Serrano Law > Taguig City, Philippines > Firm Profile
Serrano Law Offices
Serrano Law
1105 Tower 2 High Street South Corporate Plaza
26th Street Bonifacio Global City
Taguig City 1634
Philippines
1105 Tower 2 High Street South Corporate Plaza
26th Street Bonifacio Global City
Taguig City 1634
Philippines
- Go to...
- Rankings
- Firm Profile
- Main Contacts
- Lawyer Profiles
- Meet The Teams
- Interviews
- Press Releases
Serrano Law > The Legal 500 Rankings
Philippines > Antitrust and competition Tier 3
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:
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..
Philippines > Banking and finance Tier 3
At Serrano Law, managing partner Elmer Serrano heads the banking and finance practice. The firm has a solid reputation for its work with various lenders and borrowers, and is particularly skilled at advising on the restructuring of credit facilities. Phil Ivan Chan is another important member of the department who is experienced in a wide range of banking and finance matters.Practice head(s):
Elmer Serrano
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Serrano Law is composed of versatile and proficient lawyers in the banking & finance practice. They are highly efficient and deliver promptly on their commitments and timetable. They are easy to work with, responsive to our needs and easily accessible.’
‘We’ve been working with Elmer Serrano and Phil Ivan Chan for more than a decade. More important than their legal expertise, they have a deep understanding of our business.’
‘The team is composed of proficient, able and expert lawyers.’
‘Elmer Serrano and Phil Ivan Chan have deep understanding of our business and industry. They are able to handle complex issues and often offer practical solutions to the issues.’
Key clients
BDO Unibank, Inc.
Udenna Corporation
Udenna Land/Clark Global City Corp.
Chelsea Logistics and Infrastructure Holdings Corp.
Dominion Holdings, Inc. (formerly BDO Leasing and Finance, Inc.)
BDO Finance Corporation
Bankers Association of the Philippines
Philippine Payments Management, Inc.
Megalink, Inc.
Hitachi Omron Terminal Solutions – Japan
Bravo Time Ventures Limited
MNM Capital OPC
RYM Business Management Corporation
United Overseas Bank, Phils. Branch
SM Investments Corporation
BDO Capital & Investment Corporation
Security Bank Corporation
RePay Digital Banking Solutions, Inc.
Philippine Veterans Bank
Work highlights
- Advised BDO Capital & Investment Corporation as lead arranger and sole bookrunner, and BDO Unibank, Inc. and Security Bank Corporation as Initial Note Holders, for the Php3bn Notes Facility Agreement of Unistar as Issuer.
- Advised BDO Unibank, Inc. for its maiden issuance of Blue Bonds pursuant to the Blue Bond Subscription Agreement with International Finance Corporation.
- Advising a local start-up fintech company on the regulatory requirements for launching a digital wallet app.
Philippines > Capital markets Tier 3
Elmer Serrano heads the offering at Serrano Law, which has considerable experience in securities law and capital markets. Phil Ivan Chan is skilled at advising on matters such as bond issuances, IPOs and secondary offering filings, while the team also frequently deals with the Philippine Stock Exchange (PSE) and the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) on a broad array of complex matters. The group has been involved in some notable deals relating to equity issuances and public offerings in recent years.Practice head(s):
Elmer Serrano
Other key lawyers:
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 very professional, knowledgeable and experienced. They provide practical solutions to the issues.’
‘Elmer Serrano is an expert in his field given years of experience in mergers and acquisitions, corporate law and litigation.’
Key clients
BDO Unibank, Inc.
Udenna Corporation
Chelsea Logistics and Infrastructure Holdings Corp.
Atlas Consolidated Mining and Development Corporation
Carmen Copper Corporation
Dominion Holdings, Inc. (formerly BDO Leasing and Finance, Inc.)
DFNN, Inc.
SM Investments Corporation
Lodestar Investment Holdings Corporation
Work highlights
- Advised BDO Unibank, Inc. for its maiden issuance of Blue Bonds pursuant to the Blue Bond Subscription Agreement with International Finance Corporation.
- Advised on the tender offer for shares of 2GO Group, Inc. and on the Voluntary Delisting of 2GO Group, Inc. from the Main Board of the Philippine Stock Exchange.
- Advised on the execution of implementing agreements for Ms. Socorro P. Lim’s subscription and is now assisting Lodestar Investment Holdings Corporation to complete the listing of its unissued shares with the PSE.
Philippines > Intellectual property Tier 3
Elmer Serrano heads the department at Serrano Law, which is experienced in trademark registration, and inter partes proceedings with the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines. It regularly advises its clients on the trademark and IP aspects of key deals and transactions. In addition, it has recently handled patent registrations for various real estate and construction companies. Phil Ivan Chan and Tephanie Gandia are both well-regarded.Practice head(s):
Elmer Serrano
Other key lawyers:
Phil Ivan Chan; Tephanie Gandia; Perpetua Calliope Ngo
Testimonials
‘Their client servicing is remarkable in that they are diligent with the work, their approach is highly research-driven and the solutions they provide are innovative.’
‘Tephanie Gandia and Calliope Ngo provide very professional counsel and we highly value their dedication to our case. It is also notable that they made us comfortable with understanding the law and how the case is being managed.’
Key clients
Philippine Payments Management, Inc.
Bankers Association of the Philippines
BAP Data Exchange, Inc.
Ateneo de Manila University
Work highlights
- Advising Ateneo de Manila University, Inc. and the Bankers Association of the Philippines on the registration and protection of their marks relating to the Certified Treasury Program.
- Advising the Bankers Association of the Philippines, Inc. and BAP Data Exchange, Inc. on the registration and maintenance of its trademark portfolio which are used industry-wide in the banking and finance sector in the Philippines.
- Advised a prominent social media influencer in the Philippines on the termination of her management contract and the protection of IP rights over her content and shows.
Philippines > Real estate and construction Tier 3
Under the leadership of Elmer Serrano, Serrano Law excels in PPP projects. Phil Ivan Chan handles gaming, mining and real estate projects while Tephanie Gandia caters to acquisition structures and financing in the banking, logistics and retail sectors.Practice head(s):
Elmer Serrano
Other key lawyers:
Phil Ivan Chan; Tephanie Gandia; Melissa Jean Hipolito
Testimonials
‘Equally as important as their legal expertise, Serrano Law is very easy to work with.’
‘They are highly responsive to our requirements, accessible at reasonable time and can work with tight deadlines’
‘Elmer Serrano and Phil Ivan Chan have extensive experience knowledge of our business and the industry that we belong to.’
‘They often provide practical advice to complex issues.’
‘Up-to-date in the current business climate, always ready to provide sound advice’
‘Partners are respected in the industry.’
‘Quick to respond.’
Key clients
Anchor Land Holdings, Inc.
BDO Unibank, Inc.
BDO Life Assurance Company, Inc.
Neo Group of Companies
SM Prime Holdings, Inc.
SM Keppel Land, Inc.
Industry Holdings and Development Corporation
Work highlights
- Advised Anchor Land Holdings, Inc. on a joint venture with the local government unit of Parañaque City for the development of a commercial mixed-use project in Parañaque City.
- Advising BDO Unibank, Inc. and SM Keppel Land, Inc. on the conversion a condominium project in the Podium Complex.
- Advised a corporation in its acquisition of a major Grade A office building located in Makati Central Business District.
Philippines > Corporate and M&A Tier 4
Elmer Serrano heads the department at Serrano Law, which regularly acts as counsel on acquisitions involving both equity purchases and asset sales. The team has particular experience in sectors such as shipping, logistics, real estate, energy and retail. It is well-equipped to handle all aspects of transactions, from conducting due diligence reviews to obtaining the relevant regulatory approvals for key deals. Phil Ivan Chan and Tephanie Gandia are among the other notable members of the group, with Chan bringing experience in dealing with the Philippine Stock Exchange and Securities and Exchange Commission, while Gandia advises on M&A and financing, particularly in the banking sector.Practice head(s):
Elmer Serrano
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘The Serrano Law team is composed of dynamic and progressive legal practitioners who are equipped with the general and technical legal knowledge in corporate and securities regulation, merger and acquisitions, accounting and finance, mining, among others. ’
‘Atty Elmer Serrano takes a personal hand in tackling legal queries and provides legal opinions in a practical and reasonable manner. His ability to provide legal views in a layman’s perspective makes it easier for the principals to comprehend and grasp.’
‘1. They have the ability to process and analyse complex materials, and make practical sense of the issues therein. 2. Effective multitasking and communication skills. 3. Provides useful information that guides client on how to mitigate business and legal risks.’
‘The team is very easy to work with, highly responsive to our needs and requirements and can handle complex issues. They are highly knowledgeable and experienced in the banking and financial industry hence often offer practical solutions to complex issues. ’
‘We’ve been working with Elmer Serrano and Phil Ivan Chan for more than a decade. Aside from their legal expertise, they have a deep understanding of our businesses.’
‘Elmer Serrano and Phil Ivan Chan are very professional, knowledgeable and experienced in what they do. They are highly effective in communicating potential issues or implications of certain options. They always provide sound and practical legal advice.’
‘The firm is relatively young, but we have had a long history with the partners from their work in their previous law firms. We have a good working relationship with Atty Teph Gandia.’
‘The team is customer-centric. They specifically attend and easily grasp the uniqueness of our requirements. Atty Tephanie Gandia deals with day-to-day queries and requirements in a timely manner. She easily provides her opinion and recommends resolutions.’
Key clients
BDO Unibank, Inc.
SM Investments Corporation
2GO Group, Inc.
Udenna Corporation
Hitachi (Japan)
Hitachi Digital Payments (Sri Lanka)
Megalink, Inc.
Human Managed Pte. Lte.
Invicta Cyber Defence Inc.
Premium Leisure Corp.
Premium Leisure Amusement, Inc.
Chelsea Logistics and Infrastructure Holdings Corp.
Dominion Holdings, Inc. (formerly BDO Leasing and Finance, Inc.)
BDO Finance Corporation
Udenna Land/Clark Global City Corp.
Philippine Dealing & Exchange Corp.
Atlas Consolidated Mining and Development Corporation
Carmen Copper Corporation
BDO Life Assurance Company
Asian Appraisal Company, Inc.
Armstrong Pacific Inc.
Rockland Overseas Limited
Bankers Association of the Philippines
Philippine Payments Management, Inc.
Neo Group of Companies (formerly Net Group)
Armscor Global Defense, Inc.
JACCS Finance Philippines Corp.
NCM Mutual Fund of the Phils., Inc.
AG Finance Incorporated
BAP Data Exchange, Inc.
BDO Network Bank TFB, Inc. (Giordano Philippines)
Lodestar Investment Holdings Corporation
Unioil Petroleum Philippines, Inc.
BDO Securities Corporation
RYM Business Management Corporation
Industry Holdings and Development Corporation
DFNN, Inc.
Work highlights
- Advised BDO Unibank, Inc (BDO) 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.
- Advised Industry Holdings in its acquisition of a substantial stake in EEI Corporation, one of the leading construction and engineering companies in the Philippines.
- Advised on the merger of SM Investments Corporation and Allfirst Equity Holdings, Inc.
Serrano Law > Firm Profile
SERRANO LAW offers legal services across industries and in various fields such as corporate law, mergers and acquisitions, banking and finance, capital markets, antitrust and competition, real estate and construction, tax, corporate services, intellectual property, and other areas of practice.
Founded by Elmer B. Serrano, multi-awarded legal expert in the region, the Firm is home to internationally recognized lawyers with extensive experience in handling complex and notable transactions, best known for their contribution to the growth of clients’ businesses and their consistent ability to deliver and provide solutions.
Main Contacts
| Department | Name | Telephone | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Managing Partner | Elmer B. Serrano | elmer.serrano@serranolawph.com | +632-8479-2190 |
Meet The Team(s)
Lawyer Profiles
| Photo | Name | Position | Profile |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Ms Dawn Betina Bernabe | Associate | View Profile |
|
Mr Phil Ivan Chan | Partner | View Profile |
|
Ms Tephanie Gandia | Partner | View Profile |
|
Mr Jesse John Hermoso | Associate | View Profile |
|
Ms Melissa Jean Hipolito | Senior Associate | View Profile |
|
Ms Perpetua Calliope Ngo | Senior Associate | View Profile |
|
Mr Elmer Serrano | Managing Partner | View Profile |
Languages
English FilipinoInterviews
Elmer B. Serrano, Founding Partner/Managing Partner, Serrano Law
Elmer B. Serrano on cultivating own brand of lawyering with very own firm, SERRANO LAW What do you see as the main points that differentiate SERRANO LAW from your competitors?
Shared vision. We know what we want to become and what we don’t want to be. Hence, our chosen ethos:
Results-driven. Client-focused. Partners in growth.
We established our law firm when the country was just getting out of the game-changing pandemic and saw an opportunity to change the way we do things for the better. With our proven expertise and our size, we are uniquely positioned to deliver on our promise of next level legal services. We got the systems and skills of large firms yet retain the agility and innovativeness of a compact outfit.
Which practices do you see growing in the next 12 months? What are the drivers behind that?
M&A still and now more than ever. The pandemic has exposed the vulnerability of small format business and though I believe in entrepreneurial initiatives, businesses have to pivot using the lessons of these past 2 years. Our clients have to adapt, consolidate and rationalize, and they have to take advantage of opportunities. That is why we advised our clients who represented the private sector during legislative deliberations on pandemic recovery to lobby for easing measures for M&As. We are happy that our legislators were responsive and some of our suggestions have become part of the law. This course of consolidation is not isolated locally, as international acquisitions with ties to the Philippines have been notably active this 2022 and we have been fortunate to work with international law firms based not just in Asia-Pacific, but also in the U.S. and Europe on such cross-border projects.
What’s the main change you’ve made in the firm that will benefit clients?
Not so much a change, as we are new, but more of a commitment to start with the right mindset. Our team at SERRANO LAW are not only conscious to stay true to our course but are as determined to avoid practices that detract from our core values. This positive outlook and driven culture will ultimately benefit our clients as it engenders high standards of service, consistent ability to deliver and skilled creativity.
Is technology changing the way you interact with your clients, and the services you can provide them?
In our efforts to improve efficiency and reduce client costs, the Firm has invested in and takes advantage of the full range of IT productivity tools, including Cloud services, to facilitate team collaboration online, and to ensure and improve its lawyers’ reachability and service to its clients. This also ensures that the Firm will be able to provide uninterrupted legal services regardless of intervening limitations (i.e. pandemic related lockdowns, unexpected data loss). It also allows the Firm to minimize paper usage and associated costs.
Can you give us a practical example of how you have helped a client to add value to their business?
This year, we had the privilege of handling the merger of companies controlled by our clients, which allowed them to enhance value to their co-shareholders at the listed entity level and at the same time provide our clients liquidity to pay down the financing they took out to acquire one of the companies party to the merger. Our clients were able to realize the return on their investment earlier and streamline their organization in the process, resulting in even more cost savings.
Are clients looking for stability and strategic direction from their law firms – where do you see the firm in three years’ time?
Definitely. We founded our Firm with a vision of stability and strategic direction at its heart. Our clients deserve no less.
I originally wanted to grow the Firm slowly, but because of our clients’ support and requirements, I had to expand our complement much more and earlier than projected, and still we are seeing the need to grow even more. As an increase in scale is turning out to be inevitable, we will make sure to do it without ever compromising our founding principles. In three years’ time, I see an even better organized, efficient and focused SERRANO LAW with a highly motivated team living up to the same standards and working towards the same goals, and yes, with more lawyers… slightly more, maybe.