Chambers Asia Pacific (2019)

Corporate/M&A - Band 2
Dispute Resolution - Band 2
Dispute Resolution: Arbitration - Band 1
Employment - Band 3
Projects, Infrastructure & Energy - Band 3
Tax - Band 3

Ranked Lawyers:
Anthony Mark A Gutierrez - Tax (Band 2)
Ben Dominic R Yap - Corporate/M&A (Recognised Practitioner), Dispute Resolution (Band 3), Dispute Resolution: Arbitration (Band 1)
Jaime Renato B Gatmaytan - Corporate/M&A (Band 3)
Jesus Paolo Protacio - Dispute Resolution (Recognised Practitioner), Projects, Infrastructure & Energy (Band 3)
Norma Margarita B Patacsil - Corporate/M&A (Band 3)

Corporate/M&A

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, food, technology and mining sectors across multiple jurisdictions, including Myanmar, Japan and Vietnam. Clients benefit from its wide regional coverage.

Strengths
A client speaks highly of the team, saying that they "offer excellent service and we are very satisfied with their performance; they are available at any and all times of the day to offer legal advice and render legal services."

Another source notes that the lawyers "ensure that they are updated on the market so they can provide us with appropriate and timely legal advice."

Notable practitioners
Jaime Renato Gatmaytan is the head of the firm's corporate commercial practice. He advises on a variety of matters, including investments, loans and acquisitions, often in the energy and infrastructure sector.

A client notes that Norma Margarita Patacsil is "always on top of everything and manages to help." She lends her expertise to acquisition, investment and competition matters, and is adroit at advising on competition law.

Dispute Resolution

What the team is known for
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. Well equipped to handle the full range of litigation matters, including contractual disputes, medical malpractice and environment cases, before local courts and the Supreme Court. Also experienced in conducting audits for compliance checks and leading internal investigations.

Strengths
A satisfied client notes: "We engaged them and were delighted with the results."

Work highlight
Advised Viacom International Media Networks on its claim against the Philippine Tourism Promotions Board.

Has been representing Metro Rail Transit Corporation before the Philippine Supreme Court against the City of Makati. The case concerns whether the transit system is subject to real property taxes.

Notable practitioners
Ben Yap is praised by sources for his work on "very complicated technical issues." Another echoes this, saying that he provided "invaluable guidance and advice" in an arbitration case. He advises energy sector clients on commercial disputes.

Employment

What the team is known for
Well-known team that regularly advises on employee misconduct, employee termination and the defence of discrimination cases. Acts for clients in a range of sectors including technology, energy and finance.

Strengths
One client appreciates that the team "ensures that they are updated so they can provide us with appropriate and timely legal advice," adding that "they issue an alert whenever there are developments which they think are applicable to us."

A number of other clients comment that "they can always give us simple and good advice."

Work highlight
Advised HP on the transfer of the Philippines-based employees following its acquisition of Samsung's printer business.

Defended American Express International against illegal dismissal claims by employees who were found guilty of gaming the client's performance monitoring tools.

Projects, Infrastructure & Energy

What the team is known for
Recognised and respected 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. Also acts for domestic businesses on outbound investments in the region.

Strengths
Clients praise the team for it's knowledge, with one noting: "It takes time to acquire such in-depth knowledge, which covers the technical aspects, the energy players both downstream and upstream, and the politics behind the industry."

Notable practitioners
Jaime Renato Gatmaytan is known by interviewees for his strength in both energy and infrastructure, and is particularly experienced in related corporate transactions and project financing.

Tax

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. Recently increased its activity on advisory matters, assisting clients with the tax aspects of transactional matters, including on cross-border aspects.

Strengths
A client notes that the team "delivers highly competent and relevant services" and also appreciates that "they issue an alert whenever there are developments which they think are applicable to us."

Work highlight
Advised Sanofi Pasteur on proceedings at the Bureau of Internal Revenue regarding a disputed tax assessment.

Represented Metro Rail Transit Corporation in relation to a disputed tax assessment.

Notable practitioners
Anthony Mark Gutierrez is described by one client as "our go-to guy," while another source simply states that he is "a brilliant tax attorney." He is frequently involved in tax disputes and is also known for his strength in litigation.