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.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
- Profile
Accolades
Client satisfaction
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘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.
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.
Lawyers
Hall of fame
The lawyers at the very top of the profession, widely known and respected by peers and clients for their longstanding involvement in market-leading work.
Practice head
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