Manila University Loyola Schools, where he graduated in 2000. Mr. Torres was admitted to the Philippine Bar in 2006.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<hr \/>\n<div data-olk-copy-source=\"MessageBody\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-249570\" src=\"https:\/\/www.legal500.com\/events\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2026\/02\/Ramon-Manolo.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" srcset=\"https:\/\/my.legal500.com\/events\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2026\/02\/Ramon-Manolo.png 150w, https:\/\/my.legal500.com\/events\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2026\/02\/Ramon-Manolo-100x100.png 100w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px\" \/><\/div>\n<p data-olk-copy-source=\"MessageBody\"><strong><br \/>\nRamon Manolo A. Alcasabas, partner, Cruz Marcelo &amp; Tenefrancia<\/strong><\/p>\n<p data-olk-copy-source=\"MessageBody\"><span style=\"font-size: 1rem\">Mr. Alcasabas is a Partner in the Litigation &amp; Dispute Resolution Department where he has actively handled civil, commercial, criminal and labor litigation before the courts and quasi-judicial bodies, as well as developed and implemented various legal strategies for his clients. Mr. Alcasabas\u2019 practice likewise includes Telecommunications and ICT Law, where he was part of the team which handled one of the country\u2019s largest acquisitions with respect to the cable television network industry. He is currently a member of the firm\u2019s Competition Law and Data Privacy Practice Groups and has advised clients, as well as represented them before administrative bodies. Mr. Alcasabas is a member of the Philippine Bar Association and has previously served as its Co-Chairperson for Committee on Legislation &amp; Law Reforms.<\/span><\/p>\n<div data-olk-copy-source=\"MessageBody\">\n<p>Mr. Alcasabas received his Masters in Law (LL.M.) from Columbia University in the City of New York in May 2014, graduating with honors as a Harlan Fiske Stone Scholar. While at Columbia, he took up subjects in U.S. corporate law, federal rules of evidence, international commercial arbitration, as well as volunteered as an extern at the Bronx Defenders, a public defender office situated at the South Bronx area of New York City. He passed the New York State Bar Examinations in 2014. Mr. Alcasabas obtained his Juris Doctor degree from the Ateneo Law School in 2007. He graduated with honors and was ranked 7th in his batch. He was admitted to the Philippine Bar in 2008. Mr. Alcasabas likewise holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Industrial Engineering from the University of the Philippines.Mr. Alcasabas is a Partner in the Litigation &amp; Dispute Resolution Department where he has actively handled civil, commercial, criminal and labor litigation before the courts and quasi-judicial bodies, as well as developed and implemented various legal strategies for his clients.<\/p>\n<div>\n<hr \/>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p data-olk-copy-source=\"MessageBody\"><strong>Francis Euston R. Acer, data protection officer, Meralco<\/strong><\/p>\n<div data-olk-copy-source=\"MessageBody\"><\/div>\n<p>Atty. Francis Euston R. Acero obtained his Juris Doctor degree from the Ateneo de Manila University School of Law in 2007. He is a faculty member of the Far Eastern University Institute of Law. He is also a part of the Speakers Bureau of the National Association of Data Privacy Officers of the Philippines (NADPOP). He is currently Vice President and Data Protection Officer of the Manila Electric Company (MERALCO) and is a Founding Board Member of Democracy.Net.PH. He is a Certified International Privacy Professional (Europe), Digital and Network Forensic Examiner (mile2), and a Certified Penetration Testing Engineer (mile2). Atty. Acero previously served in the Government as the Complaints and Investigations Division Chief of the National Privacy Commission.<\/p>\n<div data-olk-copy-source=\"MessageBody\">\n<hr \/>\n<\/div>\n<p data-olk-copy-source=\"MessageBody\"><strong>Cecilio Alejandro C. Villanueva, comissioner, National Labor Relations Commission<\/strong><\/p>\n<div data-olk-copy-source=\"MessageBody\"><\/div>\n<div data-olk-copy-source=\"MessageBody\">\n<p class=\"ewa-rteLine\">He was a Iskolar ng Bayan. He took up his pre law degree in AB Economics at the UP School of Economics, UP Diliman (Dean\u2019s Lister) from 1978 to 1982. Likewise, He finished his Law Degree at the UP College of Law in 1988. He passed the bar in 1989. On 19 October 2016, the UP Law Foundation recognized him as one of its Outstanding Alumni.<\/p>\n<p class=\"ewa-rteLine\">He has a Masters degree in National Security Administration at the National Defense College of the Philippines (NDCP) located inside Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City. He holds the rank of COMMANDER at the Phil Navy Reserve Force. He was given the Outstanding Alumnus Award as NLRC Commissioner by the National Defense College of the Philippines last 20 August 2015.<\/p>\n<p class=\"ewa-rteLine\">He just retired from the NATIONAL LABOR RELATIONSCOMMISSION, a quasi judicial agency of the government resolving labor cases as an Honorable Commissioner of the 3rd Division. He is a College of Law Professor (teaching Labor Law only) at the UP College of Law Diliman Quezon City &amp; BGC Taguig and recently just this semester with MLQU School of Law. Lifetime Member of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines. Golf Club Memberships: Eastridge Golf and Camp Aguinaldo Golf Club.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div data-olk-copy-source=\"MessageBody\">\n<hr \/>\n<\/div>\n<div data-olk-copy-source=\"MessageBody\"><\/div>\n<div data-olk-copy-source=\"MessageBody\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-254064\" src=\"https:\/\/www.legal500.com\/events\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2026\/03\/Lorna-Patajo-Kapunan.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" srcset=\"https:\/\/my.legal500.com\/events\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2026\/03\/Lorna-Patajo-Kapunan.png 150w, https:\/\/my.legal500.com\/events\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2026\/03\/Lorna-Patajo-Kapunan-100x100.png 100w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px\" \/><\/div>\n<div data-olk-copy-source=\"MessageBody\"><strong><br \/>\nLorna Patajo-Kapunan, owner, Kapunan &amp; Castillo Law Offices<\/strong><\/div>\n<p data-olk-copy-source=\"MessageBody\"><span data-contrast=\"none\"><br \/>\nAtty. Lorna Patajo Kapunan, founding Partner of Kapunan &amp; Castillo Law\u00a0Offices\u00a0has been a practicing lawyer for 47\u00a0years.\u00a0\u00a0Atty. Kapunan\u00a0has been recognized among the Top 100 Lawyers of the Country\u00a0for three consecutive years (2019-2021), and\u00a0recently awarded the global \u201cWomen\u00a0In\u00a0Law Awards\u201d for Corporate Law-Philippines,\u00a0\u201cAsias\u2019\u00a0Iconic Award for Law\u201d and Linguistic Intelligence\u00a0Award\u00a0(2024).\u00a0\u00a0Atty. Kapunan is the \u201c2025 Philippine Choice Award for Outstanding Humanitarian Service.\u201d\u00a0 She is a recipient of \u201cAsia\u2019s Legacy of Justice and Legal Excellence Award\u201d of the 2<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">nd<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u00a0Asia\u2019s Golden Legacy Award 2025.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Atty. Kapunan\u00a0received\u00a0the Asian Leaders Award 2025 for \u201cWomen of Substance.\u201d\u00a0 She recently\u00a0received the First Tala Award of the Global Artistic Collaboration for Empowerment (GACCE\u2013USA) and The ASEAN\u00a0Women Best Entrepreneur Award (2024).\u00a0\u00a0She is\u00a0an\u00a0awardee\u00a0 of\u00a0The Outstanding\u00a0Women in the Nation\u2019s Service (TOWNS) in\u00a01995\u00a0in the field of Corporate\u00a0Law,\u00a0\u00a0Outstanding\u00a0Women of the\u00a0University of the Philippines (1998).\u00a0\u00a0In 2016, Atty. Kapunan received the Global Filipina\u00a0Women Leaders Network (FWN100) Awards.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0She is a distinguished member of the Pi Gamma Mu International Honors Society.\u00a0\u00a0Her\u00a0\u00a0law\u00a0firm is the sole Philippine\u00a0member\u00a0 of\u00a0the International\u00a0Lawyers\u00a0 Network\u00a0(ILN).<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:6,&quot;335551620&quot;:6,&quot;335559685&quot;:9,&quot;335559737&quot;:-10,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240,&quot;335559991&quot;:10}\">\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:0,&quot;335559731&quot;:0,&quot;335559737&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240,&quot;335559991&quot;:10}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p data-olk-copy-source=\"MessageBody\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Although known as a leading litigator because of her\u00a0high profile\u00a0cases, her legal\u00a0expertise\u00a0is extensive and includes intellectual property law, corporate and commercial law, international humanitarian law,\u00a0criminal law,\u00a0family law, estate\u00a0law\u00a0and succession.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Atty. Kapunan was Bar Examiner\u00a0in 1988 in Commercial Law.\u00a0\u00a0She had delivered lectures at the European- based International Center for\u00a0Legal Studies and for the Mandatory Continuing Legal Education (MCLE) program of the Philippine Supreme Court.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:6,&quot;335551620&quot;:6,&quot;335559685&quot;:9,&quot;335559737&quot;:-10,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240,&quot;335559991&quot;:10}\">\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:14,&quot;335559731&quot;:0,&quot;335559737&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240,&quot;335559991&quot;:10}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p data-olk-copy-source=\"MessageBody\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Atty. Kapunan\u00a0was\u00a0columnist\u00a0of\u00a0Business\u00a0Mirror\u00a0\u00a0with\u00a0a\u00a0 weekly\u00a0\u201cLegally Speaking\u201d\u00a0column.\u00a0\u00a0She hosts\u00a0a regular Saturday tele radio program \u201cLaban Para Sa Karapatan&#8221; (Fight for your Rights) 11-12 at DWIZ 882 AM radio, Aliw23\u00a0TV, FB\u00a0Live and You Tube.\u00a0She has a daily\u00a0program\u00a0\u2018Face2Face\u201d\u00a0(aired on TV5, I TV\u00a0and You Tube)\u00a0which is a public affairs program\u00a0settling\u00a0\u00a0barangay\u00a0disputes\u00a0on air.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0She is actively involved\u00a0in socio-civic organizations.\u00a0\u00a0Among them:\u00a0\u00a0Philippine Red Cross, Cultural Center of the Philippines, World Wildlife Fund, Rotary International, Zonta\u00a0Foundation,\u00a0\u00a0Womens\u2019\u00a0Business Council, Management Association of the Philippines, Ballet Philippines, Kilusang\u00a0Makabansang\u00a0Ekonomiya,\u00a0People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, Asian Patent Attorneys Association,\u00a0Intellectual Property Association of the Philippines,\u00a0Licensing Executive Society of the Philippines and\u00a0SharePhil.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:6,&quot;335551620&quot;:6,&quot;335559685&quot;:9,&quot;335559737&quot;:-10,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240,&quot;335559991&quot;:10}\">\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:6,&quot;335551620&quot;:6,&quot;335559685&quot;:9,&quot;335559737&quot;:-10,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240,&quot;335559991&quot;:10}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p data-olk-copy-source=\"MessageBody\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Atty. Kapunan is the daughter of Retired Supreme Court Justice Lino M.\u00a0 Patajo\u00a0and Cristeta\u00a0Taaca\u00a0Patajo, Past Dean\u00a0of\u00a0 Manila\u00a0Doctors School of Nursing and VP Academic Affairs UDMC and member Professional Regulations Board for Nursing.\u00a0\u00a0She is the widow of former RTC Judge Eduardo Roden E. Kapunan, her Classmate in UP Law School. She has five\u00a0sons,\u00a0three grandsons.\u00a0\u00a0Two of her sons (Lino and Choi)\u00a0and\u00a0a\u00a0grandson, Kyle Linus,\u00a0are lawyers.\u00a0\u00a0Her eldest son, Lino, is now\u00a0Managing\u00a0Partner in her Law Firm.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:6,&quot;335551620&quot;:6,&quot;335559685&quot;:-5,&quot;335559737&quot;:-11,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:248,&quot;335559991&quot;:10}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<p data-olk-copy-source=\"MessageBody\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-254232\" src=\"https:\/\/www.legal500.com\/events\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2026\/03\/Mark-Tiaoqui.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" srcset=\"https:\/\/my.legal500.com\/events\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2026\/03\/Mark-Tiaoqui.png 150w, https:\/\/my.legal500.com\/events\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2026\/03\/Mark-Tiaoqui-100x100.png 100w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px\" \/><\/p>\n<p data-olk-copy-source=\"MessageBody\"><strong>Mark Tiaoqui, partner, Tiaoqui Sese-Relucio &amp; Mendoza<\/strong><\/p>\n<div data-olk-copy-source=\"MessageBody\">\n<p class=\"ewa-rteLine\">Mark specializes in M&amp;A, banking, corporate and project finance, energy, ESG, startups, financial technology, infrastructure, gaming, corporate reorganization and restructuring, and taxation law.<\/p>\n<p class=\"ewa-rteLine\">Mark\u2019s practice started in 2007 at the Picazo Buyco Tan Fider &amp; Santos Law Offices. In 2010, Mark moved to Romulo Mabanta Buenaventura Sayoc &amp; de los Angeles, where he was a partner in the Project Development &amp; Finance and Tax groups before founding the Firm in 2021 with Andrea.<\/p>\n<p class=\"ewa-rteLine\">Mark currently sits as the Corporate Secretary of the official Spanish Chamber of Commerce in the Philippines and several Philippine corporations. He is likewise a director on the boards of several clients.<\/p>\n<p class=\"ewa-rteLine\">Mark received his bachelor\u2019s degree in Management Communications Technology from the Ateneo de Manila University in 2002 and his juris doctor degree from the same university in 2006. He was admitted to the Philippine bar in 2007.<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<\/div>\n<p data-olk-copy-source=\"MessageBody\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-254884\" src=\"https:\/\/www.legal500.com\/events\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2026\/03\/TSR-ASese-Relucio-1.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" srcset=\"https:\/\/my.legal500.com\/events\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2026\/03\/TSR-ASese-Relucio-1.png 150w, https:\/\/my.legal500.com\/events\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2026\/03\/TSR-ASese-Relucio-1-100x100.png 100w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px\" \/><\/p>\n<p data-olk-copy-source=\"MessageBody\"><strong>Andrea Antonette A. Sese-Relucio, partner, Tiaoqui Sese-Relucio &amp; Mendoza<\/strong><\/p>\n<div data-olk-copy-source=\"MessageBody\">\n<p class=\"ewa-rteLine\">Andrea\u2019s practice currently focuses on banking and finance, energy, infrastructure, capital markets, financial technology, and labor law.<\/p>\n<p class=\"ewa-rteLine\">Andrea\u2019s practice started at Quisumbing Torres, a member firm of Baker McKenzie International. She was also previously affiliated with Romulo Mabanta Buenaventura Sayoc &amp; de los Angeles before founding the Firm in 2021 with Mark.<\/p>\n<p class=\"ewa-rteLine\">Andrea is one of the founders and Executive Director of Lingkod at Pagmamahal ng St. Michael\u2019s College of Laguna, a foundation based in Binan, Laguna that is engaged in community development and education. She currently sits as the Corporate Secretary of the Bankers\u2019 Association of the Philippines. Andrea received her bachelor\u2019s degree in Legal Management, cum laude, from the De La Salle University in 1996. She received her juris doctor degree from the Ateneo de Manila University School of Law in 2000 where she graduated class valedictorian. She was admitted to the Philippine Bar in 2001, where she placed 9th overall. Andrea also holds a license to practice New York law and was admitted to the New York bar in 2012.<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<\/div>\n<p data-olk-copy-source=\"MessageBody\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-254888\" src=\"https:\/\/www.legal500.com\/events\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2026\/03\/TSR-TJMendoza-1.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" srcset=\"https:\/\/my.legal500.com\/events\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2026\/03\/TSR-TJMendoza-1.png 150w, https:\/\/my.legal500.com\/events\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2026\/03\/TSR-TJMendoza-1-100x100.png 100w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px\" \/><\/p>\n<p data-olk-copy-source=\"MessageBody\"><strong>Timothy Joseph Mendoza, partner, Tiaoqui Sese-Relucio &amp; Mendoza<\/strong><\/p>\n<div data-olk-copy-source=\"MessageBody\">\n<p class=\"ewa-rteLine\">TJ specializes in special projects involving mergers and acquisitions, structuring, corporate finance, and project finance transactions for onshore and offshore industry leaders in the natural resource, energy, utilities, and infrastructure industries.<\/p>\n<p class=\"ewa-rteLine\">TJ has been ranked as a Leading Lawyer for Banking and Finance (Chambers and Partners Asia-Pacific, 2018-2020), Leading Lawyer for Corporate and Finance (Chambers and Partners Global, 2020), and as a Rising Star for Banking and Financial Services (Asialaw Leading Lawyers, 2020). TJ has also been cited as one of the Top 100 lawyers in the A-List Top 100 Lawyers in the Philippines (Asian Business Law Journal, 2018 and 2019).<\/p>\n<p class=\"ewa-rteLine\">Prior to joining the Firm, TJ served as the Chief Legal Counsel of Prime Asset Ventures, Inc. (PAVI), the investment holding company of the Villar Group for its energy, mining, utilities, and infrastructure interests. TJ was also a partner of Picazo Buyco Tan Fider &amp; Santos Law Offices, before moving on to become partner at Quisumbing Torres, the member firm of Baker McKenzie International, and the concurrent head of its Banking and Finance practice and its Financial Institutions, Restructuring and Insolvency practice groups.<\/p>\n<p class=\"ewa-rteLine\">TJ received his bachelor\u2019s degree in Political Science from the Ateneo de Manila University in 2002, where he also minored in Hispanic Studies. He received his bachelor of laws degree from the University of the Philippines in 2006. TJ was admitted to the Philippine bar in 2006, where he placed 9th overall.<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<\/div>\n<div data-olk-copy-source=\"MessageBody\">\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-256610\" src=\"https:\/\/www.legal500.com\/events\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2026\/03\/Gerardo-Panga-Sirios_ACCRA.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" srcset=\"https:\/\/my.legal500.com\/events\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2026\/03\/Gerardo-Panga-Sirios_ACCRA.png 150w, https:\/\/my.legal500.com\/events\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2026\/03\/Gerardo-Panga-Sirios_ACCRA-100x100.png 100w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p data-olk-copy-source=\"MessageBody\"><strong>Gerardo Panga Sirios, administrator, Land Registration Authority<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Mr. Sirios is the current Administrator of the Land Registration Authority (LRA). Under his leadership, the Personal Property Security Act (PPSA) was implemented through the launch of the Personal Property Security Registry (PPSR)\u2014a centralized online platform for registering security interests in movable property. With a European Languages degree from UP Diliman and a Juris Doctor degree from the University of Perpetual Help Rizal in Las Pi\u00f1as, he has firmly established a public service career spanning three decades and all three branches of government.<\/p>\n<div data-olk-copy-source=\"MessageBody\"><\/div>\n<div data-olk-copy-source=\"MessageBody\">\n<hr \/>\n<\/div>\n<div data-olk-copy-source=\"MessageBody\">\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-256612\" src=\"https:\/\/www.legal500.com\/events\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2026\/03\/JIM-Malaya-Joseph-Anthony-ACCRA.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" srcset=\"https:\/\/my.legal500.com\/events\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2026\/03\/JIM-Malaya-Joseph-Anthony-ACCRA.png 150w, https:\/\/my.legal500.com\/events\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2026\/03\/JIM-Malaya-Joseph-Anthony-ACCRA-100x100.png 100w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p data-olk-copy-source=\"MessageBody\"><strong>Joseph Anthony I. Malaya, partner, ACCRALAW<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Joseph Anthony I. Malaya is a Partner in ACCRALAW where he handles a broad range of litigation and arbitration cases. He specializes primarily in construction and commercial arbitration. He also handles a vast array of cases involving criminal, administrative and environmental law. He also handles disputes on banking, mining, real estate, and constitutional law.<\/p>\n<p>In 2023 alone, Mr. Malaya handled seven arbitration cases and in his fourteen (14) years in ACCRALAW, he has handled more than thirty (30) arbitration cases before the Construction Industry Arbitration Commission, Philippine Dispute Resolution Center, Singapore International Arbitration Center, and various ad-hoc arbitrations.<\/p>\n<p>Mr. Malaya is part of the Legal 500\u2019s Private Practice Powerlist 2023 for Arbitration in Southeast Asia and Key Lawyer for 2022 in Arbitration.<\/p>\n<div data-olk-copy-source=\"MessageBody\"><\/div>\n<div data-olk-copy-source=\"MessageBody\">\n<hr \/>\n<p><strong><br \/>\n<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-256614\" src=\"https:\/\/www.legal500.com\/events\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2026\/03\/Shiree-Amor-P-Roma_Sr-Associate-ACCRA.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" srcset=\"https:\/\/my.legal500.com\/events\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2026\/03\/Shiree-Amor-P-Roma_Sr-Associate-ACCRA.png 150w, https:\/\/my.legal500.com\/events\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2026\/03\/Shiree-Amor-P-Roma_Sr-Associate-ACCRA-100x100.png 100w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px\" \/><br \/>\n<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p data-olk-copy-source=\"MessageBody\"><strong>Shiree Amor P. Roma, partner, ACCRALAW<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Shiree Amor Roma is a Partner at ACCRALAW and a member of its Corporate and Special Projects Department. She specializes in general corporate work, banking and finance, mergers and acquisitions, securities and capital markets, and public procurement.<\/p>\n<p>Ms. Roma has been involved in providing banking, financing and lending advisory services to local and foreign banks and other non-bank financial institutions and has extensive experience in assisting, domestic and foreign clients, who are lenders, borrowers and\/or guarantors, in the preparation and negotiation of financing\/loan agreements and the accompanying security arrangements.<\/p>\n<div data-olk-copy-source=\"MessageBody\">\n<hr \/>\n<\/div>\n<div data-olk-copy-source=\"MessageBody\">\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-256904\" src=\"https:\/\/www.legal500.com\/events\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2026\/03\/SyCipLaw-Dee.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" srcset=\"https:\/\/my.legal500.com\/events\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2026\/03\/SyCipLaw-Dee.png 150w, https:\/\/my.legal500.com\/events\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2026\/03\/SyCipLaw-Dee-100x100.png 100w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p><strong>Anthony W. Dee, senior partner and head of intellectual property department, SyCipLaw<br \/>\n<\/strong><br \/>\nAnthony W. Dee is a Senior Partner and Head of the Intellectual Property Department. He represents numerous clients at all court levels and has extensive experience in the practice areas of IP, litigation, and arbitration. Anthony (or Anton) is deeply involved and specializes in IP infringement and enforcement work and has more than 20 years of experience in these areas. He has been consistently recognized as a Key Lawyer for IP by The Legal 500, a Notable Practitioner by IP STARS (Managing IP), and a Silver-ranked practitioner by IAM Patent 1000 and WTR 1000.<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<div data-olk-copy-source=\"MessageBody\">\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-256906\" src=\"https:\/\/www.legal500.com\/events\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2026\/03\/SyCipLaw-Paz-Jacoba.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" srcset=\"https:\/\/my.legal500.com\/events\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2026\/03\/SyCipLaw-Paz-Jacoba.png 150w, https:\/\/my.legal500.com\/events\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2026\/03\/SyCipLaw-Paz-Jacoba-100x100.png 100w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p data-olk-copy-source=\"MessageBody\"><strong>Ma. Patricia B. Paz-Jacoba, partner, SyCipLaw<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Ma. Patricia B. Paz-Jacoba (or Tish) is a Partner at SyCip Salazar Hernandez &amp; Gatmaitan (SyCipLaw) and a member of the Firm\u2019s Dispute Resolution, Intellectual Property, and Tax practice groups. Her practice focuses on complex commercial disputes, including high-value litigation, arbitration, and regulatory enforcement, as well as specialist disputes involving intellectual property enforcement and tax controversy.<\/p>\n<p>Tish regularly represents clients in contentious matters across highly regulated and commercially sensitive sectors, combining strategic advocacy with a deep understanding of legal and operational risk. Her work includes appearances before Philippine courts, arbitral tribunals, and administrative agencies in enforcement and regulatory proceedings.<\/p>\n<p>In addition to her disputes practice, Tish advises clients on the full lifecycle of intellectual property protection, from prosecution and portfolio maintenance to enforcement of trademarks, patents, and industrial designs. She is particularly noted for integrating portfolio strategy with disputes experience to address business-critical IP risks.<\/p>\n<p>Tish is recognized by The Legal 500 Asia Pacific as a Next Generation Partner for Dispute Resolution, and a Recommended Lawyer for both Intellectual Property and Dispute Resolution. She is also recognized by Benchmark Litigation Asia-Pacific for commercial and international arbitration, by ITR World Tax for tax controversy, and as a Recommended Individual in the IAM Patent 1000. She is ranked in the WTR 1000 for trademark strategy. She was shortlisted for Litigation Lawyer of the Year at The Legal 500 Southeast Asia Awards 2023, and is featured in The Legal 500 Arbitration Powerlist \u2013 Southeast Asia.<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<div data-olk-copy-source=\"MessageBody\">\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-256908\" src=\"https:\/\/www.legal500.com\/events\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2026\/03\/SyCipLaw-Abot.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" srcset=\"https:\/\/my.legal500.com\/events\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2026\/03\/SyCipLaw-Abot.png 150w, https:\/\/my.legal500.com\/events\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2026\/03\/SyCipLaw-Abot-100x100.png 100w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p data-olk-copy-source=\"MessageBody\"><strong>Leo Francis F. Abot, senior associate, SyCipLaw<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Leo Francis F. Abot is a Senior Associate and a member of the Firm\u2019s Intellectual Property, Special Projects, Banking, Finance and Securities, and Corporate Services departments, as well as the Firm\u2019s TMT practice group. Leo\u2019s IP practice includes reviewing license agreements, franchise agreements, and the highly-regulated area of technology transfer agreements. He also supports clients in their IP rights and brand protection efforts through assistance in trademark prosecution and inter partes cases.<\/p>\n<div data-olk-copy-source=\"MessageBody\"><\/div>\n<hr \/>\n<div data-olk-copy-source=\"MessageBody\">\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-257500\" src=\"https:\/\/www.legal500.com\/events\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2026\/03\/AWS-Adasa.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" srcset=\"https:\/\/my.legal500.com\/events\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2026\/03\/AWS-Adasa.png 150w, https:\/\/my.legal500.com\/events\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2026\/03\/AWS-Adasa-100x100.png 100w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><strong>William Chino T. Adasa, enterprise account director, Amazon Web Services<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>William Chino T. Adasa is an Enterprise Account Director at Amazon Web Services, combining his expertise as an Electronics and Communications Engineer, a lawyer, and AWS Certified AI Practitioner to drive enterprise digital transformation. He advises corporate executives on strategic AI adoption approaches that align technology innovation with business outcomes. His multidisciplinary background enables him to translate complex AI implementation challenges into actionable strategies for organizational success.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div data-olk-copy-source=\"MessageBody\">\n<hr \/>\n<p><strong><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-256910\" src=\"https:\/\/www.legal500.com\/events\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2026\/03\/IPOPHL-Pangilinan-Canlapan.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" srcset=\"https:\/\/my.legal500.com\/events\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2026\/03\/IPOPHL-Pangilinan-Canlapan.png 150w, https:\/\/my.legal500.com\/events\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2026\/03\/IPOPHL-Pangilinan-Canlapan-100x100.png 100w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px\" \/><\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>Christine V. Pangilinan-Canlapan, director, Bureau of Legal Affairs, Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p data-olk-copy-source=\"MessageBody\">Christine V. Pangilinan-Canlapan is the Director of the Bureau of Legal Affairs at the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL). She brings over 25 years of experience in IP law, spanning private practice and public service. Christine has played a key role in advancing alternative dispute resolution mechanisms withiny IPOPHL. She previously served as Supervising Director of the ADR Services Unit and the IP Rights Enforcement Office, where she led initiatives such as mediation programs and the Rules on Voluntary Administrative Site Blocking to curb online piracy.<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-257504\" src=\"https:\/\/www.legal500.com\/events\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2026\/03\/GWENDOLYNN-S.-PADILLA.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" srcset=\"https:\/\/my.legal500.com\/events\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2026\/03\/GWENDOLYNN-S.-PADILLA.png 150w, https:\/\/my.legal500.com\/events\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2026\/03\/GWENDOLYNN-S.-PADILLA-100x100.png 100w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><strong>Gwendolynn S. Padilla, first vice president &#8211; head, legal documentation division, legal affairs group and corporate secretariat, Rizal Commercial Banking Corporation+<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Ms. Padilla is the current Head of the Legal Documentation Division of the Legal Affairs Group at RCBC. She brings over 28 years of legal experience with a strong background in banking, finance, and corporate law. A graduate of the UP School of Economics and UP College of Law, she has practiced law in both private firms and financial institutions, ensuring institutional compliance with evolving financial regulations.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<div data-olk-copy-source=\"MessageBody\">\n<hr \/>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-256912\" src=\"https:\/\/www.legal500.com\/events\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2026\/03\/JPColet.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" srcset=\"https:\/\/my.legal500.com\/events\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2026\/03\/JPColet.png 150w, https:\/\/my.legal500.com\/events\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2026\/03\/JPColet-100x100.png 100w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p data-olk-copy-source=\"MessageBody\"><strong>Juan Paolo Colet, managing director, Chinabank Capital<br \/>\n<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Juan Paolo Colet is Managing Director at investment banking firm Chinabank Capital, where he leads deal structuring and execution, and provides senior coverage of key client relationships.<\/p>\n<p>His dealmaking experience spans a wide range of debt, equity, and advisory mandates, including landmark transactions for government institutions, major conglomerates, and other leading companies. He concurrently serves as Vice Chairman of equity trading platform Chinabank Securities.<\/p>\n<p>Prior to becoming an investment banker, JP built a career as a lawyer, starting at the Castillo Laman Tan Pantaleon &amp; San Jose Law Offices and later as consultant of the Department of Finance &#8211; Privatization and Management Office. He was an inaugural recipient of the Young Lawyer of the Year Award at the Asian Legal Business Philippine Law Awards in 2018.<\/p>\n<p>JP graduated cum laude from the University of the Philippines College of Law, where he now serves as senior lecturer on credit transactions.<\/p>\n<div data-olk-copy-source=\"MessageBody\">\n<hr \/>\n<\/div>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-258146\" src=\"https:\/\/www.legal500.com\/events\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2026\/03\/Philip-Ranada.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" srcset=\"https:\/\/my.legal500.com\/events\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2026\/03\/Philip-Ranada.png 150w, https:\/\/my.legal500.com\/events\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2026\/03\/Philip-Ranada-100x100.png 100w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><strong>Philip Miguel I. Ranada, chief legal officer, Prime infra<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Philip Miguel I. Ranada is the chief legal officer of Prime Infrastructure Capital, Inc.<\/p>\n<p>Among Prime Infra\u2019s assets are Manila Water, the publicly-listed water utility, and Prime Energy, the operator of the Malampaya gas project.<\/p>\n<p>Prime Infra recently acquired a controlling interest in several gas-fired power plants in the Philippines with an aggregate capacity of over 2,000MW, and is acquiring SierraCol Energy, Colombia\u2019s top independent oil and gas producer. Prime Infra is the developer of the Wawa Bulk Water Supply Project, which will supply more than 510MLD of raw water to Metro Manila, a 128MW solar plant in Batangas and Cavite, and two pumped storage hydropower plants with a combined capacity of 2,000MW in Laguna and Rizal Province.<\/p>\n<p>Philip obtained his JD from the University of the Philippines College of Law and was admitted to the Philippine bar in 2006. He was previously counsel at the Ayala Group and General Counsel at the Light Rail Manila Corporation.<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-258148\" src=\"https:\/\/www.legal500.com\/events\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2026\/03\/Cristina-Ngo.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" srcset=\"https:\/\/my.legal500.com\/events\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2026\/03\/Cristina-Ngo.png 150w, https:\/\/my.legal500.com\/events\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2026\/03\/Cristina-Ngo-100x100.png 100w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><strong>Cristina G. Ngo, senior vice president and head of lending services department, BDO Unibank<\/strong><\/p>\n<p data-olk-copy-source=\"MessageBody\">Cristina G. Ngo is a Senior Vice President of BDO Unibank.<\/p>\n<p>She was a working student during her undergraduate years at the University of the Philippines (UP), where she graduated cum laude with a degree in BA Communications Major in Research in 1985, and up until she obtained her Bachelor of Laws from the UP College of Law in 1991.<\/p>\n<p data-olk-copy-source=\"MessageBody\">Cris began her legal career at the CUEVAS DELA CUESTA DELAS ALAS Law Office. She has been with BDO since 1994, starting as a legal officer before being promoted to head its Loans Administration Unit, helping steer BDO\u2019s growth from a commercial to a universal bank in between a series of mergers and acquisitions.<\/p>\n<p data-olk-copy-source=\"MessageBody\">She is currently the Head of Lending Services of BDO Unibank\u2019s Enterprise Services Group, managing the Unibank and its subsidiaries\u2019 lending operations, from post credit approval documentation, full payment, up to release of collateral documents.<\/p>\n<p>Philip Miguel I. Ranada is the chief legal officer of Prime Infrastructure Capital, Inc. Among Prime Infra\u2019s assets are Manila Water, the publicly-listed water utility, and Prime Energy, the operator of the Malampaya gas project. Recently, Prime Infra acquired a controlling interest in several gas-fired power plants in the Philippines with an aggregate capacity of over 2,000MW, and is acquiring SierraCol Energy, Colombia\u2019s top independent oil and gas producer. Prime Infra is the developer of the Wawa Bulk Water Supply Project, which will supply more than 510MLD of raw water to Metro Manila, a 128MW solar plant in Batangas and Cavite, and two pumped storage hydropower plants with a combined capacity of 2,000MW in Laguna and Rizal Province.<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<p><b data-olk-copy-source=\"MessageBody\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-256852 size-thumbnail alignnone\" src=\"https:\/\/www.legal500.com\/events\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2026\/03\/Milicent-Desiderio150-150x150.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" srcset=\"https:\/\/my.legal500.com\/events\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2026\/03\/Milicent-Desiderio150-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/my.legal500.com\/events\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2026\/03\/Milicent-Desiderio150-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/my.legal500.com\/events\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2026\/03\/Milicent-Desiderio150-1024x1024.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/my.legal500.com\/events\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2026\/03\/Milicent-Desiderio150-768x768.jpg 768w, https:\/\/my.legal500.com\/events\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2026\/03\/Milicent-Desiderio150-1536x1536.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/my.legal500.com\/events\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2026\/03\/Milicent-Desiderio150-100x100.jpg 100w, https:\/\/my.legal500.com\/events\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2026\/03\/Milicent-Desiderio150.jpg 1596w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px\" \/><\/b><\/p>\n<p><strong>Millicent Joie Desiderio-Dime<\/strong>,\u00a0<b>managing director, global counsel ethics and compliance, A<\/b><b>ccenture<\/b><\/p>\n<p data-olk-copy-source=\"MessageBody\">Millicent Joie Desiderio-Dime draws on 27 years of diverse legal experience across litigation, corporate practice, and technology. She began her career at the influential Becca Bar law firm, handling high-stakes cases involving kidnapping, arson, and post\u2013Martial Law political unrest, work that honed her agility and courtroom rigour. After leading complex prosecutions, she transitioned to the corporate and tech sector, where she now champions thoughtful, responsible use of legal technology while mentoring young lawyers in adaptability and sound judgment. Miscen joined Accenture in 2012 where she built the local legal team from the ground up and led it for over 13 years.\u00a0 She is now Managing Director, Global Counsel, Ethics and Compliance, where she works on enterprise-wide compliance strategy with a focus on Confidentiality and Conflicts of Interest and where she \u00a0champions a culture of integrity across Accenture\u2019s global operations.<\/p>\n<div data-olk-copy-source=\"MessageBody\">\n<hr \/>\n<\/div>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-257854\" src=\"https:\/\/www.legal500.com\/events\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2026\/03\/Joan-de-Venecia-Fabul.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" srcset=\"https:\/\/my.legal500.com\/events\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2026\/03\/Joan-de-Venecia-Fabul.png 150w, https:\/\/my.legal500.com\/events\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2026\/03\/Joan-de-Venecia-Fabul-100x100.png 100w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><strong>Joan A. De Venecia-Fabul, chief legal counsel and first vice president, PLDT<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Joan de Venecia-Fabul is Chief Legal Counsel and First Vice President of the Philippines\u2019 leading integrated telco PLDT Inc., where she also heads Regulatory and Strategic Affairs, guiding the company through complex legal, policy, and technology shifts. A professor of Public International Law at the UP College of Law, she frequently speaks on arbitration, regulation, and emerging technology issues. She topped the Philippine Bar in 2005 and holds an LL.M. from NYU as a Fulbright and Hugo Grotius Fellow, and recently completed the Advanced Management Program at Wharton.<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-257856\" src=\"https:\/\/www.legal500.com\/events\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2026\/03\/Dodjie-Lagazo.jpg.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" srcset=\"https:\/\/my.legal500.com\/events\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2026\/03\/Dodjie-Lagazo.jpg.png 150w, https:\/\/my.legal500.com\/events\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2026\/03\/Dodjie-Lagazo.jpg-100x100.png 100w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><strong>Dodjie Lagazo, group general counsel, group compliance officer &amp; assistant corporate secretary, ACEN\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Dodjie is a managing director and heads the legal, governance and compliance unit of the ACEN group, with the Philippines, Australia, India, Vietnam, and Indonesia as the group&#8217;s key markets. In his role, Dodjie leads the development and execution of ACEN group\u2019s corporate legal strategy, while overseeing governance and compliance programs.<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-257858\" src=\"https:\/\/www.legal500.com\/events\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2026\/03\/Ito-Gruet-Ma.-Rosario-Gruet-Photo.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" srcset=\"https:\/\/my.legal500.com\/events\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2026\/03\/Ito-Gruet-Ma.-Rosario-Gruet-Photo.png 150w, https:\/\/my.legal500.com\/events\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2026\/03\/Ito-Gruet-Ma.-Rosario-Gruet-Photo-100x100.png 100w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><strong>Rosario M. Gruet, managing director, Weave Solutions<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Ito has over 35 years of experience in the IT industry spanning business development, project management, and technology leadership. She is a co-founder of Computer Professionals, Inc. (CPI), a Filipino-owned software services and solutions company serving both Philippine and global markets. As one of CPI\u2019s managing founders, she helped grow the company through multiple industry cycles while expanding its client base and workforce. CPI is also known for developing the Philippines\u2019 market-leading insurance ERP platform. Ito has been active in the Philippine Software Association (PSIA) and co-founded SPRING.ph to support the start-up ecosystem. She continues to serve CPI as Senior Adviser.<\/p>\n<p>In 2018, Ito co-founded Weave Solutions, Inc. and is its Managing Director. Weave is a company that delivers outsourcing services and transformative solutions to organizations locally and globally.<\/p>\n<p>Weave Solutions partners with Diligent to help legal teams strengthen governance, risk oversight, and decision-making.<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-258142\" src=\"https:\/\/www.legal500.com\/events\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2026\/03\/freedom.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" srcset=\"https:\/\/my.legal500.com\/events\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2026\/03\/freedom.png 150w, https:\/\/my.legal500.com\/events\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2026\/03\/freedom-100x100.png 100w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><strong>Freedom Ianfe M. Navidad, assistant vice President and head of subsidiaries &amp; affiliates, corporate legal services, Meralco<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Freedom Ianfe Navidad is a senior legal and business executive at the Manila Electric Company (MERALCO), serving as Assistant Vice President and Head of Subsidiaries &amp; Affiliates \u2013 Corporate Legal Services. A trusted leader within the organization, Freedom drives strategic contracting, legal risk assessment, and the legal enablement of new ventures and critical operational initiatives in the utilities sector\u2014where scale, regulation, and business continuity demand sound legal judgment.<\/p>\n<p>A Philippine Bar member since 2007, Freedom brings a grounded, in-house GC perspective on the evolving role of legal leaders in an AI-ready enterprise\u2014focusing on how legal teams move beyond traditional oversight to shaping governance thinking, risk posture, and enterprise value in organizations defined by technology, scale, and transformation. Freedom holds a Bachelor in Arts (Major in Philosophy) degree form the University of the Philippines \u2013 Diliman, a Juris Doctor degree from the Ateneo de Manila University School of Law, and an Executive MBA degree from the Ateneo Professional Schools.<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-258180\" src=\"https:\/\/my.legal500.com\/events\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2026\/03\/Ambe-Tierro-Headshot-Accenture.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" srcset=\"https:\/\/my.legal500.com\/events\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2026\/03\/Ambe-Tierro-Headshot-Accenture.png 150w, https:\/\/my.legal500.com\/events\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2026\/03\/Ambe-Tierro-Headshot-Accenture-100x100.png 100w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><strong><span role=\"presentation\" data-olk-copy-source=\"MessageBody\">Ambe C. Tierro, country managing director and lead for advanced technology centers, Accenture<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Ms. Ambe C. Tierro, Country Managing Director and Lead for Advanced Technology Centers in the Philippines at Accenture. Ambe is responsible for the growth and sustainability of Accenture&#8217;s business in the country, delivering Technology, Operations, and Strategy &amp; Consulting services. She also leads the Accenture Advanced Technology Centers in the Philippines. Outside of Accenture, Ambe serves on the boards of the IT &amp; Business Process Association of the Philippines, For the Women Foundation, Philippine Business for Social Progress, and De La Salle University.<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-258156\" src=\"https:\/\/www.legal500.com\/events\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2026\/03\/maria.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" srcset=\"https:\/\/my.legal500.com\/events\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2026\/03\/maria.png 150w, https:\/\/my.legal500.com\/events\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2026\/03\/maria-100x100.png 100w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><strong><span role=\"presentation\" data-olk-copy-source=\"MessageBody\">Maria Rosell S. Gomez &#8211; partner for risk services and co-lead of AI practice, PwC Philippines<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Maria Rosell \u201cRosell\u201d Gomez is a Partner at PwC Philippines and the firm\u2019s Risk Services and Forensics Leader, where she spearheads practices in cybersecurity, data privacy, governance, risk &amp; compliance, data analytics, and forensics. She also serves as PwC\u2019s Chief Information Officer and Chief Data Officer, championing secure, data-driven, and resilient organizations.<\/p>\n<p>With more than 25 years of professional experience, Rosell has guided clients through complex business challenges, strengthening governance, resilience, and trust. Her expertise spans audits, compliance, cybersecurity, forensics, and advanced analytics, with a proven track record of delivering clarity and confidence in times of change.<\/p>\n<p>Beyond PwC, Rosell is the 2026 Chairman and President of the Institute of Internal Auditors Philippines (IIAP), actively shaping the profession\u2019s growth and community engagement. She has also served on the Board of Trustees of ISACA Manila Chapter, is an associate member of the Institute of Corporate Directors (ICD), has been a member of the International Association of Privacy Professionals (IAPP) and has served as a part time Professional Lecturer at De La Salle University-Manila.<\/p>\n<p>Her academic journey reflects both achievement and heart: graduating Cum Laude in Accountancy, advancing her learning at Asian Institute of Management (AIM), Ateneo Professionals School), and Wharton Executive Education and earning her CPA license in the Philippines alongside multiple global certifications such as CIA, CISA, CDPSE, CRISC, COBIT5F, COBIT5I, ISO 31000 CRM.<\/p>\n<p>Passionate about building communities where trust, innovation, and people thrive together, Rosell continues to inspire organizations and professionals to embrace resilience and integrity in a rapidly evolving world.<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<p><strong>Steering Committee<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-241874\" src=\"https:\/\/www.legal500.com\/events\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2025\/12\/Kristian-Nico-Calugay-Acosta-version-2.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" srcset=\"https:\/\/my.legal500.com\/events\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2025\/12\/Kristian-Nico-Calugay-Acosta-version-2.jpg 150w, https:\/\/my.legal500.com\/events\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2025\/12\/Kristian-Nico-Calugay-Acosta-version-2-100x100.jpg 100w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><strong>Kristian Nico Calugay Acosta, CLO &amp; general counsel, CTI Group<\/strong><\/p>\n<p dir=\"auto\" data-olk-copy-source=\"MessageBody\">Nico is an in-house lawyer with a rich experience in leading the legal operations of companies from diverse industries such as retail &amp; luxury, food &amp; beverages, hospitality, construction and real estate, electronics &amp; technology, and entertainment. Throughout the years, he has successfully represented his clients and principals before various quasi-judicial agencies, trial courts, the Court of Appeals and the Supreme Court. Because of his solid advocacies on ESG and intellectual property awareness, Nico is often invited as a lecturer and resource speaker by government agencies, educational institutions and international organizations such as the Asia Pacific Corporate Counsel Alliance, International Trademark Association, EU IPO, World Intellectual Property Organization, World Trademark Review, Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines, National Committee on Intelellectual Property Rights, and the Supreme Court\u2019s Justice Sector Coordinating Council. Moreover, several legal publications, such as AsiaLaw, Asia Business Law Journal, Asian Legal Business and the Legal 500, has consistently commended and recognized him for his exemplary legal works on areas of corporate law and litigation. During his law firm days, Nico has been cited by the Legal 500 as a Next Generation Partner, and he has been consistently included by the publication\u2019s General Counsel (GC) Powerlist Magazine in its lists of leading in-house lawyers across Southeast Asia and the Philippines. In 2024, Nico has made it to the Legal 500 GC Elite Philippines, which recognized the country\u2019s Top 20 most prominent and seasoned in-house lawyers. And just last year, he was conferred the Outstanding Tamaraw Law Alumnus Award in Private Practice by the FEU Law. On his days off, Nico enjoys working out at the gym and car racing.<\/p>\n<div id=\"x_ms-outlook-mobile-body-separator-line\" dir=\"auto\" data-applydefaultfontstyles=\"true\">\n<div dir=\"auto\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<hr \/>\n<p><b>Steering Committee<\/b><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-241868\" src=\"https:\/\/www.legal500.com\/events\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2025\/12\/Ryan-Espiritu.jpg.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" srcset=\"https:\/\/my.legal500.com\/events\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2025\/12\/Ryan-Espiritu.jpg.png 150w, https:\/\/my.legal500.com\/events\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2025\/12\/Ryan-Espiritu.jpg-100x100.png 100w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><strong>Ryan N. Espiritu, regional data protection officer &amp; legal counsel (APAC\/ME), Western Union<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Ryan N. Espiritu is currently Western Union\u2019s Regional Data Protection Officer and Legal Counsel supporting APAC and the Middle East. He possesses an IAPP Certification as a Certified Information Privacy Professional for Asia (CIPP\/Asia). He has been an attorney for more than 18 years specializing in data privacy, labor &amp; employment, litigation and intellectual property.<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<p><b>Steering Committee<\/b><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-241870\" src=\"https:\/\/www.legal500.com\/events\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2025\/12\/Cecily-Nerisse-_Chel_-C.-Ramirez-dela-Cruz.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" srcset=\"https:\/\/my.legal500.com\/events\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2025\/12\/Cecily-Nerisse-_Chel_-C.-Ramirez-dela-Cruz.jpg 150w, https:\/\/my.legal500.com\/events\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2025\/12\/Cecily-Nerisse-_Chel_-C.-Ramirez-dela-Cruz-100x100.jpg 100w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><strong>Cecily Nerisse (Chel) C. Ramirez-dela Cruz, Asia+ CBG General Counsel, Philippines and GSC General Counsel<\/strong><strong>, <\/strong><strong>3M Philippines<\/strong><\/p>\n<p data-olk-copy-source=\"MessageBody\">Chel Ramirez-dela Cruz is 3M\u2019s Asia+ Consumer Business Group General Counsel, Philippines and Global Service Center General Counsel, and Country GAM Liaison. As part of the leadership team of the business and the country, she helps identify and address key policy, enterprise, and other risks to protect the company\u2019s brand and operations while supporting growth.<\/p>\n<p>Prior to joining 3M, she was a Senior Associate at Puno and Puno Law Offices, specializing in mergers and acquisitions, special projects, taxation, and energy law, where she served for 9 years. Before that, she was an associate in the oldest and one of the most prestigious law firms in the Philippines, Sycip Salazar Hernandez and Gatmaitan, and prior to that, she interned at the equally reputable Zambrano and Gruba Law Offices.<\/p>\n<p>She was admitted to the Philippine Bar in 2008, after she completed her Juris Doctor degree with honors at Ateneo de Manila University \u2013 School of Law in 2007. She obtained her bachelor\u2019s degree in Legal Management at Ateneo de Manila University in 2003, with a minor in history.<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<p><strong>Steering Committee<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-243606\" src=\"https:\/\/www.legal500.com\/events\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2025\/12\/Mary-Rose-Tan.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" srcset=\"https:\/\/my.legal500.com\/events\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2025\/12\/Mary-Rose-Tan.jpg 150w, https:\/\/my.legal500.com\/events\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2025\/12\/Mary-Rose-Tan-100x100.jpg 100w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px\" \/><\/strong><\/p>\n<p><b data-olk-copy-source=\"MessageBody\">Mary Rose S. Tan, associate general counsel and assistant corporate secretary, San Miguel Corporation<\/b><\/p>\n<p>Mary Rose S. Tan is an Assistant Vice President \u2013 Associate General Counsel and Assistant Corporate Secretary of San Miguel Corporation,\u00a0one of the\u00a0Philippines&#8217; biggest diversified conglomerates, where she has been with the Office of the General Counsel for 20 years handling corporate governance and compliance, capital markets and corporate financing transactions, mergers and acquisitions, as well as disputes and litigation management. Prior to joining San Miguel Corporation,\u00a0Ms. Tan was a law clerk at the Supreme Court of the Philippines with the Office of the Chief Justice Hilario G. Davide, Jr., and an associate at SyCip Salazar Hernandez &amp; Gatmaitan. She obtained her Master of Laws degree from the University of Sydney in 2009 as an Endeavour Postgraduate Award scholar of the Australian Government. She was admitted to the Philippine Bar in 2002. She obtained her Juris Doctor degree from University of the Philippines in 2001 and her degree of Bachelor of Arts major in Psychology from the same university in 2001. She is currently a member of the Board of Trustees of the UP Women Lawyers Circle for 2024-2026, and the Assistant Corporate Secretary of the UP Law Alumni Foundation.<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<p><strong>Steering Committee<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-244594\" src=\"https:\/\/www.legal500.com\/events\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2026\/01\/Bong-Malibiran-1.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" srcset=\"https:\/\/my.legal500.com\/events\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2026\/01\/Bong-Malibiran-1.png 150w, https:\/\/my.legal500.com\/events\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2026\/01\/Bong-Malibiran-1-100x100.png 100w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px\" \/><\/p>\n<div>\n<p><b data-olk-copy-source=\"MessageBody\">Bernard Malibiran, legal services director, Manila Water<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 1rem\">Bernard &#8220;Bong&#8221; Malibiran is the Legal Services Director of Manila Water, bringing extensive experience from senior in-house leadership roles, including previously serving as Vice President for Legal, Compliance &amp; Security at Republic Cement. A strong advocate of entrepreneurial thinking within the legal function, Bong champions the evolution of corporate legal teams, from traditional risk gatekeepers into proactive business partners and solution providers.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 1rem\">Known for valuing innovation, commercial awareness, and cross-disciplinary insight, Bong believes effective legal advice must balance legal rigour with a deep understanding of financial, operational, and strategic business realities. In an increasingly unpredictable global environment shaped by technological disruption, regulatory change, and geopolitical uncertainty, he emphasizes resilience, adaptability, and foresight as essential skills for modern in-house counsel. This approach positions the legal team as a critical enabler of sustainable business growth, while maintaining strong governance and risk management.<\/span><\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<p><strong>Steering Committee<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-251066\" src=\"https:\/\/www.legal500.com\/events\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2026\/02\/Connie-Chu.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" srcset=\"https:\/\/my.legal500.com\/events\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2026\/02\/Connie-Chu.png 150w, https:\/\/my.legal500.com\/events\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2026\/02\/Connie-Chu-100x100.png 100w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px\" \/><\/p>\n<p class=\"x_elementToProof\"><strong>Connie Chu, chief legal &amp; compliance officer, Aboitiz Group<\/strong><\/p>\n<div>\n<p class=\"x_elementToProof\" data-olk-copy-source=\"MessageBody\">Connie Chu has more than 20 years legal experience in the areas of regulatory compliance, corporate governance, capital markets, finance, and M&amp;A in multiple jurisdictions in Asia and the US.<\/p>\n<p class=\"x_elementToProof\">She joined the Aboitiz Group in 2023 as Group General Counsel, and Chief Legal &amp; Compliance Officer of Aboitiz Equity Ventures Inc., a leading company listed on the Philippine Stock Exchange. The team was most recently awarded Asian Legal Business Philippine In-House Team of the year in 2023 &amp; 2024.<\/p>\n<p class=\"x_elementToProof\">She is the Private Sector Representative to the Philippine Department of Trade &amp; Industry Ease of Doing Business and Anti-Red Tape Advisory Council.<\/p>\n<p class=\"x_elementToProof\">Prior to joining the Aboitiz Group, Connie was with Cleary Gottlieb in New York &amp; Hong Kong where she advised the governments of Indonesia, Mongolia and the\u00a0Philippines, and companies listed in Asia and the US.<\/p>\n<p class=\"x_elementToProof\">Ms.\u00a0Chu obtained her LLM with distinction from the New York University School of Law, U.S.A, and a juris doctor degree with high honors (Class Salutatorian) from the Ateneo de Manila University. She graduated magna cum laude with an undergraduate degree in Political Science from the University of San Carlos. She was a bar\u00a0topnotcher ranking\u00a02nd in the 2002 Philippine Bar Exams.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Mark S. Gorriceta, chairman and managing partner, Gorriceta Africa Cauton &amp; Saavedra Mark S. Gorriceta is the Chairman and Managing Partner of Gorriceta Africa Cauton &amp; Saavedra, one of the Philippines\u2019 leading and fastest-growing law firms, known for its strong focus on technology, infrastructure, and emerging industries. He also heads the firm\u2019s Corporate, Banking &amp; &hellip; <\/p>\n<p class=\"link-more\"><a href=\"https:\/\/my.legal500.com\/events\/gc-summit-philippines-2026\/speakers\/\" class=\"more-link\">Continue reading<span class=\"screen-reader-text\"> &#8220;Speakers&#8221;<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":20,"featured_media":0,"parent":225648,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-225662","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/my.legal500.com\/events\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/225662","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/my.legal500.com\/events\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/my.legal500.com\/events\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/my.legal500.com\/events\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/20"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/my.legal500.com\/events\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=225662"}],"version-history":[{"count":36,"href":"https:\/\/my.legal500.com\/events\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/225662\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":258182,"href":"https:\/\/my.legal500.com\/events\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/225662\/revisions\/258182"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/my.legal500.com\/events\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/225648"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/my.legal500.com\/events\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=225662"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}