Chambers Asia Pacific (2020)

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 - Dispute Resolution (Band 3), Dispute Resolution: Arbitration (Band 2)
Jaime Renato B Gatmaytan - Corporate/M&A (Band 3), Projects, Infrastructure & Energy (Band 3)
Jesus Paolo Protacio - Dispute Resolution (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, technology and mining sectors across multiple jurisdictions, including the EU, Japan and Mexico. Clients benefit from its wide regional coverage and its experience in handling cross-border matters.

Notable practitioners
Jaime Renato Gatmaytan demonstrates good capacity for advising foreign clients investing in the Philippines. He has a particular focus on acquisition finance, regulatory compliance and corporate advisory matters.

Norma Margarita Patacsil advises on acquisitions, M&A-related competition matters and buyouts. A client says that they are "happy with her advice and service" and that she is "excellent."

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, medical malpractice, taxation and environment disputes, before local courts and the Supreme Court. Also experienced in conducting audits for compliance checks and leading internal investigations.

Strengths 
A client commends the team's diligence and hard work protecting clients' interests.

Work highlights 
Successfully represented Viacom International in a claim against the Philippines Tourism Promotions Board valued in excess of USD2.8 million.

Notable practitioners
A highly satisfied client says that Ben Dominic Yap is "experienced, gives a positive impression and is a great guy to work with." He frequently represents financial institutions, manufacturers and green power suppliers.

Jesus Paolo Protacio "is a very good litigator and writes pleadings well" and "has a good understanding of Philippine laws, particularly on procedures," an impressed client remarks. Another source notes that "he gives excellent pre-dispute advice and analysis." He advises a number of high-profile clients from the utility, financial and transportation sectors.

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. Handles employment matters for multinational corporates setting up business operations in Philippines.

Strengths
A client describes the team as a group of "very smart lawyers providing good and balanced legal advice."

Another notes that the team is "responsive and efficient."

Work highlights 
Advised China National Offshore Oil on employment issues regarding its plan to develop, install, own and operate an LNG facility.

Notable practitioners
Cesar Santamaria is the main contact of the firm.

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. Strong knowledge of the regulatory framework and contractual issues. 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 
One source singles it out for its "expertise and experience," while another states: "They are very dependable, responsive and proactive."

Work highlights 
Advised CNOOC Gas and Power on the development, installation, ownership operation and maintenance of an LNG receiving, storage and regasification facility.

Notable practitioners
Jaime Renato Gatmaytan advises on project development and financial arrangements, as well as structuring investments and acquisitions. He is particularly well regarded for regulatory matters, with one source stating: "He's good on regulatory and legislative insight. He gives good advice and responses."

Tax

What the team is known for 
Continues to be prominent in tax disputes, with notable experience in challenging tax assessments. Offers considerable expertise in advising clients from the energy, manufacturing and pharmaceutical industries. Significant activity on advisory matters, assisting clients with the tax aspects of transactional matters, including on cross-border aspects.

Strengths 
A pleased client attests to the team's "expertise in taxation," adding: "They are responsive to our requirements – that's the thing I value most."

Work highlights 
Advised Sanofi Pasteur on a disputed assessment by the Bureau of Internal Revenue, involving value-added tax, income tax and withholding tax.

Notable practitioners
Anthony Mark Gutierrez is well known for his tax appeals work. He is a specialist in both tax and litigation, and he advises clients on tax assessments. Significant experience acting on appeals against the Bureau of Internal Revenue.