SyCip Salazar Hernandez & Gatmaitan has a litigation and arbitration practice that serves both foreign and domestic clients, including appearances before the Supreme Court. The team is recognised for its expertise in international and domestic disputes across commercial, utility, and construction sectors. Ricardo Ma. P.G. Ongkiko leads the group and recently acted on infrastructure-related litigation involving concession agreements. Carlos Roberto Lopez handles transportation and energy disputes, while Russel L. Rodriguez focuses on contract and corporate restructuring cases, with experience before the Court of Appeals. John Christian A. Regalado specialises in commercial arbitration, and Ma. Patricia B. Paz-Jacoba advises on energy and financial services disputes, including compliance and criminal matters. Other key members include Ramon I. Rocha IV and Jewelle Ann Lou P. Santos.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- 'The team provides relevant, practical, and objective advice to the business which immensely helps it in deciding its next steps. Additionally, we appreciate that Sycip Law is inclined to and convinces its clients to enter into amicable settlements.'
Key clients
- Light Rail Manila Corporation (LRMC)
- Asian Development Bank (ADB)
- The Manila Electric Company (MERALCO)
- Holcim Philippines, Inc.
- Platinum Group Metals Corporation (PGMC)
- Hawker Pacific Asia Pte Ltd (now known as Jet Aviation Asia Pacific Pte Ltd) and its Officers
- Mitsubishi Corporation – Manila Branch
- The Manila Electric Company (MERALCO)
- Quipper Philippines, Inc.
- OceanaGold Philippines, Inc
Work highlights
Successfully represented several high-ranking officials of the ADB in criminal investigations for libel and in a civil suit for damages.
Successfully represented MERALCO, the country’s largest power distributor, in a Supreme Court petition filed by the Philippine Government’s Office of the Solicitor General, which sought to invalidate a settlement agreement and force arbitration proceedings between MERALCO and the National Power Corporation (NPC), a major generation company previously owned and controlled by the government.
Successfully argued as counsel for Light Rail Manila Corporation (LRMC) in a Supreme Court case involving the validity of the Concession Agreement for the Line Rail Transit Line 1 (LRT-1) Extension, Operations, and Maintenance Project.
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Next Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Ma. Patricia Paz-Jacoba
John Regalado
Practice head
Ricardo Ma. P.G. Ongkiko
Other key lawyers
Carlos Roberto Lopez; Russel L. Rodriguez; John Christian A. Regalado; Ma. Patricia B. Paz-Jacoba; Ramon I. Rocha IV; Jewelle Ann Lou P. Santos