Chambers Asia Pacific (2021)

Corporate/M&A - Band 2
Dispute Resolution - Band 2
Dispute Resolution: Arbitration - Band 2
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 (Spotlight)
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 and divestments. 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 handling cross-border matters.

Work highlights 
Acted for LafargeHolcim on its divestment of its entire shareholdings in Holcim Philippines to an affiliate of San Miguel.

Notable practitioners
Jaime Renato Gatmaytan heads the department and is experienced in equity investments and transactions. He often advises on matters in the projects and energy sector.

Norma Margarita Patacsil is known to be active on corporate work. She is also active on a wide range of matters including divestments and acquisitions. She has additional related expertise in competition matters.

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. Particularly active on energy-related disputes.

Strengths 
A pleased client reports that "their expertise is admirable."

Work highlights 
Acted for Metro Rail Transit Corporation on proceedings against the City of Makati relating to real property tax.

Notable practitioners
Ben Dominic Yap is active on arbitration and litigation, representing insurance, manufacturing and energy clients among others. A pleased source explains: "The pleadings and other submissions were well researched and the way he has handled the case during the evidentiary hearing has been excellent."

Jesus Paolo Protacio is often active on disputes related to the energy and resources sector. A source comments that they have been "very impressed with him."

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. Also advises on the employment implications of M&A transactions.

Strengths 
A client appreciates that the team are "very dependable and they are always available to address our concerns," adding that "they have been very responsive and proactive."

Another client notes: "We were greatly comforted throughout the process knowing our company was in good hands."

Work highlights
Advised China National Offshore Oil in relation to employment law issues related to its plans to develop LNG facilities in the Philippines.

Notable practitioners
Cesar Santamaria is a key contact for clients.

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 
An interviewee points out that the team's "response is quick, and opinions are well prepared and researched."

Work highlights 
Acted for First Gen on the PHP10 billion development, operation and maintenance of an LNG facility.

Notable practitioners
Jaime Renato Gatmaytan is acknowledged for his expertise in projects. One source affirms that he has worked on a number of PPPs and is "really good to deal with."

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. Also experienced in tax refunds.

Strengths 
A source explains that "they are well versed and thorough in tax work and provide practical solutions."

Work highlights 
Acted for LafargeHolcim to determine the most tax-efficient way to repatriate its capital investment and accumulated profits as part of its disinvestment from the Philippines.

Notable practitioners
Anthony Mark Gutierrez is highly active on tax work advising on a wide range of matters from tax disputes to tax restructuring. A source appreciates that he "provides practical and strategic solutions."