The Legal 500 - Asia Pacific (2024)
Antitrust and Competition – Tier 1
Banking and Finance – Tier 1
Capital Markets – Tier 3
Corporate and M&A – Tier 2
Dispute Resolution – Tier 1
Immigration – Tier 3
Labour and Employment – Tier 1
Projects and Energy – Tier 1
Real Estate and Construction – Tier 1
Tax – Tier 1
TMT – Tier 2
Leading Lawyers:
Annalisa Carlota – Banking and Finance, Project and Energy
Anthony Gutierrez – Tax
Ben Dominic Yap – Dispute Resolution
Cesar Santamaria Jr – Labour and Employment
Jaime Renato Gatmaytan – Projects and Energy, Real Estate and Construction
Jesus Paolo Protacio – Dispute Resolution
Mary Thel Mundin - TMT
Rising Stars:
Dwight Tan – TMT
Nicolo Mendiola – Labour and Employment
Next Generation Partners
Vladi Miguel Lazaro – Dispute Resolution, Labour and Employment
Katrine Paula Suyat-Antonio - Corporate and M&A , Labour and Employment
Roxanne Tadique – Tax
Key Lawyers:
Analisa Carlota – Real Estate and Construction
Andrea Katipunan – Antitrust and Competition, Projects and Energy, Real Estate and Construction, Corporate and M&A
Anthony Gutierrez - Dispute Resolution
Carlo Cabrito - Immigration
Deborah Sobrepena-Lacson - TMT
Dwight Tan - TMT
Norma Margarita Patacsil – Real Estate and Construction
Vladi Miguel Lazaro - TMT
Antitrust and Competition
The agile team at Gatmaytan Yap Patacsil Gutierrez & Protacio (C&G Law) is headed by Norma Margarita Patacsil and is particularly well-regarded for its expertise assisting its clients in obtaining merger clearances on large transactions. Further, the practice receives a steady flow of instructions on regulatory issues, namely relating to the Philippine Competition Act. The team is also recommended for its provision of advice in relation to alleged anti-competitive behaviour. It is experienced in auditing and compliance competition matters; and in providing competition law training to clients and their employees. Andrea Katipunan is praised for her work on the range of corporate deals she acts on for both domestic and foreign clients, as well as for her expertise in PPPs and government procurements.
Testimonials
‘The competition practice of this firm is very strong. They work with various MNCs and are handling some of the most complex investigations as well mergers ongoing in the Philippines.’
‘Norma, who leads the practice, is very sound and provides effective solution oriented guidance to clients.’
‘The supporting associates are clear-headed, strong in English and draft good submissions that require little amendment.’
Banking and Finance
The team at Gatmaytan Yap Patacsil Gutierrez & Protacio (C&G Law) continues to be busy advising local and international borrowers and lenders on various lending and financing transactions, as well as on a wide range of securities deals. The group, which is co-led by Jaime Renato B. Gatmaytan and Annalisa Carlota, also excels in advising on banking regulations and frequently supports clients on various registration requirements and other applications for approval from the Philippines’ Central Bank. In addition, the practice is skilled at advising on the financing aspects of energy and infrastructure projects further to being highly regarded for its work on green financing mandates, transactions involving the non-performing assets of banks, and matters relating to the technology sector. The firm is also a member of Rajah & Tann Singapore LLP, and as such is well-equipped to work on complex multi-jurisdictional matters.
Testimonials
‘The practice responds to us with quality feedback timely and effectively.’
‘Annalisa Carlota always provides professional services for us.’
Corporate and M&A
Norma Margarita Patacsil heads the group at Gatmaytan Yap Patacsil Gutierrez & Protacio (C&G Law), which continues to be busy advising numerous clients on a variety of significant corporate and commercial transactions across a range of industries. It is skilled at advising on diverse matters such as the incorporation of new entities, governance and compliance, as well as acquisitions and mergers. The group has also assisted several clients in obtaining Philippine Competition Commission approval on some key deals. Andrea Katipunan has a broad practice – she has advised on a variety of public-private partnerships. Katrine Paula Suyat-Antonio has significant experience in government procurement and build-operate-transfer projects.
Testimonials
‘Good size and reputation. Some high-quality partners and associates.’
‘Personable and reasonable. Good sounding boards.’
‘Norge Patacsil is excellent.’
Dispute Resolution
nder the joint leadership of Ben Yap and Jesus Paolo Protacio, the excellent team at Gatmaytan Yap Patacsil Gutierrez & Protacio (C&G Law) is well-equipped to handle a broad range of local and international high-value disputes. Its domestic and international arbitration practice is also well-regarded. The nimble team covers a diverse range of matters from construction and contractual disputes to advising on the enforcement of foreign judgments and arbitral awards. The group is also recognised for its work on major disputes involving the energy sector. Head of the firm’s tax practice group Anthony Mark Gutierrez receives plaudits for his work on a variety of tax disputes and for his focus on commercial litigation. Vladi Miguel Lazaro plays a pivotal role in the department as well, representing clients in tax-related court proceedings against local government units.
Testimonials
‘The firm has continued to provide us with succinct advice on a number of complex matters including taxation and matters of corporate law. Billing has always been clear and fair.’
‘They respond quickly with advice and have been available on short notice for conference calls, and well prepared for interactions when negotiating.’
‘They are very responsive and provide thorough and knowledgeable advice, tailored to the needs of the client.’
‘Jesus Paolo Protacio is very reactive and has a quick grasp of the legal questions involved. He always submits the product well in advance, leaving room for discussion with the client.’
‘Firm’s response is timely and responsive to business requirements.‘
‘Partner in charge Atty. Lazaro provides practical legal advice that is responsive to business requirements.’
Immigration
Gatmaytan Yap Patacsil Gutierrez & Protacio (C&G Law)‘s immigration group frequently advises clients on work permits and visas in addition to special non-immigrant visas for foreign investors. Cesar Santamaria spearheads the group and is supported by associate Carlo Cabrito who is knowledgeable of requests for reconsiderations on orders to leave the Philippines.
Testimonials
‘Integrity, responsiveness, and expertise.’
Labour and Employment
Gatmaytan Yap Patacsil Gutierrez & Protacio (C&G Law)'s team has a standout track-record representing clients in labour disputes before the National Labour Relations Commission and the Supreme Court. It also often advises clients on obtaining working visas and permits. The practice’s workload also includes assisting with employment terminations, internal investigations pertaining to employee fraud or negligence and the preparation and review of employment contracts. Head of the team Cesar Santamaria and Katrine Paula Suyat-Antonio are adept in employment litigation and advisory work, while Vladi Miguel Lazaro is also noted for his capabilities in contentious mandates. Nicolo Mendiola assists multinational companies with reviewing policies and employment contracts to ensure compliance with domestic laws and regulations.
Testimonials
‘C&G Law is very dependable and they are always available to address our concerns. They have been very responsive and proactive and their team is well-staffed and well-trained.’
‘Their client service is outstanding. They have commercial awareness and offer practical legal solutions to issues.’
‘Vladi Lazaro knows the law very well and is good at giving practical examples and suggestions. He also understands regulators’ expectations and how they think in the Philippines, which is useful.’
‘Vladi Lazaro’s advice is always practical and he guides you in the right direction.’
‘Vladi Miguel Lazaro is of the best lawyers we have worked with. He responds to our questions and requests, even at short notice, and is very thorough. He is very reliable and has extensive experience of Philippine law. ’
Projects and Energy
The thriving practice at Gatmaytan Yap Patacsil Gutierrez & Protacio (C&G Law) is highly regarded for its work in the projects, energy and infrastructure sectors. Under the joint leadership of Ben Dominic Yap and Jaime Renato Gatmaytan, it regularly acts as counsel for many of the largest power generation companies operating in the Philippines, as well as for several other industry participants from a wide-range of sectors. Yap works with leading energy companies both on the contentious and non-contentious aspects of their construction, energy, and infrastructure projects. Gatmaytan advises developers and sponsors on tenders for generation projects overseas; Annalisa Carlota is is a projects and finance lawyer with a vast array of experience in energy and infrastructure development in the Philippines and across Asia; and Andrea Katipunan has significant experience in complex energy deals and regulatory matters.
Testimonials
‘The team responded to us quickly and effectively.’
‘Annalisa Carlota has always provided professional services for us. ’
Real Estate and Construction
Gatmaytan Yap Patacsil Gutierrez & Protacio (C&G Law)'s practice is well-equipped to advise its clients on the construction of a range of infrastructure projects including airports, rail systems, roads, and telecoms towers. The department is also experienced in contentious real estate and construction mandates before administrative tribunals, as well as before international and domestic arbitration panels. Team heads Jaime Renato Gatmaytan and Ben Dominic Yap are adept in transactional work in the construction, energy, and infrastructure sectors. Annalisa Carlota handles private and public infrastructure projects across the Philippines and other Asian countries.
Testimonials
‘Annalisa Carlota provided a professional service.’
‘Rajah & Tann Singapore LLP responded to us with quality feedback in a timely and effective manner.’
Tax
Praised for its ‘extensive tax practice’ by a client, Gatmaytan Yap Patacsil Gutierrez & Protacio (C&G Law) regularly advises several leading Philippine conglomerates and multinational corporations. It is skilled at advising on challenging assessments for various internal revenue taxes, and on other governmental impositions. Under the leadership of Anthony Gutierrez, it often helps clients with claiming tax refunds involving significant sums before various tax authorities, administrative tribunals, the Court of Tax Appeals, and the Supreme Court. The tax group also frequently advises on corporate and commercial transactions, and on large-scale projects, infrastructure, and energy matters. Advice on tax compliance matters is another core area of focus. Roxanne Tadique is also a key member of the Tax & Customs Practice Group and is a licensed accountant.
Testimonials
‘A technically strong team that provides practical advice with due consideration for commercial realities. Responsive and supportive.’
‘Anthony is very competent, responsive and well-versed in the area of tax whilst demonstrating the ability to apply this technical knowledge practically to our questions and situations.’
‘Anthony communicates clearly and well and is experienced and has a good grasp of the issues specific to our industry which is very much appreciated.’
‘Most importantly, Anthony is sincere and takes a real interest in our case and our local team is comfortable reaching out to him and working with him and his team. Pricing is competitive.’
‘C&G Law has top-notch tax lawyers with comparable exceptional academic and professional backgrounds. It also has an international linkage which is lacking in some of the domestic law firms, which we find very useful especially for issues involving cross-border transactions as well as transfer pricing.’
‘All the lawyers of C&G Law that we have dealt with are very proactive in terms of client management. Feedback and status reports are given on a timely basis, without need of a follow-up from us.’
‘This consistent level of client service delivery is maintained by C&G Law regardless of whether the engagement is a major or a minor one.’
TMT
A key contact for e-commerce platforms, online service providers as well as social media and social networks, Gatmaytan Yap Patacsil Gutierrez & Protacio (C&G Law)'s practice is adept in advising on data protection, network infrastructure as well as online content and advertisements matters. Head of the group, Mary Thel Mundin is often engaged in fintech mandates while Deborah Sobrepena-Lacson advises clients on domestic telecoms infrastructure and regulation cases. Vladi Miguel Lazaro and Dwight Tan are also noted for their expertise in data protection and privacy.
Testimonials
‘G&C Law have good experience in the telecommunications industry and take a commercial and pragmatic approach to their legal advice.’
‘I find them very responsive and thorough. ’
‘Deborah Sobrepena-Lacson is commercial and pragmatic.’
‘Very well-versed in the practice area, very thorough and details-oriented, while being practical at the same time. A good mix.’
‘Mary Thel Mundin is very knowledgeable, thorough, and helpful.’
‘They have good experience in the telecommunications industry and take a commercial and pragmatic approach to their legal advice, with a focus on finding solutions rather than highlighting all the problems. I find them very responsive and thorough.’
‘They are all commercial and pragmatic lawyers who provide simple advice on complex issues, empowering my business to make decisions and put in place appropriate risk mitigations.’