Chambers Asia-Pacific (2017 Edition)
The rankings and editorials on C&G Law released by the Chambers Asia-Pacific are highlighted below.
Corporate/M&A (Band 2)
Ranked Lawyer: Jaime Renato B Gatmaytan (Band 3)
Basic facts about the department
- 3 partners
- 19 other qualified lawyers
What the team is known for
Talented team concentrating on foreign investments and share and asset acquisitions, as well as regulatory and compliance issues. Also experienced in assisting clients with the establishment of local businesses. Frequently advises on a range of corporate matters in the energy and mining sector.
Strengths
"They have been very good at working collaboratively and offering knowledge on Philippine law."
"They are knowledgeable and extremely helpful. They are exactly what we need."
Work highlights
Acted for Holcim Philippines on the USD11 million restructuring of its investment in Holcim Mining and Development Corporation.
Assisted Ayala Healthcare Holdings with its acquisition of 50% equity of a generic pharmaceutical company.
Significant clients
Aboitiz, Ayala, Pearson.
Notable practitioners
The "well-connected and knowledgeable" Jaime Renato Gatmaytan is endorsed for his skillful handling of corporate mandates such as asset acquisitions and equity investments. Interviewees praise him for his hands-on approach to matters, with one commenting: "He slotted into the team, rolled up his sleeves and mucked in. It's been a very positive experience."
Dispute Resolution: Arbitration (Band 2)
Dispute Resolution (Band 3)
Ranked Lawyers: Ben Dominic R Yap (Band 2), Anthony Mark A Gutierrez (Band 3)
Basic facts about the department
- 5 partners
- 19 other qualified lawyers
What the team is known for
A robust team, able to advise on the full life cycle of a dispute. Noted for arbitration expertise, assisting particularly frequently with ICC-administered arbitrations, and recognised for its representation of leading conglomerates. Also well equipped to handle Supreme Court litigation.
Work highlights
Represented First Philec Solar and First Philippine Electric in a Hong Kong-seated arbitration against SunPower, arising from disputes over a joint venture agreement and a solar wafer slicing agreement.
Acted for SN Aboitiz Power-Magat, SN Aboitiz Power-Benguet and AP Renewables in a Supreme Court dispute involving a challenge to the constitutional validity of various regulations related to electricity generation.
Significant clients
Aboitiz, Holcim, Green Cross, OceanaGold.
Notable practitioners
Department head Ben Yap is an arbitration expert with considerable experience in the energy, construction and employment sectors. A source remarks that "he was superb" on a recent case, and peers extol him as "extremely bright and very experienced." Of late, he has represented Bac-Man Geothermal in arbitration proceedings against Weir Engineering Services, stemming from disputes over a repair and rehabilitation contract.
Anthony Gutierrez is well versed in litigation and offers additional expertise in tax. Lately, he acted for Holcim Philippines in dispute proceedings against Malayan Bank Savings and Mortgage, relating to the enforcement of a letter of credit.
Projects, Infrastructure & Energy (Band 2)
Ranked Lawyer: Jaime Renato B Gatmaytan (Band 3)
Basic facts about the department
- Head of department: Jaime Renato Gatmaytan
- 4 partners
- 19 other qualified lawyers
What the team is known for
The team continues to garner recognition and respect in the market for its activity in the infrastructure and energy arenas. It is particularly highlighted for its project finance know-how along with its noteworthy experience in PPP projects. It advises both public and private sector clients, including government bodies, significant financial institutions and major corporates.
Strengths
According to commentators, the firm is particularly "well known for infrastructure and PPP work."
Another interviewee says that it is "the best local firm I have ever worked with in the region!"
Work highlights
Acted for a consortium of real estate conglomerates, including Aboitiz Equity Ventures and SM Prime Holdings, in a bid for the financing, construction, and operation of an expressway-dike project worth USD2.73 billion.
Advised Ayala Land on the USD88 million South Integrated Transport System PPP project in Southern Manila.
Significant clients
IFC, Development Bank of the Philippines, Ernst & Young Solutions LLP, Pw, Aboitiz Power.
Notable practitioners
Jaime Renato Gatmaytan is identified as a "good guy" who is "very competent in the field." Principally, he acts on corporate and financial transactions in this space, including loans, M&A and equity investments. His recent work includes assisting Therma Visayas with a PHP31.97 billion credit facility for the purpose of financing a 300 MW power plant in Toledo City.
Tax (Band 3)
Ranked Lawyer: Anthony Mark A Gutierrez (Band 3)
Basic facts about the department
- Head of department: Anthony Mark Gutierrez
- 3 partners
- 19 other qualified lawyers
What the team is known for
Remains prominent in tax disputes, with notable experience in challenging tax assessments. Also offers considerable expertise in advising clients from the energy, manufacturing and pharmaceutical industries.
Significant clients
Aboitiz, CalEnergy, Holcim, Sanofi-Aventis, OceanaGold.
Notable practitioners
Anthony Mark Gutierrez is especially well recognised for his deft handling of tax disputes, maintaining a solid track record in challenging tax assessments. Interviewees praise his "hard-working and fastidious" approach.