Angara Abello Concepcion Regala & Cruz (ACCRALAW)
Founded in 1972,
Angara Abello Concepcion Regala & Cruz (ACCRALAW) is the country’s top-tier firm which headquartered in Manila and has full-service branches in Cebu City and Davao City.
The firm is best known for its banking and finance, capital markets, corporate and M&A, intellectual property, tax and employment practices. It is also regularly consulted by the Philippine Senate and House of Representatives, the
Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, the World Bank and the Asian Development Bank, and invited to
assist in legislative and regulatory work.
Recent examples of the firm’s capital market work include
advising
Standard Chartered Bank and ING Bank
in relation to the upsize of UBP’s Bond Program and the issuance of the Peso-denominated fixed rate Series F and G Bonds of UBP. This deal is the Philippine’s first public non-sovereign bond exchange.
In the M&A space, the firm
assisted the
Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI)
as the surviving bank
in the merger with Robinsons Bank. The transaction is a merger between one of the country’s largest banks,
BPI and
the commercial bank
Robinsons Bank,
which required obtaining approvals from various regulatory agencies.
Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation, Bank of the Philippine Islands, HC Consumer Finance Phils,
Axelum Resources, RCBC Capital Corporation
Gatmaytan Yap Patacsil Gutierrez & Protacio
Established in 2007,
Gatmaytan Yap Patacsil Gutierrez & Protacio (C&G Law) is a full-service law firm located in Makati. The firm is a member firm of the Rajah & Tann Asia, Southeast Asia’s largest legal network.
The firm specializes in corporate and commercial transactions, litigation and arbitration, taxation, labor and employment. It is particularly active in the energy, real estate and technology industries.
The firm advised on a high-profile M&A deal during the research cycle as local counsel, advising
Coca-Cola (TCCC),
TCCC affiliates, and
CCBPI in the $1.8 billion sale of 100% of CCBPI by TCCC affiliates to a joint venture company of CCEP and AEV.
In project development space, C&G Law is
advising a leading Philippine power generation group First Gen and FGEN LNG on the various aspects of an over $1 billion Liquefied Natural Gas
infrastructure development project with onshore and offshore components. Once completed, the onshore facilities and the offshore
Floating Storage and Regasification Unit (FSRU)
component will be among the first of its kind in the Philippines.
Coca-Cola, Ayala, Lopez, ACEN, Meta Platforms, First Gen, FGEN LNG, Global Business Power
Testimonials
“Excellent in their advice, responsive and pragmatic.”
GRUBA LAW
Founded in 1993,
Gruba
Caganda Advincula Melo & de la
Fuente
(GRUBA LAW) is a mid-sized, full-service law firm with
expertise in
banking and finance and mergers and acquisitions.
The firm is strategic alliance with
WongPartnership in Singapore,
and it boasts sole Filipino membership of the WPG law network.
In Capital market, the firm acted for AGX Group’s local counsel on its Initial Public Offering in Malaysia. The Firm conducted challenging legal due diligence work as it was conducted on four Philippine subsidiaries engaged in the business of
logistics or freight
forwarding services and warehousing.
The corporate team
advised French shipping group
CMA-CGM in relation to buy the
logistics operations of family-run conglomerate Bollore. This transaction was challenging as it involved the sale of 192 separate entities
located in multiple countries with transaction
value of
$5.5 billion.
Altor Fund, AGX,
Infomina, Transcom
HoldCo AB Sweden, CMA CGM, Mount Labo EDC, Dae Duck Phils, Wellspring Resources, Philippine National Bank
Gulapa Law
Founded in 2015, Gulapa Law is a boutique law firm with offices in Manila, Cebu, New York and San Francisco, and has recently opened an office in Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam. In addition, Gulapa Law is affiliated with prestigious organisations such as One Asia Legal and IR Global.
Focusses / specialisms
The firm was active in general corporate, M&A, projects and infrastructure, such as public-private partnership projects, banking and finance, real estate and construction, technology, media and telecommunications, antitrust and competition, intellectual property, and dispute resolution.
Key clients
Key clients include Altus Capital Corporation, ACP Investments One, Philippine Asset Growth One, Duke Manufacturing Corporation, Kyushu Electric Power and AC Health.
Research period review:
33rd edition (2022/2023)
The banking team was active for a mix of lenders and borrowers on domestic and cross-border financing.
In M&A, the firm was active on strategic deals on the buy side. The deals were in the transport, real estate, energy and healthcare sectors.
In projects, the team always acted for project developers and stakeholders in consumer goods and services, real estate and financial investment sectors.
The firm was also active in restructuring work, mostly corporation subject of capital restructuring.
Deal highlights: 33rd edition (2022/2023)
Aboitiz InfraCapital’s acquisition of shares in GMR Megawide Cebu Airport Corporation and its affiliates.
Altus Group’s corporate and debt restructuring.
The North-South Commuter Railway project.
Client feedback: 33rd edition (2022/2023)
Banking and finance
“They know and understand the local regulations and requirements and provide a thorough analysis of options and approaches for consideration.”
M&A
“Fast turnaround times. Quality output. Excellent understanding of client requirements.”
“The law firm has wealth of knowledge and experience in the PPP sector and M&As.”
PPP/PFI
“Thorough, responsive, reliable, commercially driven, practical and solution-driven advice.”
“Very responsive to our queries and with competitive rates.”
Project development
“Thorough and detailed.”
Project finance
“Gulapa Law is technically competent and very good at problem-solving. They are a real asset in any project endeavour. Most law firms will tell you what you cannot do without helping you to find a way to get around obstacles. Gulapa Law is easy to work with, always submits work on time, and is truly value-adding.”
Restructuring
“Their familiarity with the Financial Rehabilitation and Insolvency Act and its rules proves to be advantageous as they can skillfully apply them to a pending matter before the Rehabilitation Court. What's noteworthy also is that they can also relate these rules to other laws in different fields and even laws of procedures.”
Melissa Chavez-Dee
“Very prompt and thorough.”
Aris Gulapa
“Aris is the go-to guy for all PPP-related matters. He is passionate about the deal and advocated really well for our position during negotiations. Even with his busy schedule, he would attend meetings in person.”
“Aris is very attentive to his client's requirements and is accommodating of our costs and timelines. He manages our engagements very well and offers keen insights into the legal issues at hand. He is an excellent lawyer, and you will always want him on your side of the fence.”
“Responsive, professional, hard-working, value-adding. When we work on PPP projects, we try to build a project that will address a problem. He helps us get there.”
“Very knowledgeable. He can summarise complex legal matters in an easy-to-understand format. He is thorough in his analysis and identifies optimal solutions.”
Angel Machuca
“Angel is extremely knowledgeable about the PPP sector. During emergencies, I can count on him to take calls even after office hours. He always delivers to deadlines, which I appreciate a lot. Angel understands the client's needs and delivers on that.”
MOSVELDTT Law
Founded by
Alfredo Molo III in 2009, MOSVELDTT Law Offices is a full-service law firm with an office in Pasig City.
The firm has experience of
advising digital banks and rural banks
operating in the countryside which cater to farmers,
fishermen and small businesses.
It also has experience in
encompassing taxable and tax-free mergers, stock and asset acquisitions, spin-off transactions, management buyouts and other leveraged buyouts. The firm is the only firm to lead securitization projects in the Philippines.
Recent examples of the firm’s work include
advising
UnionBank of the Philippines
on its application of virtual asset service provider license. This makes UnionBank the first and only universal bank in the Philippines, licensed to offer virtual asset exchange services.
Other
work examples
include
advising
the United Nations Office
for Project Services for a Coal Phase Out Initiative advisory. This study is the first study of its kind in the Philippines and its success will go a long way in supporting the Philippines’ Energy Transition Plan for 2050 to phasedown reliance on fossil fuel for its power sector and complete its transition to clean energy by 2050.
“They always
provide practical advice based on
a strong foundation and
knowledge of the law. This breaks away from the very traditional and bookish law firms. As a startup and
fintech company, we value very practical advice to help us grow.” (Banking client)
“For the role of Legal Counsel and Tax Advisor, they were selected from at least 3 law firms and their proposal was the most responsive bid. The services offered by MOSVELDTT were far from what was expected, providing efficiency in resolving issues and suggestions and
representing us in discussion with our regulators to get clearances and approvals necessary in the bond issuance.” (Capital markets client)
National Home Mortgage, UnionBank of the Philippines, Union Digital Bank, First Circle Growth,
Megawide
Construction, Light Rail Manila, Prime Metroline Infrastructure
MVGS - Martinez Vergara & Gonzalez Sociedad
Located in Pasig City, full-service firm
MARTINEZ VERGARA & GONZALEZ SOCIEDAD (MVGS) was founded in 2001 and has established a strong reputation in the financial and corporate space.
Focusses / specialisms
The firm excels in capital markets work and has formidable banking and finance, corporate and M&A and project development practices.
The banking team is experienced in acting for domestic and international banks and advises on both transactional and regulatory compliance matters.
The capital markets team is especially strong on the debt side and handles equity matters such as IPOs, rights offer, follow-on offers and tender offers.
The corporate team often acts on matters in sectors including banking and financial services and manufacturing.
In projects the firm often represents financiers, project proponents, and sponsors and has extensive experience in advising on PPP infrastructure projects.
Key clients
Noteworthy clients include Bank of Commerce, Chinabank Capital Corporation, Farallon Capital, Aboitiz Equity Ventures, Solar Power Tarlac Corporation and Nexif Energy Philippines.
Research period review: 32nd edition (2022/2023)
The banking team was recently active for clients such as lenders, borrowers, and agents on a variety of financing transactions, notably acting on several project financings.
On the capital markets debt front, the firm often acted for issuers on
note issues. On the equity side it worked for issuers on IPOs and share offerings.
Corporate highlights include advising RISA Partners on the high-value acquisition of Anytime Fitness gyms.
The projects team advised on the development of coal-fired power plants and towers.
With regard to staffing changes,
senior partner Elmer Serrano, partner Phil Ivan Chan and senior associate Tephanie Gandia of the M&A, anti-trust and banking and finance team departed the firm. Also, senior associate David del Castillo of banking and finance, projects and energy, real estate and construction, and senior associate Melissa Jean G. Hipolito of M&A and banking and finance departed the firm too. Except David del Castillo, all
moved to Serrano Law.
Deal highlights: 32nd edition (2022/2023)
Aboitiz Infracapital macro towers
CSW-Iloilo P106 million term loan facility
DDMP REIT PSE IPO
RISA Partners acquisition of Anytime Fitness gyms.
Sta. Lucia Land P7 billion notes facility
PunoLaw
Founded in 1984, PunoLaw is a full-service law firm located in Mandaluyong City. The firm is a member of the executive and legislative branches of the Philippine government.
Focusses / specialisms
The firm is best known for its energy and power, infrastructure, banking, project finance, property development and mining sectors.
Research period review:
33rd edition (2022/2023)
In staffing changes, the firm recruited Kristie Auriel T. Enriquez-Concepcion into the banking, capital markets, M&A and project development team as partner while senior partners Jose M. Layug Jr. and Richie Avigale R. Pilares in the project development team departed the firm.
Puyat Jacinto & Santos
Founded in 1997 and headquartered in Makati City, Puyat Jacinto & Santos (PJS Law)
is a full-service law firm that offers a comprehensive range of legal services in both established and emergent fields of practice.
Focusses / specialisms
The firm has established in-depth knowledge and extensive transactional experience in specialised fields such as energy, infrastructure, corporate/mergers and acquisitions, banking, finance and capital markets, and conflict resolution.
Romulo Mabanta Buenaventura Sayoc & de los Angeles
With a history dating back to 1902,
Romulo Mabanta Buenaventura Sayoc & de Los Angeles is known for its high-quality financial and corporate offering in the Philippines. The firm boasts a global reach through its membership of Lex Mundi and has offices in Manila, Cebu and Hong Kong.
Focusses / specialisms
The firm is ranked in the top tiers in banking and finance, capital markets, corporate and M&A, project development, and restructuring and insolvency.
The firm is experienced in a range of industry sectors, including banking and financial services, fintech, real estate, energy and infrastructure, and utilities.
SERRANO LAW
Serrano Law was founded by legal expert Elmer B. Serrano
in 2022. Its main practice areas include corporate, contracts, intellectual property, startups, dispute
resolution and general business.
M&A is a top
specialisation of the firm. The corporate team regularly acts as counsel on acquisitions involving both equity purchase and asset sale in the shipping, logistics, real estate,
energy and retail sectors.
In the
debt capital market space, the firm advised
BDO Unibank and BDO Capital & Investments on its second ASEAN Sustainability Bonds. This marks BDO’s largest single issuance and first issuance of peso-denominated Sustainability Bonds. It was also the
largest single corporate bond issuance in the country at the time.
In M&A, the firm
advised the Philippines’ largest bank
BDO Unibank on its acquisition of the entire equity interest in SM Keppel Land. The deal is one of the most challenging and complex combination of banking, real estate, M&A, equity market transactions, which may be the first of its kind in the Philippines, tackling a novel undertaking by a bank
acquiring full ownership in the real estate industry from a foreign partner.
Another eye-catching M&A mandate saw the firm advising
Industry Holdings and Development Corporation (IHDC) in its acquisition of a substantial stake in EEI Corporation (EEI). The deal marks the cessation of control of the Yuchengco group, one of the largest family-owned business conglomerates in the Philippines, from the construction business. This deal also involves a
significant change
in control of one of the leading construction firms in the Philippines which has a marked presence abroad, more notably in the Middle East.
“Very efficient.” (Debt Capital Market client)
“Creative approach to justifying our request for expanded authority.” (M&A client)
“The legal solutions provided based on Philippines legal structure, shows their vast experience.” (M&A client)
“Serrano Law had vast experience on banking relations including interpretation of provisions of loan documents and litigation involving unpaid claims and others.” (Project finance client)
Unioil,
BDO Unibank, Philippine Veterans Bank,
Gratia Capital, Armstrong Capital,
SM Investments, 2GO Group, Chelsea Logistics and Infrastructure, Premium Leisure, Belle, Dominion
Villaraza & Angangco
Established in 1980,
Villaraza &
Angangco is a full-service law firm
with recognized expertise in
litigation, intellectual
property and
corporate and
commercial
law. It
maintains an office in Taguig and holds membership of the ASEAN Plus Group.
The firm performs consistently well in banking and finance, M&A, project development, and restructuring and insolvency. Sectors of focus include renewable energy, healthcare, insurance, telecommunications, infrastructure, technology,
pharmaceuticals and shipping.
Recent examples of the firm’s project finance work include advising
DITO Telecommunity in the drafting and review of transaction documents
required for securing the full project financing required in the roll-out of DITO’s telecommunications network. This is one of the biggest project financing transactions in the Philippines.
“Prompt response with the necessary work with competent expertise in the subject matter and a very commercial and business-oriented approach to the transaction.” (Banking client)
“They are very knowledgeable on the matter and response very quickly.” (M&A client)
PT
Venteny Fortuna International, Swiss Reinsurance Company, Tyndall Capital, DITO
Telecommunity, China Telecommunications,
Alternergy Mini Hydro, Skye Renewables
Philippines, Fountel,
Udenna, AC Infrastructure
Abuda Asis & Associates
Founded in 2007, local law firm
Abuda Asis & Associates is located in Makati and is led by managing partner Cornelio Abuda.
Focusses / specialisms
The firm is active in the financial and corporate space and is recognized for its banking and finance and corporate and M&A work.
The firm is experienced in sectors such as banking and financial services, food and beverage, energy, utilities, and automotive.
Key clients
Clients include JCA 1221 Holdings, Macay Holdings, Development Bank of the Philippines, Land Bank of the Philippines, and Almana Power Corporation.
Client feedback: 31st edition (2020/2021)
Banking and finance
"AAA Law's customer service was excellent. The firm fielded us with young, energetic, sharp, and responsive team which turn around requests and deliverables in a timely manner. They also made sure to be available on urgent matters, even under such short or immediate notice. AAA Law did not only focus on legal drafting deliverables, but they acted as real advisers in terms of dealing and addressing multiple issues and structuring around them. In project finance, documentation is superb, thorough, and solution-oriented. They are also very accommodating in providing legal advice and were easily available to draft the necessary agreements, waivers and consent letters. The output is excellent, requires minimal review from the borrower team."
"Knowledge of transaction. Quick turnaround. Approachable."
Cruz Marcelo & Tenefrancia
With two offices in Taguig City,
Cruz Marcelo & Tenefrancia has well established corporate and M&A and project development practices. Key figures in the firm include Manuel Manaligod, who serves as chairman, and Aida Araceli Roxas-Rivera, who serves as head of the corporate and special projects department.
Focusses / specialisms
In M&A, the firm provides advice on a range of matters including acquisitions, joint ventures, corporate divestments, buy-outs, dissolutions and spin-offs.
In projects, the firm has a focus on sectors including infrastructure, mining and energy. The firm has transactions across various sectors.
Key clients
Notable clients include Aboitiz Group, W Group, Unilever Group, ABS-CBN Corporation, Unicapital, Filinvest Development Corporation, Asian Terminals, and Dole Philippines.
Client feedback: 32nd edition (2022/2023)
M&A
"Experts on Philippine Law surrounding M&A and Stock Exchange requirements."
Gorriceta Africa Cauton & Saavedra
Founded in 2015, Gorriceta Africa Cauton & Saavedra has diversified practice across the financial and corporate space, with a particular focus on the technology, media and telecommunications sector. The firm has offices in Pasig City, Taguig City, Iloilo City and Davao City.
Focusses / specialisms
The firm’s key strength lies in its capital markets practice. It also provides advice on banking and finance, M&A and project development mandates.
Sectors of activity for the firm include fintech, technology, media and telecommunication, healthcare, food and beverage, transport and social infrastructures.
Key clients
Key clients include Dragonpay Corporation, DBDOYC, Yuchengco Group of Companies, D.M. Wenceslao & Associates, UBX Philippines Corporation, Acquiring Entity and Quiddity Usability Labs.
Client feedback: 32nd edition (2022/2023)
Financial services regulatory
"They are well versed and competent in interpreting the regulatory requirements based on the circulars and memorandums issued for fintech companies."
M&A
"Thorough knowledge of regulatory and other requirements of transaction."
Insights Philippines Legal Advisors
Insights Philippines Legal Advisors was founded in 2017 and is a member of the KPMG Law network. The firm is led by managing partner Felix Sy and has an office in Taguig.
Focusses / specialisms
The firm has a strong banking practice and also advises on corporate and M&A, project development and restructuring and insolvency matters.
The firm takes on clients from a variety of sectors and has a special focus in the fintech space.
Key clients
Recent clients include Berkeley, RedCargo Logistics and ENGIE Global Markets.
Martinez Vergara & Gonzalez Sociedad (MVGS)
Located in Pasig City, full-service firm
MARTINEZ VERGARA & GONZALEZ SOCIEDAD (MVGS) was founded in 2001 and has established
a strong reputation in the financial and corporate space. The firm joined Drew Network Asia (DNA) in October 2021. Formed in March 2020, DNA is an alliance of some of the most influential and well-established Southeast Asian law firms.
The firm excels in capital markets work and has formidable banking and finance, corporate and M&A and project development practices.
Recent examples of the firm’s capital market work include
advising
Citicore Energy REIT
(CREIT) on its proposed public offering of Peso-denominated fixed rate ASEAN green bonds. Proceeds from ASEAN green bonds are to be used to finance or refinance eligible green projects that
comply with regulatory standards.
Another example includes
advising
PV Sinag Power (PV Sinag) in renewable energy projects, on its corporate notes issuance to the Bank of the Philippine Islands. Unlike the usual project financing projects where the issuer and borrower only has one project and therefore all the assets of said SPV form part of the security package of the noteholder, PV Sinag had two solar power projects sharing practically the same asset and security pool, which makes the deal complicated as some of the PV Sinag’s assets will form part of a common security package between the two projects, while other assets had to be ringfenced for a specific project facility.
“They were very reactive and complete in their answer. They provided us with their services on a pro bono basis, which we really appreciated.” (Banking client)
“Expertise in the area of financial markets.” (Debt Capital Market client)
Nomura Singapore, Taisei, La Filipina
UyGongco, Mizuho Asia Partners, Aboitiz Renewables, Emerging Power, Torre Lorenzo Development, Crown Equities, Asia United Bank, BDO Capital & Investment
Meer Meer & Meer
Established in 1951, Meer Meer & Meer
is a Philippines-based boutique firm with an informal network of partner firms abroad, particularly in southeast Asia.
Focusses / specialisms
The firm’s corporate and M&A department are active in the startup and venture capital ecosystem. It also advises on cross-border joint venture agreements and franchise agreements between companies in the Asia-Pacific region.
Key clients
Notable clients include Foxmont Capital Partners, Wavemaker Partners, Singapore Medical Laboratories and Sarisuki Stores.
Client feedback: 32nd edition (2022/2023)
M&A
"Meer helped us throughout the process – from guidance to the work necessary to get the deal done. They provided valuable feedback on the terms of the deal."
"Their knowledge and appreciation of local regulations, specifically those related to our industry, greatly helped the buyer's appreciation of our business value."
Poblador Bautista & Reyes
Founded in 1994, Poblador Bautista & Reyes
is a full-service law firm based in Makati. The firm currently has 15 partners, 23 associates and two consultants and is led by founding partners Alexander J. Poblador, Mario Luza Bautista and Gilbert Raymund T. Reyes.
Focusses / specialisms
The firm is well networked in litigation and commercial arbitration, corporations, real estate and construction, intellectual property, media and telecommunications, anti-trust and competition, insurance and banking, insolvency and restructuring, family law, taxation and immigration.
In corporate and M&A, capital markets, and banking and finance work, the firm provides analysis and due diligence on companies in relation to asset acquisition, deal restructuring, public offering, share purchases, and loan and allied transactions, among others.
Key clients
Notable clients include United Overseas Bank, Fortune Brands Home & Security, Synergy Grid & Development Philippines, Oxford HR Consultants, SR Metals, Unisys, Alpha Aviation Group and Asian Terminals.
Client feedback: 32nd edition (2022/2023)
Restructuring
"They have a broad perspective on all legal matters. They partner with us in all cases that we refer to them, we feel sincerity and professionalism."
Quisumbing Torres
Founded in 1963, Quisumbing Torres is a well-known name in the Filipino legal market and a member of Baker & McKenzie International. The firm is headquartered in Taguig City.
Focusses / specialisms
The firm is recognised for its consistently high-quality work in banking and finance, capital markets, corporate and M&A, and project development.
The firm takes on mandates across a variety of sectors, including renewable energy, mining, transport, healthcare, technology and telecommunication, and banking and financial services.
Key clients
Notable clients include Alphabet, Allianz PNB, Changi Airport International, China Copper, Forever 21, GlaxoSmithKline, PruLife Insurance Corporation of UK, Prudential Corporation Asia and Pilipinas Shell Petroleum Corporation.
Client feedback: 32nd edition (2022/2023)
Project development
"Providing sound and practical advice."
"QT has been a reliable partner to us in providing sound information and advice that we use in expanding our new projects in the Philippines."
Rajah & Tann
Founded in 2007, full-service law firm Gatmaytan Yap Patacsil Gutierrez & Protacio (C&G Law) has offices in Makati City. The firm is a member of the
Rajah & Tann Asia network, the largest network of lawyers in southeast Asia.
Focusses / specialisms
C&G Law’s financial and corporate work focuses on transactions.
On banking and finance matters, it has acted for borrowers and lenders, both local and foreign, and assisted with structuring, documenting and closing lending, securities and other financing transactions.
The firm’s capital markets experience includes assisting with initial public offerings, private placements and other capital-building exercises. The team also frequently advises on market entry and regulatory compliance for various industries.
Key clients
Notable clients include SN Aboitiz Power, Mizuho Bank, Lendable SPC and AREIT.
Client feedback: 32nd edition (2022/2023)
Capital markets
"Rajah & Tann work well within very tight deadlines. They render comprehensive advice and opinions and coordinate well with the client by keeping open lines of communication."
SKY Law
Founded in 2019, SKY Law
is a rapidly growing full-service law firm based in Pasig City. The firm has expertise in corporate, business, labour, taxation, intellectual property and data privacy laws.
Focusses / specialisms
In corporate practice, the firm specialises in M&A, project development, banking and finance, and special projects.
The firm has links with the Filipino Chinese community in the Philippines. It also has alliances with law firms based in China and other jurisdictions.
Key clients
Notable clients include Hicor Manufacturing, Zark’s Food Ventures, Steelworld Manufacturing, Philippine Cockfighting International, Aguinaldo Development, Visaya Knowledge Process Outsourcing, Exceture, Inspira Prime International and Fortem Cement.
Client feedback: 32nd edition (2022/2023)
Project development
"They have very good attention to detail."
Project finance
"They are good, experienced, competent, prompt in service, and give sound legal advice."
SKY Law (Kua Sy and Yeung Law Offices)
Established in 2019, Kua Sy and Yeung Law Offices (SKY Law) is a full-service law firm based in Manila. The firm is a member firm of Alliott Global Alliance.
Focusses / specialisms
The firm is best known for its litigation and dispute resolution, corporate, business, labour, taxation, intellectual property and data privacy laws.
SyCip Salazar Hernandez & Gatmaitan
Active since 1945,
SyCip Salazar Hernandez & Gatmaitan is one of the most well-known names in the Filipino legal market and has
established itself as one of the clear market leaders. The firm has offices in Manila, Davao,
Cebu and Subic.
In addition to advising on traditional banking matters, the firm has a focus on aviation financing, fintech and Islamic finance and is the only Philippine member of the Islamic Finance Network. Sectors of activity include transport, agriculture, energy, real estate, and food and beverage.
The banking team was active on a range of mandates include
advising
Aboitiz Equity Ventures
(AEV) and
Coca-Cola
Europacific Partners (CCEP)
in the USD 500 million term loan facility agreement granted by the Bank of the Philippine Islands. The deal is significant given its size and potential contribution to the Philippine economy, specifically in the food and beverage market.
In the capital markets
area,
the team advised
Philippine Commercial Capital and SB Capital Investment in the issuing and offering of Security Bank Corporation’s peso denominated. This deal was the largest bond issuance to date of Security Bank Corporation.
In the projects space, the team advised
MGreen on its investment in listed solar energy SPNEC to develop solar and battery energy storage systems projects in the Philippines. This project will be one of the
world largest solar projects.
Another
eye-catching mandate saw the firm advised
SMC Mass Rail Transit 7, San Miguel and Universal LRT Corporation (BVI) on a secured term loan facility to partially finance the development, engineering, and construction of Metro Rail Transit Line 7 that will connect Metro Manila to the northern province of Bulacan. This is a public–private
partnership
(PPP) project with the Department of Transportation,
procured under the country’s BOT Law, and was the first such variant of the BOT scheme in the country’s public transport system.
“Very professional and up to date in regulatory requirements.” (Capital market client)
“Professionalism.” (Project finance client)
Aboitiz, Manila Electric Company, Metro Pacific, Mitsubishi, San Miguel, BDO Capital & Investment, Bank of Commerce, China Bank Capital Corporation, SMC Mass Rail Transit 7,
Frontier Tower Associates Philippines
Tiongco Siao Bello and Associates Law Offices
Tiongco Siao Bello and Associates Law Offices
is a full-service law firm with branches in Manila, Cebu and Davao.
Focusses / specialisms
The firm’s main area of practice is corporate law, litigation and labour law. It also has extensive experience in mergers and acquisitions, real estate, banking, taxation and tax planning, bankruptcy and intellectual property.
The firm serves a diverse portfolio of clients from the Philippines, Japan, China, Taiwan, Singapore, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Indonesia, Canada, the US and other countries, across different industries.
