Cruz Marcelo & Tenefrancia > Manila, Philippines > Firm Profile

Cruz Marcelo & Tenefrancia Offices

Cruz Marcelo & Tenefrancia
9TH, 10TH, 11TH & 12TH FLOORS, ONE ORION
11TH AVENUE, CORNER UNIVERSITY PARKWAY
BONIFACIO GLOBAL CITY 1634, METRO MANILA
Philippines
Visit website 63 2 8810 5858 63 2 810 3838

Cruz Marcelo & Tenefrancia > The Legal 500 Rankings

Philippines > Dispute resolution Tier 1

The practice at Cruz Marcelo & Tenefrancia has a strong reputation for its capabilities in handling commercial litigation matters of significant value and high-stakes for its client roster. The team, noted for its ‘meticulous approach to crafting compelling pleadings’, is noted for its administrative, regulatory and tax litigation expertise and is well-placed to handle such cases at Supreme Court and Court of Appeal level. Commercial and construction arbitration mandates are another key area of specialism for the group. Rodel Cruz has expertise in commercial litigation and infrastructure projects in particular. The ‘exceptionally practical and sharp’ Victor Emmanuel M. Pangilinan stands out, as does Miguel Silos and Simeon Marcelo, who harnesses experience in handling high-profile disputes of various natures. Civil, criminal and tax expert John Jerico L. Balisnomo oversees the practice.

Practice head(s):

John Jerico L. Balisnomo

Other key lawyers:

Rodel Cruz; Miguel Silos; Simeon Marcelo; Victor Emmanuel Pangilinan

Testimonials

‘CMT’s litigation team, led by the exceptionally practical and sharp Victor Emmanuel Pangilinan, stands out for its unparalleled commitment to excellence and innovation in legal practice.’

‘Potential clients will find reassurance in their team’s meticulous approach to crafting compelling pleadings that are rich in significant details.’

‘CMT excels at extracting critical information from company officers through incisive questioning, and allowing them to build strong, well-founded defences. This meticulous attention-to-detail instils confidence in their clients about the strength of their cases.’

‘Victor Emmanuel Pangilinan is available and demonstrates a commitment to accessibility that clients deeply appreciate. He combines practicality with profound legal insight, simplifying even the most complex issues.’

Key clients

Ayala Corporation

Pilipino Banana Growers and Exporters Association

Secur Links Network and Technologies, Inc.

Unicapital, Inc.

Alpha Plus Property Holdings Corporation

Dole Food Company, Inc.

Max’s Group, Inc.

Yujuico Group of Companies

Union Bank of the Philippines

Redco Properties Group Limited

Work highlights

  • Represented Unicapital, Inc. in a case against a Philippine medical services corporation and its former President/CEO for non-payment of a loan obtained through false representations.

Philippines > Intellectual property Tier 1

Cruz Marcelo & Tenefrancia‘s group is highly regarded for its ‘vast experience’ in IP. Its workload includes representing its international clientele on trademark registration applications; protection of trade secrets and business models; and matters involving anti-piracy and enforcement. Advising on regulatory compliance and product liability in line with the FDA regulations is another area of expertise of the team. Susan D. Villanueva oversees the practice and is a specialist in litigation and enforcement work. Patricia Bunye is a key practitioner equipped to handle licensing, franchising and regulatory cases, Divina Gracia E. Pedron has experience in brand protection, and Rowanie Nakan leads the firm’s patent group. Bunye is considered a ‘standout name’ alongside Carlo Valerio.

Practice head(s):

Susan D. Villanueva

Other key lawyers:

Patricia Bunye; Rowanie Nakan; Divina Gracia E. Pedron; Carlo Valerio

Testimonials

‘Cruz Marcelo & Tenefrancia not only knows IP laws in theory but also provides practical solutions which manage expectations of IP clients and guides their further decision-making.’

‘The firm has vast experience in IP.’

‘One thing that I admire about CMT, especially with registration of new trademarks, is their immediate provision of options and procedures because they know such matters are time-sensitive.’

‘Patricia Bunye and Carlo Valerio are standout names.’

‘What makes the individuals standout and different from competitors is their efficiency and responsiveness.’

‘Very knowledgeable and good customer service.’

‘Good work ethic.’

‘Aside from their very collaborative efforts, they are also very organised, and you wouldn’t be left hanging on things you would like to know about a case.’

Key clients

University of the Philippines

Philippine Department of Science and Technology

Technological Institute of the Philippines

Green Cross, Inc.

Oceanic Empire Limited

The Manufacturers Life Insurance Company

Vice Cosmetics Group, Inc. (VCGI)

In-N-Out Burgers

Fundacion Sanso

Zalora SEA

Metromart Technologies, Inc.

DBDOYC, Inc.

Work highlights

  • Represented Green Cross, Inc., a leading Filipino company in the personal care, health, and hygiene industry in defending its right over its corporate and trade name “GREEN CROSS”.
  • Represented VCGI in defending the latter’s trademark application against an opposition filed by popular celebrity Jose Marie Viceral who is also known as “Vice Ganda” on the ground that VCGI supposedly used the “VICE COSMETICS” mark without his consent.

Philippines > Projects and energy Tier 1

Cruz Marcelo & Tenefrancia houses a stand, ‘dedicated' energy team. It is well-equipped to assist its portfolio of well-known clients with large, high-value energy projects. The team advises on the engineering, construction, financing, transactional and procurement aspects of projects as well as on the acquisition of rights required to establish and commence projects. Further, the team is well-placed to handle due diligence. Manuel Manaligod specialises in infrastructure and PPP and heads up the practice alongside Patricia Bunye, who has expertise in compliance. Notable team members include Pancho Umali, who has extensive transactional experience and Francis Fragante.

Practice head(s):

Manuel Manaligod; Patricia Bunye

Other key lawyers:

Pancho Umali; Francis Fragante; Rafael Evangelista; Fernand Miranda

Testimonials

‘This law practice is unique in that they have a dedicated energy team, which gives an excellent and swift service.’

‘This team guides our new company all the way.’

‘Francis Fragante and Rafael Evangelista are excellent people to work with.’

Key clients

Filminera Resources Corporation

Sagittarius Mines, Inc.

Therma Visayas, Inc.

DMCI Power Corporation

Green Energy Management Holdings, Inc.

Nido Petroleum Philippines Pty Ltd

Cemex Strategies Philippines, Inc.

W Group, Inc./Portuguese Realty, Inc.

Redco Properties Group Limited

W Ventures, Inc.

Red Core Geothermal

Aboitiz Renewables, Inc.

Public-Private Partnership Center

C5 Mass Transit Corporation Limited

Air Liquide Philippines, Inc.

Liansheng Manufacturing Corp.

PETRONAS

Holcim Philippines, Inc.

Asian Terminals, Inc.

Metro Pacific Investments Corporation

Landco Pacific Corporation

Hong Kong Optical Lens Co. Ltd.

NPG Pty Ltd

Samat LNG Corporation

Asian Development Bank

Palm Concepcion Power Corporation

Work highlights

  • Advises Sagittarius Mines, Inc. regarding the Tampakan Copper-Gold Project, prospectively the largest copper-gold project in the Philippines.
  • Advises consortiums with respect to the unsolicited proposal for the construction and development of a light railway-based mass transportation system over two distinct alignments traversing 6 key cities, with a length of approximately 22.5km and a cost of approximately $1.6bn.
  • Assists the client in the preparation of bid documents and addressing legal queries on the Procurement of Independent Consultant for the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Public-Private Partnership Project.

Philippines > Corporate and M&A Tier 2

Cruz Marcelo & Tenefrancia has a reputation for its capabilities in providing its clientele with end-to-end support on the broad range of transactions. The team’s client portfolio covers a diverse range of industry sectors, and its transactional work includes due diligence aspects, and the drafting and negotiation of various related key contracts and agreements. Advising on due diligence and compliance are areas of specialism of Aida Araceli Roxas-Rivera who heads up the practice. Manuel L. Manaligod, Jr. has PPP and infrastructure-related experience in particular; the ‘very skillful’ Rosa Michele Bagtas is noteworthy; as is regulatory, corporate and commercial expert Pancho Umali.

Practice head(s):

Aida Araceli Roxas-Rivera

Other key lawyers:

Manuel L Manaligod, Jr; Rosa Michele Bagtas; Pancho Umali; Patricia Bunye; John Balisnomo; Carla Pingul; Jennifer Castro; Fernand Joseph D. Miranda

Testimonials

‘A full-service firm with reputable partners and recruits from top law schools. This assures clients that they are dealing with top-notch lawyers. They practice law with integrity and thus will meet international standards on corporate governance. Lawyers are well-rounded and updated and are recognized experts even among their colleagues in the industry.’

‘I have worked a lot with John Balisnomo, Carla Pingul, and Rosa Michele Bagtas. John provides big picture legal support to make sure that the team does not get lost in the technicalities of the legal arguments and he will make sure that the main objective of the client will be met. Carla Pingul and Rosa Michele Bagtas are very skillful when they represent us.’

‘The corporate and M&A team is very creative. This team is led by Pancho Umali. The team is very professional. They always find solution and workaround to any scenarios. Very flexible.’

‘Pancho Umali and Jennifer Castro are noteworthy.’

‘CMT consistently provides us with high value, end-to-end support which is critical to achieving our business objectives. Their team provides thorough due diligence, anticipating potential risks and pitfalls, with efficiency in mind. The CMT Team ensures we have a comprehensive understanding of our rights and obligations in every legal transaction.’

‘Pancho Umali regularly provides us counsel on matters involving corporate and commercial law. With his practice involving a wide array of fields, he is grounded on years of practical experience and a sharp legal acumen.’

‘Apart from their vast experience, their client servicing makes Cruz Marcelo & Tenefrancia a cut above other firms I have worked with.’

‘Their handling lawyers are incredibly attentive to client needs – to say that they go above and beyond is an understatement. They give reasonable turn around times and stick to deadlines 100% of the time.’

Key clients

Pilipinas Shell Petroleum Corporation

Aboitiz Equity Ventures, Inc.

Metro Pacific Investments Corp.

Unilever Group of Companies

ABS-CBN Corporation

Aboitiz Power Corporation

Aboitiz Renewables Inc.

Aboitiz Infracapital, Inc.

Landco Pacific Corporation

Asian Terminals, Inc.

Pepsi Cola Products Philippines, Inc.

W Group of Companies

Suyen Corporation

Seven Bank, Ltd.

UNObank Inc.

Zed Financial PH, Inc.

Sta. Lucia Land, Inc.

Certara Philippines, Inc.

Lazada E-Services Philippines, Inc.

Connected Freight Solutions Philippines, Inc.

Lamsan Holdings Corp.

Sony Global Business Services Inc.

DOLE Philippines, Inc.

PTFC Redevelopment Corporation

PayMongo Philippines, Inc.

Kepwealth Properties Philippines, Inc.

Furukawa Electric Co., Ltd.

Peak Support Global Enterprises, Inc.

Advanced Assembly Materials Philippines, Inc.

Real Life Sciences LLC

Elmo Software Ltd.

Riselaw Restaurant Inc.

Blackbird Restaurant, Inc.

DP World Logistics Philippines, Inc.

First Community Bank, Inc.

Kalinisan Steam Laundry Inc.

Maven Clinic

Hong Kong Optical Lens Co. Ltd.

Woodpeckers Group Sdn Bhd

Work highlights

  • Advised Aboitiz Renewables Inc. on its investment in two corporations, for the development of renewable energy projects, in the aggregate amount of $124m, located in San Isidro and Cabayog, Northern Samar; and Pililla, Rizal, and Mabitac, Laguna.
  • Acted as counsel to the sellers of 60% interest in First Community Bank Inc. (Rural Bank), which is based in Bacolod City.
  • Conducting legal due diligence on a 200-hectare parcel of land and the water operations of the seller; the due diligence involved the review of property documents and relevant permits in the conduct of the water operations business of the seller.

Philippines > Real estate and construction Tier 2

Advising on due diligence aspects of the remit of land and property transfers and operations, and on complex transactional matters including high-value acquisitions, are key features of the Cruz Marcelo & Tenefrancia‘s team’s workload. Manuel Manaligod has expertise handling PPP and infrastructure transactions. The team is jointly led by Aida Araceli G. Roxas-Rivera who is equipped to advise on related contracts, agreements and due diligence, and Rosa Michele C. Bagtas who specialises in property development and related due diligence.

Practice head(s):

Aida Araceli G. Roxas-Rivera; Rosa Michele C. Bagtas

Other key lawyers:

Manuel Manaligod; Pancho Umali; Francis Fragante; Fernand Joseph Miranda; Eric Dykimching; Karla Ysabel Galang

Key clients

W Group, Inc.

Portuguese Land, Inc.

Abraham Holdings, Inc.

IRMO, Inc.

Baltimore Land, Inc.

Citigold Resources and Development Corporation

Lux Pacific Realty Corporation

ILO Properties, Inc.

ILO Land, Inc.

Mapex Realty, Inc.

Asian Development Bank

Philippine Public-Private Partnership Center (PPPC)

PRI Realty, Inc.

Portuguese Land, Inc.

Moldex Realty Corporation

Kalinisan Steam Laundry Inc.

Landco Pacific Corporation

Costa de Madera Landholdings, Inc.

Work highlights

  • Conducted due diligence reviews and advised a real estate company in conducting due diligence over 154 parcels of land located at San Juan, Batangas.
  • Conducted legal due diligence on a 200-hectare parcel of land and the water operations of the seller.

Philippines > Labour and employment (including immigration) Tier 3

Cruz Marcelo & Tenefrancia > Firm Profile

The firm: 15 partners with sterling professional reputations, led by former Presidential Legal Counsel/Secretary of National Defence Avelino Cruz Jr and former Solicitor General/Ombudsman Simeon Marcelo, founded Cruz Marcelo & Tenefrancia to establish a lasting legal institution anchored on professionalism, meritocracy, innovation and mutual respect. Its leadership is rich in experience in both public and private sectors as well as in international organisations. The firm is committed to delivering the best legal services to help its clients attain optimum business success, as well as promoting public interest.

The firm’s lawyers have over three decades of experience in litigation and alternative dispute resolution, corporate and special projects, mining and natural resources, energy, infrastructure, transportation and public utilities, intellectual property, and taxation. By matching arduous training of its associates with the expansive experience of its partners (which also enables it to attract top legal talents), the firm has earned a reputation of delivering tailored solutions to its broad spectrum of clients, including established conglomerates, leading banking and financial institutions, multinational corporations and even entire industries and government regulatory institutions like the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (Central Bank of the Philippines).

Areas of practice
Litigation and dispute resolution: regarded as a top litigation firm in the country, the firm consistently provides exceptional representation and advocacy in every forum, involving disputes of varying scope and complexity. The firm has expertise in the following areas: trial advocacy and commercial litigation; international commercial arbitration; banking and financial fraud litigation; tax litigation; appellate practice; corporate rehabilitation; labour litigation; regulatory litigation and alternative dispute resolution.

Corporate and special projects: beyond providing in-depth legal solutions to complex legal and business issues and transactions that protect and add value to each client’s interests and business objectives, the firm functions to guarantee clients quality and timely service according to their needs in corporate and special projects including the following areas: mergers and acquisitions; capital markets; securities regulation and finance; banking and finance; debt restructuring and corporate reorganisation; gaming; property development and real estate transactions; tourism and leisure; infrastructure; trade and competition; and immigration.

Intellectual property: the firm’s IP lawyers are from diverse backgrounds representing the sciences, businesses and the arts and are equipped with the expertise and experience to counsel on protecting, enforcing and commercialising clients’ IP.

Mining and natural resources: the firm’s young and dynamic mining and natural resources department is recognised for its highly-skilled mining lawyers and a conscientious, responsive and proactive team. Its exceptional work in the mining industry has placed the firm at the legal forefront of the country’s mining industry.

Energy: the firm’s energy department advises investors, private equity funds, lenders, contractors and suppliers on the appropriate transaction and governance structures of mergers and acquisitions, including development, financing, operation, sale and distribution projects in the power and energy sector. Its lawyers have represented various clients in successfully obtaining required government accreditation and permits and also routinely negotiate, draft and review agreements and contracts necessary to implement complex transactions in this field.

Main Contacts

Department Name Email Telephone
Litigation and dispute resolution Simeon V Marcelo
Litigation and dispute resolution Rodel A Cruz
International arbitration Simeon V Marcelo
International arbitration Elmar B Galacio
Corporate and commercial Manuel L Manaligod Jr
Corporate and commercial Aida Araceli G Roxas-Rivera
Intellectual property Susan D Villanueva
Intellectual property Patricia A O Bunye
Intellectual property Divina Gracia E Pedron
Intellectual property Rowanie A Wakan
Mining and natural resources Patricia A O Bunye
Mining and natural resources Pancho G Umali
Energy Patricia A O Bunye
Energy Pancho G Umali
Labour Elmar B Galacio
Taxation Aida Araceli G Roxas-Rivera
Taxation Rosa Michelle C Bagtas
Taxation John Jerico L Balisnomo
Taxation Victor E M Pangilinan
Infrastructure, transportation and public utilities Manuel L Manaligod Jr
Infrastructure, transportation and public utilities Pancho G Umali
Gaming Manuel L Manaligod Jr
Gaming Aida Araceli G Roxas-Rivera
Immigration Rosa Michele C Bagtas
Real estate and construction Rosa Michele C Bagtas
Real estate and construction Pancho G Umali

Lawyer Profiles

Photo Name Position Profile
Rosa Michele C. Bagtas photo Ms Rosa Michele C. Bagtas •Corporate and Commercial Law •Mergers & Acquisitions •Property Development & Real Estate… View Profile
Patricia A. O. Bunye photo Ms Patricia A. O. Bunye •Intellectual Property •Mining and Natural Resources / Energy View Profile
Rodel A. Cruz photo Mr Rodel A. Cruz •Head, Litigation & Dispute Resolution Department •Deputy Managing Partner (Personnel) •Senior Partner View Profile
Elmar B. Galacio photo Mr Elmar B. Galacio Senior Partner View Profile
Rowanie Nakan photo Ms Rowanie Nakan Partner View Profile
Victor Emmanuel M. Pangilinan photo Mr Victor Emmanuel M. Pangilinan Senior Partner View Profile
Divina Gracia E. Pedron photo Ms Divina Gracia E. Pedron •Intellectual Property View Profile
Aida Araceli G. Roxas-Rivera photo Ms Aida Araceli G. Roxas-Rivera Senior Partner View Profile
Miguel Silos photo Mr Miguel Silos Senior Partner View Profile
Pancho G. Umali photo Mr Pancho G. Umali Partner View Profile
Susan D. Villanueva photo Ms Susan D. Villanueva •Intellectual Property •Taxation •Trade View Profile

Staff Figures

Number of lawyers : 58

Languages

English
Filipino
Japanese
Mandarin

Memberships

Inter-Pacific Bar Association
INTA
AIPPI
APAA
AIPA
LESI

Other

Contacts : Joe Nathan Tenefrancia
Contacts : Rodel A Cruz
Contacts : Manuel L Manaligod Jr
Contacts : Susan D Villanueva
Contacts : Patricia A O Bunye

Diversity


Cruz Marcelo & Tenefrancia Diversity Statement

At Cruz Marcelo & Tenefrancia, we believe that diversity and inclusion nurture creativity and innovative problem-solving, which are among the pillars of the Cruz Marcelo & Tenefrancia brand of service. We value the range of perspectives and experiences that having a diverse pool of human resources provides. We understand that inclusive organizations attract and retain top talents.  Thus, we are committed to fostering a workplace environment where teamwork is valued and differences are considered advantages.

Our Hiring and Company Policies reflect our commitment to inclusion and diversity. By attracting, supporting, promoting and retaining individuals from various backgrounds, whether grounded in gender, orientation, abilities, age, faith, cultural background and other characteristics, we have created a vibrant firm that is consistently able to provide creative and quality advice to, and representation of, our clients.

As advocates for diversity and inclusion, Cruz Marcelo & Tenefrancia undertakes to promote diversity initiatives at all levels in the legal profession and the broader business community.

Press Releases

Cruz Marcelo & Tenefrancia Promotes Rowanie A. Nakan to Senior Partner and Anica Angela G. Gomez to Senior Associate Effective 01 January 2024

14th February 2024 Cruz Marcelo & Tenefrancia is pleased to announce the well-deserved promotions of the Intellectual Property Department’s Rowanie A. Nakan to Senior Partner and Anica Angela G. Gomez to Senior Associate effective 01 January 2024.