Mr Russel Rodriguez > SyCip Salazar Hernandez & Gatmaitan > Manila, Philippines > Lawyer Profile

The shipping practice at SyCip Salazar Hernandez & Gatmaitan handles the gamut of maritime casualty cases including those involving collisions, loss and salvages. The team is adept at handling a broad-range of disputes, namely involving issues relating to marine insurance, maritime fraud and cargo. The group also has considerable expertise enforcing maritime liens or security interests in cases where ships are placed under arrest. Under the leadership of Rocky Alejandro Reyes, Philbert Varona and Russel Rodriguez, the excellent team has substantial experience  handling transactions involving the financing, sale, charter, crewing and registration of vessels for both domestic and international corporations. The practice also works closely with leading international law firms in the United States, Europe and Asia on deals involving the cross-border fundraising of major Philippine companies.

The superb team at SyCip Salazar Hernandez & Gatmaitan provides the entire range of tax services. It is expertly led by Carina Laforteza, Hector De Leon, Russel Rodriguez and Ronald Mark Lleno. The group is skilled at structuring the tax aspects of corporate transactions. It is also adept at advising on administrative and judicial litigation in relation to tax refunds, and at defending clients against assessments for national and local taxes, as well as in regards to customs duties. The group also assists the firm’s corporate clients with their compliance requirements. In addition, the department is developing considerable expertise in ESG tax work. Rolando Medalla is well-regarded. Maria Viola B. Vista advises clients on the tax implications of corporate transactions and structures in addition to her handling of tax assessments and refunds both at the administrative and court levels.

Entrusted by significant banking, healthcare, pharmaceutical and tech clients amongst others, SyCip Salazar Hernandez & Gatmaitan’s key strengths lie in handling disciplinary actions and terminations, employment contracts as well as advising on work visa and permit-related issues. Head of the group Dante Pamintuan and Leslie Dy specialise in labour litigation and bargaining, whilst Amer Mambuay is informed on employment issues in corporate mergers and acquisitions. Easter Princess Castro and Emmar Benjoe Panahon are well-versed in occupational safety and health standards, whilst Russel Rodriguez advises clients on employee benefits, labour standards and personnel movements.