Chambers Global (2024)
Banking & Finance - Band 3
What the team is known for
Gatmaytan Yap Patacsil Gutierrez & Protacio is a Philippines-based legal team that is noted for its project finance and general loan facilities work. It assists various foreign and domestic banks and corporate borrowers with transactions in the Philippines. The team is also active on fintech matters. Examples of the firm's clientele include the Export-Import Bank of China and the US International Development Finance Corporation.
Work highlights
Gatmaytan Yap Patacsil Gutierrez & Protacio advised Lendable SPC and Lendable Asset Management LLC on a USD20 million loan to First Digital Finance Corporation for the purpose of financing digital loans.
Notable practitioners
Norma Margarita Patacsil is a key point of contact for clients.
Corporate/M&A - Band 2
Ranked Lawyers: Jaime Renato B Gatmaytan (Band 4) , Norma Margarita B Patacsil (Band 2)
What the team is known for
Gatmaytan Yap Patacsil Gutierrez & Protacio provides extensive advice on foreign investments, share and asset acquisitions, as well as regulatory and compliance issues and divestments in the Philippines. The firm is also experienced in assisting clients with the establishment of local businesses. It frequently advises on a range of corporate matters in the energy, telecoms and technology industries. Clients benefit from its wide regional coverage and its experience handling cross-border matters. The team is additionally proficient in the real estate sector, often handling tax matters, as well as M&A and leasing mandates.
Strengths
"Gatmaytan Yap Patacsil Gutierrez & Protacio are easy to talk to. They are responsive and well researched."
Notable practitioners
Norma Margarita Patacsil is known to be active on corporate work, while also being recognised for expertise in competition matters. She is also experienced in advising clients on real estate matters, including land acquisitions and divestments of properties. "She's really brilliant. She knows how business works and gives us advice on how to speed things up. She's very responsive."
Jaime Renato Gatmaytan is experienced in equity investments and transactions. He often advises on matters in the projects and energy sectors, as well as manufacturing.
Project Infrastructure & Energy - Band 3
Ranked Lawyer: Andrea Katipunan (Up and Coming)
What the team is known for
Gatmaytan Yap Patacsil Gutierrez & Protacio is recognised and respected in the legal market for its activity in the Philippines infrastructure and energy arenas. It is well versed in project finance, including in the LNG and renewable energy sectors. The firm demonstrates strong knowledge of the regulatory framework and contractual issues, including in relation to disputes work. It advises both public and private sector clients, including government bodies, significant financial institutions and major corporates, including First Gen and Retail Electricity Suppliers Association.
Strengths
"The firm is able to provide excellent, pragmatic and practical legal advice and strategy. The firm makes available information that allows the business to come up with informed decisions."
"In terms of the variety of expertise provided, they are excellent in various fields, not only one."
Work highlights
Gatmaytan Yap Patacsil Gutierrez & Protacio advised Export-Import Bank of China on a CNY2.3 billion concessional loan to the Philippines government, towards financing the implementation of the Samal Island-Davao City Connector Project.
Andrea Katipunan advises clientele on a variety of mandates, including project development and regulatory compliance, while maintaining a key focus on the bidding process and government approvals of electricity supply contracts. She is also well equipped to handle energy sector corporate/M&A matters.