Mr Bhong Paulo Macasaet > SyCip Salazar Hernandez & Gatmaitan > Manila, Philippines > Lawyer Profile

SyCip Salazar Hernandez & Gatmaitan has a strong aviation financing practice, which typically advises on the loan transaction and security documentation aspects of various major deals; in regards to loans, it also advises on the numerous remedial options that are available to clients in the event of a default. In addition, it frequently advises its client roster, which is formed in large part of foreign and local banks as well as financial institutions, on their obtaining a license to do business in the Philippines, wherein it assists with the Civil Aviation Authority registration process and with the obtaining of a foreign air carrier’s permit. The group excels in litigation also. Philbert Varona is the practice head and both Melyjane Bertillo-Ancheta and Bhong Paulo Macasaet are also well-regarded team members.

Land due diligence remains a key strength of SyCip Salazar Hernandez & Gatmaitan‘s practice, which maintains its broad client roster of foreign governments, hotel operators and real estate developers. The team is also a key contact for land developers on a breadth of real estate projects including hotel developments, residential condominiums and multi-use projects. Rocky Alejandro Reyes spearheads the department and is adept in infrastructure in addition to power and energy mandates. Angel Salita is well-versed in special projects including oil and gas, telecoms and water, while John Paul De Leon and Bhong Paulo Macasaet are knowledgeable of financing.

Under the leadership of Philbert Varona, SyCip Salazar Hernandez & Gatmaitan has a stellar reputation for its work with various foreign and local banks and financial institutions on a wide range of matters. Assisting borrowers and issuers on a variety of key deals such as acquisition and project financing, securities issuances and listings, forms as much part of the firm’s strengths as advising on corporate notes, bonds, major syndicated loans and re-financings. Another core area of focus is in aviation financing, where the practice is regularly mandated by leading aircraft lessors, financiers and local operators. In addition, the practice works closely with international law firms on significant cross-border banking deals and advises clients on investment-related projects in the renewable energy and infrastructure arenas. Among the key names to note are Jan Celine Abaño-Ranada  and Bhong Paulo Macasaet. Roshni Balani and Mark Xavier Oyales were promoted to the partnership in January 2023.