Asialaw Profiles
The Guide to the legal markets of the Asia-Pacific

“The firm provides tailor fitted contracts and agreements that take into account not only basic requirements of the law but also the nuances of each transaction,” says one client of Villaraza Cruz Marcelo & Angangco.

Although the firm is best known for its litigation capability, its banking and finance practice is also strong. In one highlight transaction, partners Manuel L Manaligod Jr and Franchette M Acosta advised co-lead underwriter Unicapital Securities on the IPO of IP Converge Data Centre, which listed on the Philippine Stock Exchange.

Ocampo & Manalo

Ocampo & Manalo’s real estate capability is developing, and the firm advises clients such as Kajima Philippines, Jardine Distribution and BMU. In one highlight, the firm was appointed as the country representative of a large resort chain that is exploring business opportunities in the Philippines. It has also handled multiple contracts for Jardine Distribution and BMU this year.

Puyat Jacinto & Santos

Although Puyat Jacinto & Santos is best known for its project finance practice, the firm also possesses an active construction and real estate practice that is led by partner Virginia Viray. For example, Viray is advising an international fund regarding the management of its real estate investments. The work covers the full gamut of real estate work, including contract review, preparation of legal opinions, and preparation of sale and purchase documents.

Villaraza Cruz Marcelo & Angangco

Villaraza Cruz Marcelo & Angangco has represented clients involved in numerous high value cases this year. The most challenging and complex of these is its representation of Sagittarius Mines regarding due diligence on parcels of land in Davao del Sur or General Santos intended for a port or power plant. Over 100 parcels of land, each held by a unique owner, must be acquired to complete this acquisition.

Villaraza Cruz Marcelo & Angangco, also known as CVCLAW, has been active in the dispute resolution area this year. The 12 partner practice includes name partner and former Solicitor General Simeon Marcelo, and the firm has represented prominent clients such as Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas and First Philippine Industrial Corporation.

Some of the largest disputes the firm has handled this year are tax related. For example, it is acting for Pilipinas Shell Corporation in several disputes against the Bureau of Internal Revenue and the Bureau of Customs. In the largest of these, Marcelo is representing the company in litigation regarding alleged unpaid excise taxes.

Villaraza Cruz Marcelo & Angangco boasts two practice groups that provide clients with advice on power, energy, natural resources and mining issues. Both of these are headed by noted attorney and partner Patricia Bunye.

The firm’s capabilities in the energy and natural resources area are immense. For example, its lawyers can handle the development, financing, operation and sale of power projects. They also handle licensing, reviewing contracts, obtaining government approval and exploration permits and rendering title opinions and advice on land tenure and ancestral domain issues in regard to mining projects.

Partner Sylvette Tankiang, head of the corporate and commercial practice, is advising Shell International on a joint venture in the Philippine oil industry.

Villaraza Cruz Marcelo & Angangco, also known as CVC Law as of November 2010, possesses a commendable IP practice that is closely linked to its strong litigation area.

In a lengthy case that began in 2001, partner Susan D Villanueva is defending the trade mark of In-N-Out Burger in court, charging Benita’s Fries and Sehwani Company with unfair competition for using the restaurant’s mark. The suit has resulted in landmark precedents, such as the Philippine Supreme Court recognising the distinction of an “internationally well known mark”. The case, which Villanueva initially won, is now under appeal.

The firm’s other clients include Banco de Oro-Unibank, United Laboratories, Hormel Foods Corporate Services, Sunkist Growers, Japan Tobacco International and ABS-CBN Broadcasting.

Del Rosario & Del Rosario

Del Rosario & Del Rosario’s strong tax practice covers issues relating to its strong shipping, maritime and aviation practice areas. It has advised shipowners from countries as diverse as Norway, Cyprus and Germany on legal matters, including tax restructuring, after changes in the Migrant Workers & Overseas Act last year.

Kapunan Garcia & Castillo Law Offices

In its largest tax case this year, Kapunan Garcia & Castillo Law Offices advised Philippine Associated Smelting & Refining (PASAR) in a PhP18 million dispute against the Bureau of Internal Revenue regarding excise taxes and tax free zones. The firm’s tax practice has grown this year, adding two junior associates one of whom was formerly a tax supervisor and the other a tax consultant.

Puno & Puno

Puno & Puno has added three new associates in tax, including a CPA from KPMG Manabat Sanagustin & Co, greatly expanding its capabilities. The firm assisted Aboitize Renewables and Luzon Hydro Corporation on its divestment of all interests in Pacific Hydro Bakun. Puno & Puno structured this exit to minimise tax exposure to both parties.

Puyat Jacinto & Santos

Puyat Jacinto & Santos’ tax practice, which is led by real estate partner Virginia Viray, acts for high profile clients such as Hewlett-Packard Philippines. Although the firm lacks a dedicated practice, it is advising a Reit on tax structuring for the acquisition of land and the proposed construction of serviced apartments. It also is representing several clients before the Bureau of Internal Revenue, Court of Tax Appeals and the Supreme Court.

Villaraza Cruz Marcelo & Angangco

Partner Sylvette Y Tankiang heads the tax practice at Villaraza Cruz Marcelo & Angangco. The full service firm’s strong international reputation has resulted in its representation of regional corporations, such as AP Renewables, HSBC Trustee, JT International and Pilipinas Shell Petroleum, in tax disputes against the Bureau of Internal Revenue and the Bureau of Customs.

Zambrano & Gruba

Attorneys Angelo Patrick F Advincula and Michael Geronimo head the tax practice at Zambrano & Gruba, which specialises in both advisory and litigation. The firm maintains a prestigious list of local clients, including the Philippine National Bank, Philippine Airlines, De La Salle University System, Grand Plaza Hotel and Kepco Iljan.