Quisumbing Torres is a member firm of Baker McKenzie LLP, and as such is well-placed to advise multinational corporations and companies in highly regulated industries, on a broad array of transactions and projects. Under the guidance of Maria Christina Macasaet-Acaban, it regularly advises on issues such as structuring foreign investments, M&A transactions and reorganisations, as well as joint ventures and capital restructuring. Dennis Quintero is recommended for his work with clients on numerous multi-jurisdictional acquisitions of shares or assets, in addition to his advice on structuring investments and divestments across a variety of sectors. Julius Cervantes is lauded for his work on a wide range of issues, frequently advising on corporate restructurings, commercial agreements and regulatory matters. Alain Charles Veloso and Luisa Fernandez-Guina bring experience with financial institutions and pharmaceutical clients respectively, while at associate level Diane Maxima Singayan-Mallillin plays a key role in the department.

Spearheaded by Rocky Alejandro Reyes, the outstanding team at SyCip Salazar Hernandez & Gatmaitan has acted on many of the largest investments and M&A deals in the country. It is adept at advising on foreign investments and frequently advises leading global companies on establishing their businesses in the Philippines. The group has an excellent track record of advising on competition law (including merger notifications), anti-money laundering regulations, data privacy and other e-commerce issues. In addition, it regularly works with international law firms on key projects and transactions. The agile team currently works with numerous major local corporations and foreign companies, in almost all the key industries. Imelda Manguiat is another notable member of the department who specialises in foreign investments and mergers and acquisitions, as well as power and infrastructure projects. Rose Marie M. King-Dominguez has particular expertise in TMT matters. Managing partner Hector De Leon and of counsel and corporate services head Simeon Ken Ferrer are other key contacts. Senior partner Marievic Ramos-Añonuevo retired from the firm in 2022.

With demonstrable experience across the telecommunications, manufacturing, logistics and energy sectors, Villaraza & Angangco (V&A Law) acts for domestic and multinational clients on cross-border M&A, in addition to handling foreign direct investments into the Philippines. Raoul Angangco leads the team alongside Sylvette Tankiang and Franchette Acosta.

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.

The versatile team at Martinez Vergara & Gonzalez Sociedad acts for local and foreign clients (both private and publicly listed companies) on their acquisitions and strategic divestments of assets, businesses and equity interests. Another core area of focus is advising on mergers and consolidations of subsidiaries and affiliates. The firm also regularly advises foreign companies on their direct investment into the Philippines. Rosalia Bartolome-Alejo heads the department, which has considerable strength in the banking, shipping, real estate, power, energy and manufacturing sectors. Manuel Gonzalez has particular expertise in M&A and joint venture arrangements between entities in the energy and petroleum sectors, while Mark Vergara is skilled at handling a broad spread of complex cross-border issues.

Puyat Jacinto & Santos Law Offices is recognised for its expertise in local and international M&A. It is adept at handling joint venture agreements, advising on equity investments and divestments, in addition to assisting with the acquisition of non-performing assets. The team is ably led by Virginia Viray, Rachelle Diaz, Elaine Marie Laceda and Shirley Velasquez-Viray, aided by Regina Jacinto-Barrientos, Maria Raquel Chavez and Gwen Grecia-De Vera.

Under the leadership of Aida Araceli Roxas-Rivera, the team at Cruz Marcelo & Tenefrancia advises on a wide array of deals. It is sought after for its advice to domestic and international clients on issues relating to their investment in the Philippines. Other areas of focus include advising on compliance matters, joint venture agreements and all aspects of M&A. It is also recommended for its work on issues as diverse as dissolutions, spin-offs and corporate divestments. Senior partner Manuel L. Manaligod, Jr. has a wealth of experience in infrastructure and public-private partnership deals. Rosa Michele Bagtas and Pancho Umali are among the other senior members of the department, while Patricia Bunye oversees corporate issues for mining projects.

Under the collective leadership of Mark Gorriceta, Kristine Torres and Micaela Galvez, the group at Gorriceta Africa Cauton & Saavedra enjoys a steady stream of instructions on an array of private equity, venture capital and M&A deals. It is particularly skilled at handling various securities transactions, such as IPOs and follow-on and top-up offerings, and transactions involving private placements and backdoor listings. The practice has demonstrable experience in the reverse take-overs of publicly listed companies and secondary offerings, as well as particular expertise in fintech, digital assets, artificial intelligence and blockchain matters.

The agile team at Gulapa & Lim (Gulapa Law) is jointly led by Aris Gulapa and Melissa Ester Chavez-Dee. The group garners praise for its work on public-private partnerships, and is adept at advising clients on obtaining regulatory approvals. It has considerable experience of handling mergers in the insurance sector, and of assisting clients in the establishment of new corporate entities. Gulapa is a known name for his work with multinational clients on major cross-border share and asset acquisitions.

Zambrano Gruba Caganda & Advincula acts for various local and international clients on a wide range of M&A and corporate deals. Lily Gruba is sought after for her work with multinational companies on various tax planning matters. Antero Jose Caganda is also a key figure, along with Angelo Patrick Advincula. Michael Stephen Lao is another notable member of the team. The group is also experienced in advising on foreign investments.

Elmer Serrano heads the department at Serrano Law, which regularly acts as counsel on acquisitions involving both equity purchases and asset sales. The team has particular experience in sectors such as shipping, logistics, real estate, energy and retail. It is well-equipped to handle all aspects of transactions, from conducting due diligence reviews to obtaining the relevant regulatory approvals for key deals. Phil Ivan Chan and Tephanie Gandia are among the other notable members of the group, with Chan bringing experience in dealing with the Philippine Stock Exchange and Securities and Exchange Commission, while Gandia advises on M&A and financing, particularly in the banking sector.

Edson Byron Sy leads the offering at Kua Sy & Yeung Law Offices (SKY Law), which has been busy advising on an array of deals and projects. Recent highlights have included advising on investments, acquisitions and restructurings, as well as on business process outsourcing. In addition, its lawyers act as nominee directors and corporate secretaries to some of the largest taxpayers in the Philippines.

At Sarmiento Loriega Law Firm, the skilled team frequently advises companies in regulated industries on various transactions. It is adept at advising on foreign investment laws, and other matters relating to the formation of joint ventures, regulatory compliance and corporate governance. Julito Sarmiento and Maria Elizabeth Peralta-Loriega are recommended. Bryan A. San Juan and Recolito Ferdinand N. Cantre Jr are also both well-regarded.

The versatile team at Subido Pagente Certeza Mendoza & Binay (SPCMB Law Offices) often acts as transaction counsel on various projects and cross-border private equity deals. Martin Subido is adept at handling cross-border private equity transactions. Jennifer Ong regularly acts for a variety of local and foreign clients on a wide range of corporate and commercial issues. Other names to note include Princesita Pasana-Turgano and Paula Katrina Nora.

Tolosa Javier Law fields a dynamic team, which is well-placed to handle a broad spectrum of corporate matters. Under the leadership of Dyan Danika G. Lim-Ong, it routinely advises on mergers and acquisitions, corporate restructurings and cross-border deals, as well as strategic investments.