Mr Philbert Varona > 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.

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.

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.

Philbert Varona spearheads the practice at SyCip Salazar Hernandez & Gatmaitan, which is praised for its skill at handling a broad range of complicated deals. The team often acts for international and domestic banks and other financial institutions, as well as for the issuers of securities, and has been involved in some key capital market transactions that span various sectors such as food, beverage and real estate. In addition, the team receives a steady stream of instructions from some major international law firms. Other recommended partners include Mark Xavier Oyales, Joan Mae To-Conejos as well as Vicente Gerochi IV.