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

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.

Del Rosario & Del Rosario

The employment practice at Del Rosario & Del Rosario is closely related to its strong shipping and maritime practice. Key cases this year involved advising shipowners, agents and insurers on handling damages sought by Filipino crews who have experienced piracy, hijacking and kidnapping incidents off the coast of Africa. The firm takes care to minimise litigation from Filipino crew members regarding damages, including provisions for stress related disorders developed such as post traumatic stress disorder.

Puyat Jacinto & Santos

Puyat Jacinto & Santos is labour and employment counsel for the business process outsourcing units for corporations such as Sykes Asia, Sykes Marketing Services, Hewlett Packard, JP Morgan Chase, HTMT and APAC Customer Services. It has also acted for SN Aboitiz Power on employment matters relating to its takeover of the privatised Magat Hydro-Electric Power Plant and Ambuklao-Binga Hydro-Electric Power Plants. Partner Roy Enrico C Santos leads the practice.

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.