Services

Corporate

We have extensive experience in corporate and commercial law practice involving both Philippine and foreign clients, and deemed as the Firm’s key area of expertise. Our clients in this field of specialization include various Philippine and foreign institutions as well as multinational companies engaged in oil, petroleum, power, petrochemicals, business process outsourcing, banking, manufacturing, trade, beverage, food, agriculture, transportation, mining, computer and advanced electronic technology, construction, real estate, educational institutions and related business sectors.

Our corporate and commercial practice cover the following key areas:

Corporate Services and General Company Advice

We assist our clients both local and foreign, in the establishment of companies or partnerships, joint ventures, special economic zone enterprises, subsidiaries, branches, regional headquarters, and representative offices in the Philippines. The Firm advises the client on the appropriate legal presence in the Philippines, considering the tax, regulatory, investment incentive, applicable Philippine restrictions on the extent of foreign participation, and other concerns that may affect the client and its related businesses. We assist in the preparation, filing, and processing until official approval is obtained, of application papers in connection with the formation of the legal entities referred to above. We liaise with government agencies in securing in an expeditious basis, the issuance of related regulatory permits and business registrations.

The Firm provides corporate services on the conduct of board and stockholders meetings, preparation of minutes of the board and the stockholders meetings, issuance of corporate resolutions and certifications, assistance in the completion of proxy nomination, the keeping of stock and transfer books, the issuance of stock certificates and the submission of regulatory reports to appropriate agencies of the government.

We provide legal advice and consultancy to our corporate clients on legal issues which most regularly impact upon their businesses. We advise on all elements of corporate and commercial law.

Corporate

We have extensive experience in corporate and commercial law practice involving both Philippine and foreign clients, and deemed as the Firm’s key area of expertise. Our clients in this field of specialization include various Philippine and foreign institutions as well as multinational companies engaged in oil, petroleum, power, petrochemicals, business process outsourcing, banking, manufacturing, trade, beverage, food, agriculture, transportation, mining, computer and advanced electronic technology, construction, real estate, educational institutions and related business sectors.

Our corporate and commercial practice cover the following key areas:

Corporate Services and General Company Advice

We assist our clients both local and foreign, in the establishment of companies or partnerships, joint ventures, special economic zone enterprises, subsidiaries, branches, regional headquarters, and representative offices in the Philippines. The Firm advises the client on the appropriate legal presence in the Philippines, considering the tax, regulatory, investment incentive, applicable Philippine restrictions on the extent of foreign participation, and other concerns that may affect the client and its related businesses. We assist in the preparation, filing, and processing until official approval is obtained, of application papers in connection with the formation of the legal entities referred to above. We liaise with government agencies in securing in an expeditious basis, the issuance of related regulatory permits and business registrations.

The Firm provides corporate services on the conduct of board and stockholders meetings, preparation of minutes of the board and the stockholders meetings, issuance of corporate resolutions and certifications, assistance in the completion of proxy nomination, the keeping of stock and transfer books, the issuance of stock certificates and the submission of regulatory reports to appropriate agencies of the government.

We provide legal advice and consultancy to our corporate clients on legal issues which most regularly impact upon their businesses. We advise on all elements of corporate and commercial law.

Corporate

We have extensive experience in corporate and commercial law practice involving both Philippine and foreign clients and deemed as the Firm’s key area of expertise. Our clients in this field of specialization include various Philippine and foreign institutions as well as multinational companies engaged in oil, petroleum, power, petrochemicals, business process outsourcing, banking, manufacturing, trade, beverage, food, agriculture, transportation, mining, computer and advanced electronic technology, construction, real estate, educational institutions and related business sectors.

Our corporate and commercial practice covers the following key areas:

Commercial Contracts

We have extensive experience in advising both suppliers and customers on a wide range of commercial contracts across many different sectors and business-related activities. Our practice includes commercial contracts for services, licensing, development, distribution, marketing, manufacturing, equipment procurement and construction, supply agreement, export agreement, outsourcing, maintenance alliance, and support agreements.

Corporate

We have extensive experience in corporate and commercial law practice involving both Philippine and foreign clients and deemed as the Firm’s key area of expertise. Our clients in this field of specialization include various Philippine and foreign institutions as well as multinational companies engaged in oil, petroleum, power, petrochemicals, business process outsourcing, banking, manufacturing, trade, beverage, food, agriculture, transportation, mining, computer and advanced electronic technology, construction, real estate, educational institutions and related business sectors.

Our corporate and commercial practice covers the following key areas:

Banking and Project Finance

The Firm provides advice on regulatory issues involving banking institutions and borrowers in all kinds of domestic and international financing transactions, credit transactions, including project financing, export credits and guarantees, documentary credits, debt to equity swaps, and other forms of restructurings.

Our Firm provides advice on regulatory matters relating to banks and financial institutions both domestic and foreign. We assist in the establishment and operation of banks in the Philippines and provide advice on financing transactions including syndicated loans, structured finance, project finance, asset finance and derivative products. Likewise, we provide advice on secured and unsecured loan transactions and other credit transactions, including alternative financing techniques such as asset securitization. Our Firm has represented various parties in major project finance transactions in the Philippines.

Corporate

We have extensive experience in corporate and commercial law practice involving both Philippine and foreign clients and deemed as the Firm’s key area of expertise. Our clients in this field of specialization include various Philippine and foreign institutions as well as multinational companies engaged in oil, petroleum, power, petrochemicals, business process outsourcing, banking, manufacturing, trade, beverage, food, agriculture, transportation, mining, computer and advanced electronic technology, construction, real estate, educational institutions and related business sectors.

Our corporate and commercial practice covers the following key areas:

Capital Markets and Securities

We advise on various transactions which aim to raise capital whether through debt or equity. We continuously monitor and update the Firm on the new developments on this field, particularly market regulations and corporate governance issues. We have expertise in handling equity and equity-linked instruments, including but not limited to initial public offerings, private placements, rights issues, secondary offerings. We provide advice on securities and related requirements including bonds, debentures, commercial papers, certificates of interest and participation, commodity futures contracts, pension plans and pre-need plans. The investment banks and corporate clients alike need assistance in developing innovative and unique structures. They need lawyers with the technical expertise and the practical know-how to implement their ideas.

Corporate

We have extensive experience in corporate and commercial law practice involving both Philippine and foreign clients and deemed as the Firm’s key area of expertise. Our clients in this field of specialization include various Philippine and foreign institutions as well as multinational companies engaged in oil, petroleum, power, petrochemicals, business process outsourcing, banking, manufacturing, trade, beverage, food, agriculture, transportation, mining, computer and advanced electronic technology, construction, real estate, educational institutions and related business sectors.

Our corporate and commercial practice covers the following key areas:

Joint Ventures

We have wide ranging experience in advising joint ventures and strategic alliances and have actively participated, advised, and directed some of the major joint ventures conducted between Philippine and multinational corporations of the past years. Of particular significance is the need for proper legal advice to foreign investors or entrepreneurs in the start-up phase of any joint venture over which the firm has extensive experience.

Corporate

We have extensive experience in corporate and commercial law practice involving both Philippine and foreign clients and deemed as the Firm’s key area of expertise. Our clients in this field of specialization include various Philippine and foreign institutions as well as multinational companies engaged in oil, petroleum, power, petrochemicals, business process outsourcing, banking, manufacturing, trade, beverage, food, agriculture, transportation, mining, computer and advanced electronic technology, construction, real estate, educational institutions and related business sectors.

Our corporate and commercial practice covers the following key areas:

Mergers and Acquisitions

We provide advice on a wide range of deal structures relating to mergers and acquisitions and other forms of corporate reorganization of both local and foreign corporations, We assist clients with complex agreements involving corporate divestment, privatizations, buy outs, dissolution, liquidation, spin-off tender offers through to divestments and other corporate reorganizations. In completing these transactions, we assist our clients with all the necessary legal and regulatory compliance requirements as well as in depth due diligence investigations of a team of lawyers with various specialization.

Corporate

We have extensive experience in corporate and commercial law practice involving both Philippine and foreign clients and deemed as the Firm’s key area of expertise. Our clients in this field of specialization include various Philippine and foreign institutions as well as multinational companies engaged in oil, petroleum, power, petrochemicals, business process outsourcing, banking, manufacturing, trade, beverage, food, agriculture, transportation, mining, computer and advanced electronic technology, construction, real estate, educational institutions and related business sectors.

Our corporate and commercial practice covers the following key areas:

Outsourcing

Following related developments, outsourcing is no longer limited to back office functions. Complex business processes and even front office operations are now being outsourced and businesses are seeking assistance in the developments and delivery of flexible business models.

We assist clients at outsourcing locator services at an ecozone area or information technology building, incorporation and business organization, business permit and licensing requirements. We also handle registration requirements with the Philippine Economic Zone Authority and Board of Investments of outsourcing companies. We also provide advice in the preparation of relevant employment contracts, outsourcing agreements and confidentiality agreements. Our Firm is noted for bringing together experts who have unique experience of acting for both suppliers and customers across an extensive range of sectors.

Corporate

We have extensive experience in corporate and commercial law practice involving both Philippine and foreign clients and deemed as the Firm’s key area of expertise. Our clients in this field of specialization include various Philippine and foreign institutions as well as multinational companies engaged in oil, petroleum, power, petrochemicals, business process outsourcing, banking, manufacturing, trade, beverage, food, agriculture, transportation, mining, computer and advanced electronic technology, construction, real estate, educational institutions and related business sectors.

Our corporate and commercial practice covers the following key areas:

Restructuring and Insolvency

We provide advice on matters involving creditors’ and debtors’ rights, debt restructuring, and insolvency law. We represent and advise creditors with regard effective remedies in pursuing their rights and recovering their share in debtor’s remaining assets. We also assist debtors in the negotiation and implementation of their rehabilitation plans, debt restructuring agreements, loan and security agreements and other similar contracts and provide advice on insolvency risks in structuring transactions and securitization. We assist in reviewing loan security and collateral, negotiating forbearance agreements and enforcing guarantees.

We represent clients before the courts and administrative agencies in proceedings in voluntary and involuntary insolvency, receivership, liquidation, suspension of payments and corporate rehabilitation. The Firm’s restructuring group is further supported by our litigation department, who advise on a wide range of contentious issues.

Litigation

Our litigation practice is focused on addressing the client’s specialized and unique requirements and the development of the most effective and cost-efficient approach to meet their goals and objectives. From strategic theory development, drafting of appropriate pleadings for the defense or prosecution, the drafting of the complaint or preparing defenses, argumentation and enforcement of awards, our lawyers are skilled in the demands of the entire litigation process. Ever mindful that the key to successful litigation is preparation, the Firm prides itself in the practice of its lawyers to conscientiously and thoroughly prepare before any litigious procedure is undertaken. We are known to provide our clients with a litigation team composed of individuals with the expertise and experience to meet the specific needs of the case. Our Firm takes maximum effort to secure the enforcement of awards.

Our Firm’s litigation group has extensive experience covering representation before any judicial, quasi-judicial and/or administrative body in areas relating to preliminary investigations of criminal complaints, appeals from resolution of Prosecutors with the Department of Justice, asset recovery, insurance claims, securities regulations, commercial arbitration, commercial debt collection, contract or warranty breach, election controversies, land and property disputes, enforcement of security such as foreclosure of mortgages and pledges, bankruptcy and insolvency cases, dissolution and liquidation proceedings, intellectual property, labor standards and industrial relations, product liability, professional negligence, telecommunications law, personal injury claims, family and matrimonial relations including but not limited to petitions for annulment, declaration of nullity of marriage, legal separation, adoption, petitions for guardianship, property regime separation, probate of wills and settlement of estates, torts and damages and stockholders’ derivative and class suits.

Our Firm also assists our clients with regards their requirements in securing a resolution of issues other than conventional litigation such as negotiation, arbitration, mediation and other forms of alternative dispute resolution.

Arbitration

Our litigation practice is focused on addressing client’s specialized and unique requirements and the development of the most effective and cost efficient approach to meet their goals and objectives. From strategic theory development, drafting of appropriate pleadings for the defense or prosecution, the drafting of complaint or preparing defenses, argumentation and enforcement of awards, our lawyers are skilled in the demands of the entire litigation process. Ever mindful that the key to a successful litigation is preparation, the Firm prides itself in the practice of its lawyers to conscientiously and thoroughly prepare before any litigious procedure is undertaken. We are known to provide our clients with a litigation team composed of individuals with the expertise and experience to meet the specific needs of the case. Our Firm takes maximum effort to secure enforcement of awards.

Our Firm’s litigation group has extensive experience covering representation before any judicial, quasi-judicial and/or administrative body in areas relating to preliminary investigations of criminal complaints, appeals from resolution of Prosecutors with the Department of Justice, asset recovery, insurance claims, securities regulations, commercial arbitration, commercial debt collection, contract or warranty breach, election controversies, land and property disputes, enforcement of security such as foreclosure of mortgages and pledges, bankruptcy and insolvency cases, dissolution and liquidation proceedings, intellectual property, labor standards and industrial relations, product liability, professional negligence, telecommunications law, personal injury claims, family and matrimonial relations including but not limited to petitions for annulment, declaration of nullity of marriage, legal separation, adoption, petitions for guardianship, property regime separation, probate of wills and settlement of estates, torts and damages and stockholders’ derivative and class suits.

Our Firm also assists our clients with regard their requirements in securing resolution of issues other than conventional litigation such as negotiation, arbitration, mediation and other forms of alternative dispute resolution.

Employment and Labor Relations

The Firm’s labor practice takes into special consideration the intertwined importance of employer-employee relationship vis-à-vis business considerations. Our Firm has broad experience in advising and assessing all aspects of employment relations.

Our Firm represents clients in compulsory and voluntary arbitration as well as in adversarial and non adversarial labor proceedings involving unfair labor practice cases, termination of employment, strike disputes, employee money claims, and other conflicts between labor and management. We also provide advice to complicated labor issues such as retrenchment, redundancy, deadlocks in collective bargaining, downsizing, implications resulting to mergers, dissolution of companies and plant closures.

We also handle the processing of complicated disciplinary actions undertaken at the company level and participate in the assessment and grievance procedures. In the event that the labor disputes are not resolved at the company level, we handle the litigation of our client’s cases, including suspension and dismissal from employment, strikes and lockouts, work stoppage, closure and similar cases.

The Firm advises clients on issues relating to preparation of employment contracts, manuals of company rules and regulations and consultancy agreements. In relation to such customized rules and regulations, we likewise conduct on site human resource introduction, training and proper implementation of such formulated rules and regulations. We also assist in the formulation and implementation of all types of employee benefit arrangements including share options and profit sharing schemes and medical and pension plans. We advise our clients with respect compliance with the required governmental reports relating to occupational safety and health standards and social security. We actively assist in maintaining harmonious labor management relations and help clients establish labor management councils as alternative or complimentary mechanism.

Our knowledge of current labor laws and regulations including working practices and policies of labor authorities and groups enable us to bring about a valuable and competent resolution of labor related disputes.

Immigration

The Firm provides advice and assistance on immigration related matters to individual clients and to expatriate personnel of corporate clients of the Firm. The Firm also assists in securing tourist, temporary visitor, pre-arranged employment, treaty trader, special non-immigrant, special investors resident, quota and non quota immigrant visas, including special multiple entry visas, alien employment permits, and special work permits.

We likewise make the necessary representation or appearances before the Bureau of Immigration and Deportation on related immigration litigation. We also provide representation on deportation defense including blacklist lifting.

Intellectual Property

Our Firm assists clients in having their intellectual property rights properly protected through their registration with the Intellectual Property Office and the National Library including post registration to effectively enforce intellectual property rights involving infringement and unfair competition cases.

We provide advice and representation on registration of trademarks, copyright, utility model and design, and, patent or inventions, registration and compliance certification for voluntary and compulsory licensing, and other electronic commerce matters.

The Firm has long standing expertise in drafting technology transfer agreements, license agreements, franchise agreements, area development agreements and trademark/servicemark agreements as demonstrated through its years of successful practice in the field involving local and multinational companies. We provide advice on protection of trade secrets and other confidential technical and commercial information and compliance with regulatory requirements and standards.

We have extensive experience on civil and/or criminal suits for infringement and unfair competition before regular courts; which include the conduct of raid or search and seizure activities against infringers and unfair competitors; and administrative actions before the Intellectual Property Office, Department of Trade and Industry and other related government agencies.

Estate Planning and Trusts

The Firm assists clients in the identification of the estate planner’s needs, the drafting of the estate plan, consultation with regards to drafting and probate of last wills and testament, formation of inter vivos or testamentary trusts, implementing the estate plan, administration of estates as executors or as agents of nominated executors, determination and assessment of the liquidity of the estate.

We apply the law on property, trusts, wills, future interests, insurance and taxation in order to implement the estate planner’s affairs for his benefit and enjoyment as well as that of his family, during his lifetime and after his death. We focus on the practical implementation of the estate plan taking cognizance of the related duties and administrative costs including legislative changes.

We provide advice on the formation of trusts as well as the tax and legal consequences of such an arrangement. We also assists with the registration of trusts and provide advice on the administrative requirements relating to the establishment of trusts.

Real Property Transactions

Our Firm extends general consultation, advice and opinion regarding all aspects of real property including the assessment of pertinent environmental laws and regulations.

We have experience in the development of condominiums, subdivisions and industrial estates; establishment of manufacturing facilities in special economic zones; securitization; and sale and purchase of properties. We assist clients in reviewing domestic and commercial leases and other types of real estate transactions

Taxation

Our Firm is engaged in general taxation practice covering all areas of tax planning, tax advising and tax litigation. The Firm assists clients in the establishment of tax efficient structures for investments in the Philippines, provides advice on all commercial transactions including project financing, corporate acquisitions, mergers and acquisitions, debt restructuring, insolvency and bankruptcy, securities issues and public offerings and real estate and stock transactions.

The Firm provides advice to inbound investments and implications on tax treaties between the Philippines and tax treaty countries. We have done extensive work in estate planning, executive compensation and employee benefit and pension plans and executive remuneration and stock option plans. We represent clients in obtaining pre-transaction rulings and determinations on the taxation of various entities and transactions before administrative agencies and transactions before the Bureau of Internal Revenue including litigation proceedings involving tax assessments, customs and anti-dumping cases and claims for refund.

Family and Civil Law

The Firm represent clients in annulment proceedings, declaration of nullity of marriage, legal separation, child custody, judicial separation of properties, adoption, guardianship, and presumptive death.

Government Contracts

The Firm provides advice to clients on related regulatory, legislative and contractual requirements including but not limited to the preparation and submission of eligibility requirements to various government agencies on diverse transactions.

Information and Communications Technology

Our firm assists clients on legal aspects concerning the telecommunications industry. We provide advice on various legal and regulatory issues, preparation of contracts with third parties, resolution and settlement of disputes, joint ventures and acquisitions, securing and maintaining franchises and permits to operate public and private communications facilities, issuance of pertinent legal opinion.

Infrastructure and Development Projects

We assist clients in project evaluation, tender and transaction support, project documentation, pre-bidding qualification and actual bidding requirements, tax review and assessment, review of regulatory issues and other requirements.

Mining and Natural Resources

We provide advice on Philippine mining and environmental laws, compliance with nationality and capitalization requirements, government approvals, licenses and registrations required for the conduct of the mining operations, review of applications for mineral agreements and exploration permits and preparation and review of all contracts related to the mining industry

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CORPORATE

We have extensive experience in corporate and commercial law practice involving both Philippine and foreign clients, and deemed as the Firm’s key area of expertise. Our clients in this field of specialization include various Philippine and foreign institutions as well as multinational companies engaged in oil, petroleum, power, petrochemicals, business process outsourcing, banking, manufacturing, trade, beverage, food, agriculture, transportation, mining, computer and advanced electronic technology, construction, real estate, educational institutions and related business sectors.

Our corporate and commercial practice cover the following key areas:

Corporate Services and General Company Advice

We assist our clients both local and foreign, in the establishment of companies or partnerships, joint ventures, special economic zone enterprises, subsidiaries, branches, regional headquarters, and representative offices in the Philippines. The Firm advises the client on the appropriate legal presence in the Philippines, considering the tax, regulatory, investment incentive, applicable Philippine restrictions on the extent of foreign participation, and other concerns that may affect the client and its related businesses. We assist in the preparation, filing, and processing until official approval is obtained, of application papers in connection with the formation of the legal entities referred to above. We liaise with government agencies in securing in an expeditious basis, the issuance of related regulatory permits and business registrations.

The Firm provides corporate services on the conduct of board and stockholders meetings, preparation of minutes of the board and the stockholders meetings, issuance of corporate resolutions and certifications, assistance in the completion of proxy nomination, the keeping of stock and transfer books, the issuance of stock certificates and the submission of regulatory reports to appropriate agencies of the government.

We provide legal advice and consultancy to our corporate clients on legal issues which most regularly impact upon their businesses. We advise on all elements of corporate and commercial law.

Commercial Contracts

We have extensive experience in advising both suppliers and customers on a wide range of commercial contracts across many different sectors and business-related activities. Our practice includes commercial contracts for services, licensing, development, distribution, marketing, manufacturing, equipment procurement and construction, supply agreement, export agreement, outsourcing, maintenance alliance, and support agreements.

Banking and Project Finance

The Firm provides advice on regulatory issues involving banking institutions and borrowers in all kinds of domestic and international financing transactions, credit transactions, including project financing, export credits and guarantees, documentary credits, debt to equity swaps, and other forms of restructurings.

Our Firm provides advice on regulatory matters relating to banks and financial institutions both domestic and foreign. We assist in the establishment and operation of banks in the Philippines and provide advice on financing transactions including syndicated loans, structured finance, project finance, asset finance and derivative products. Likewise, we provide advice on secured and unsecured loan transactions and other credit transactions, including alternative financing techniques such as asset securitization. Our Firm has represented various parties in major project finance transactions in the Philippines.

Capital Markets and Securities

We advise on various transactions which aim to raise capital whether through debt or equity. We continuously monitor and update the Firm on the new developments on this field, particularly market regulations and corporate governance issues. We have expertise in handling equity and equity-linked instruments, including but not limited to initial public offerings, private placements, rights issues, secondary offerings. We provide advice on securities and related requirements including bonds, debentures, commercial papers, certificates of interest and participation, commodity futures contracts, pension plans and pre-need plans. The investment banks and corporate clients alike need assistance in developing innovative and unique structures. They need lawyers with the technical expertise and the practical know-how to implement their ideas.

Joint Ventures

We have wide ranging experience in advising joint ventures and strategic alliances and have actively participated, advised, and directed some of the major joint ventures conducted between Philippine and multinational corporations of the past years. Of particular significance is the need for proper legal advice to foreign investors or entrepreneurs in the start-up phase of any joint venture over which the firm has extensive experience.

Mergers and Acquisitions

We provide advice on a wide range of deal structures relating to mergers and acquisitions and other forms of corporate reorganization of both local and foreign corporations, We assist clients with complex agreements involving corporate divestment, privatizations, buy outs, dissolution, liquidation, spin-off tender offers through to divestments and other corporate reorganizations. In completing these transactions, we assist our clients with all the necessary legal and regulatory compliance requirements as well as in depth due diligence investigations of a team of lawyers with various specialization.

Outsourcing

Following related developments, outsourcing is no longer limited to back office functions. Complex business processes and even front office operations are now being outsourced and businesses are seeking assistance in the developments and delivery of flexible business models.

We assist clients at outsourcing locator services at an ecozone area or information technology building, incorporation and business organization, business permit and licensing requirements. We also handle registration requirements with the Philippine Economic Zone Authority and Board of Investments of outsourcing companies. We also provide advice in the preparation of relevant employment contracts, outsourcing agreements and confidentiality agreements. Our Firm is noted for bringing together experts who have unique experience of acting for both suppliers and customers across an extensive range of sectors.

Restructuring and Insolvency

We provide advice on matters involving creditors’ and debtors’ rights, debt restructuring, and insolvency law. We represent and advise creditors with regard effective remedies in pursuing their rights and recovering their share in debtor’s remaining assets. We also assist debtors in the negotiation and implementation of their rehabilitation plans, debt restructuring agreements, loan and security agreements and other similar contracts and provide advice on insolvency risks in structuring transactions and securitization. We assist in reviewing loan security and collateral, negotiating forbearance agreements and enforcing guarantees.

We represent clients before the courts and administrative agencies in proceedings in voluntary and involuntary insolvency, receivership, liquidation, suspension of payments and corporate rehabilitation. The Firm’s restructuring group is further supported by our litigation department, who advise on a wide range of contentious issues.

LITIGATION

Our litigation practice is focused on addressing the client’s specialized and unique requirements and the development of the most effective and cost-efficient approach to meet their goals and objectives. From strategic theory development, drafting of appropriate pleadings for the defense or prosecution, the drafting of the complaint or preparing defenses, argumentation and enforcement of awards, our lawyers are skilled in the demands of the entire litigation process. Ever mindful that the key to successful litigation is preparation, the Firm prides itself in the practice of its lawyers to conscientiously and thoroughly prepare before any litigious procedure is undertaken. We are known to provide our clients with a litigation team composed of individuals with the expertise and experience to meet the specific needs of the case. Our Firm takes maximum effort to secure the enforcement of awards.

Our Firm’s litigation group has extensive experience covering representation before any judicial, quasi-judicial and/or administrative body in areas relating to preliminary investigations of criminal complaints, appeals from resolution of Prosecutors with the Department of Justice, asset recovery, insurance claims, securities regulations, commercial arbitration, commercial debt collection, contract or warranty breach, election controversies, land and property disputes, enforcement of security such as foreclosure of mortgages and pledges, bankruptcy and insolvency cases, dissolution and liquidation proceedings, intellectual property, labor standards and industrial relations, product liability, professional negligence, telecommunications law, personal injury claims, family and matrimonial relations including but not limited to petitions for annulment, declaration of nullity of marriage, legal separation, adoption, petitions for guardianship, property regime separation, probate of wills and settlement of estates, torts and damages and stockholders’ derivative and class suits.

Our Firm also assists our clients with regards their requirements in securing a resolution of issues other than conventional litigation such as negotiation, arbitration, mediation and other forms of alternative dispute resolution.

ARBITRATION

Our litigation practice is focused on addressing client’s specialized and unique requirements and the development of the most effective and cost efficient approach to meet their goals and objectives. From strategic theory development, drafting of appropriate pleadings for the defense or prosecution, the drafting of complaint or preparing defenses, argumentation and enforcement of awards, our lawyers are skilled in the demands of the entire litigation process. Ever mindful that the key to a successful litigation is preparation, the Firm prides itself in the practice of its lawyers to conscientiously and thoroughly prepare before any litigious procedure is undertaken. We are known to provide our clients with a litigation team composed of individuals with the expertise and experience to meet the specific needs of the case. Our Firm takes maximum effort to secure enforcement of awards.

Our Firm’s litigation group has extensive experience covering representation before any judicial, quasi-judicial and/or administrative body in areas relating to preliminary investigations of criminal complaints, appeals from resolution of Prosecutors with the Department of Justice, asset recovery, insurance claims, securities regulations, commercial arbitration, commercial debt collection, contract or warranty breach, election controversies, land and property disputes, enforcement of security such as foreclosure of mortgages and pledges, bankruptcy and insolvency cases, dissolution and liquidation proceedings, intellectual property, labor standards and industrial relations, product liability, professional negligence, telecommunications law, personal injury claims, family and matrimonial relations including but not limited to petitions for annulment, declaration of nullity of marriage, legal separation, adoption, petitions for guardianship, property regime separation, probate of wills and settlement of estates, torts and damages and stockholders’ derivative and class suits.

Our Firm also assists our clients with regard their requirements in securing resolution of issues other than conventional litigation such as negotiation, arbitration, mediation and other forms of alternative dispute resolution.

EMPLOYMENT AND LABOR RELATIONS

The Firm’s labor practice takes into special consideration the intertwined importance of employer-employee relationship vis-à-vis business considerations. Our Firm has broad experience in advising and assessing all aspects of employment relations.

Our Firm represents clients in compulsory and voluntary arbitration as well as in adversarial and non adversarial labor proceedings involving unfair labor practice cases, termination of employment, strike disputes, employee money claims, and other conflicts between labor and management. We also provide advice to complicated labor issues such as retrenchment, redundancy, deadlocks in collective bargaining, downsizing, implications resulting to mergers, dissolution of companies and plant closures.

We also handle the processing of complicated disciplinary actions undertaken at the company level and participate in the assessment and grievance procedures. In the event that the labor disputes are not resolved at the company level, we handle the litigation of our client’s cases, including suspension and dismissal from employment, strikes and lockouts, work stoppage, closure and similar cases.

The Firm advises clients on issues relating to preparation of employment contracts, manuals of company rules and regulations and consultancy agreements. In relation to such customized rules and regulations, we likewise conduct on site human resource introduction, training and proper implementation of such formulated rules and regulations. We also assist in the formulation and implementation of all types of employee benefit arrangements including share options and profit sharing schemes and medical and pension plans. We advise our clients with respect compliance with the required governmental reports relating to occupational safety and health standards and social security. We actively assist in maintaining harmonious labor management relations and help clients establish labor management councils as alternative or complimentary mechanism.

Our knowledge of current labor laws and regulations including working practices and policies of labor authorities and groups enable us to bring about a valuable and competent resolution of labor related disputes.

IMMIGRATION

The Firm provides advice and assistance on immigration related matters to individual clients and to expatriate personnel of corporate clients of the Firm. The Firm also assists in securing tourist, temporary visitor, pre-arranged employment, treaty trader, special non-immigrant, special investors resident, quota and non quota immigrant visas, including special multiple entry visas, alien employment permits, and special work permits.

We likewise make the necessary representation or appearances before the Bureau of Immigration and Deportation on related immigration litigation. We also provide representation on deportation defense including blacklist lifting.

INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY

Our Firm assists clients in having their intellectual property rights properly protected through their registration with the Intellectual Property Office and the National Library including post registration to effectively enforce intellectual property rights involving infringement and unfair competition cases.

We provide advice and representation on registration of trademarks, copyright, utility model and design, and, patent or inventions, registration and compliance certification for voluntary and compulsory licensing, and other electronic commerce matters.

The Firm has long standing expertise in drafting technology transfer agreements, license agreements, franchise agreements, area development agreements and trademark/servicemark agreements as demonstrated through its years of successful practice in the field involving local and multinational companies. We provide advice on protection of trade secrets and other confidential technical and commercial information and compliance with regulatory requirements and standards.

We have extensive experience on civil and/or criminal suits for infringement and unfair competition before regular courts; which include the conduct of raid or search and seizure activities against infringers and unfair competitors; and administrative actions before the Intellectual Property Office, Department of Trade and Industry and other related government agencies.

ESTATE PLANNING AND TRUSTS

The Firm assists clients in the identification of the estate planner’s needs, the drafting of the estate plan, consultation with regards to drafting and probate of last wills and testament, formation of inter vivos or testamentary trusts, implementing the estate plan, administration of estates as executors or as agents of nominated executors, determination and assessment of the liquidity of the estate.

We apply the law on property, trusts, wills, future interests, insurance and taxation in order to implement the estate planner’s affairs for his benefit and enjoyment as well as that of his family, during his lifetime and after his death. We focus on the practical implementation of the estate plan taking cognizance of the related duties and administrative costs including legislative changes.

We provide advice on the formation of trusts as well as the tax and legal consequences of such an arrangement. We also assists with the registration of trusts and provide advice on the administrative requirements relating to the establishment of trusts.

REAL PROPERTY TRANSACTIONS

Our Firm extends general consultation, advice and opinion regarding all aspects of real property including the assessment of pertinent environmental laws and regulations.

We have experience in the development of condominiums, subdivisions and industrial estates; establishment of manufacturing facilities in special economic zones; securitization; and sale and purchase of properties. We assist clients in reviewing domestic and commercial leases and other types of real estate transactions

TAXATION

Our Firm is engaged in general taxation practice covering all areas of tax planning, tax advising and tax litigation. The Firm assists clients in the establishment of tax efficient structures for investments in the Philippines, provides advice on all commercial transactions including project financing, corporate acquisitions, mergers and acquisitions, debt restructuring, insolvency and bankruptcy, securities issues and public offerings and real estate and stock transactions.

The Firm provides advice to inbound investments and implications on tax treaties between the Philippines and tax treaty countries. We have done extensive work in estate planning, executive compensation and employee benefit and pension plans and executive remuneration and stock option plans. We represent clients in obtaining pre-transaction rulings and determinations on the taxation of various entities and transactions before administrative agencies and transactions before the Bureau of Internal Revenue including litigation proceedings involving tax assessments, customs and anti-dumping cases and claims for refund.

FAMILY AND CIVIL LAW

Family and Civil Law

The Firm represent clients in annulment proceedings, declaration of nullity of marriage, legal separation, child custody, judicial separation of properties, adoption, guardianship, and presumptive death.

GOVERNMENT CONTRACTS

The Firm provides advice to clients on related regulatory, legislative and contractual requirements including but not limited to the preparation and submission of eligibility requirements to various government agencies on diverse transactions.

INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATIONS TECHNOLOGY

Our firm assists clients on legal aspects concerning the telecommunications industry. We provide advice on various legal and regulatory issues, preparation of contracts with third parties, resolution and settlement of disputes, joint ventures and acquisitions, securing and maintaining franchises and permits to operate public and private communications facilities, issuance of pertinent legal opinion.

INFRASTRUCTURE AND DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS

We assist clients in project evaluation, tender and transaction support, project documentation, pre-bidding qualification and actual bidding requirements, tax review and assessment, review of regulatory issues and other requirements.

MINING AND NATURAL RESOURCES

We provide advice on Philippine mining and environmental laws, compliance with nationality and capitalization requirements, government approvals, licenses and registrations required for the conduct of the mining operations, review of applications for mineral agreements and exploration permits and preparation and review of all contracts related to the mining industry