Following an extensive nomination process, Asia Business Law Journal unveils the A-List of the Philippines’ top 100 lawyers plus 35 legal icons. Miran Lim and Emeli Zuño report
The Philippine economy has shown significant growth with a 6.3% increase in the second quarter of 2024, up from 4.3% for the same period the previous year. This positioned the country among Asia’s fastest-growing economies. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr’s administration played a key role by increasing government expenditure on social safety, health, education and infrastructure, and maintaining favourable export and import figures.
In the retail sector there is an optimistic outlook with Roberto Claudio, president of the Philippine Retailers Association, projecting the sector’s GDP contribution to reach 20% by early 2025. Claudio has advocated for the inclusion of online transactions within the tax regime and urged the quick enactment of the Internet Transactions Act to bolster fair competition.
Merchandise export performance also showed promising signs, with a 3% increase noted in the first half of the year. The country is witnessing a digitalisation push, anticipated to expand fintech service users to 66.4 million by year’s end.
Further, the Department of Trade and Industry aims to strengthen the local halal sector with PHP2.65 billion (USD46.7 million) in investments to tap into the global halal market, which is projected to be USD7.7 trillion next year. On the other hand, the Terra Solar project, the world’s largest solar power initiative, received a green lane certificate, affirming the government’s commitment to sustainable growth.
New regulations introduced by the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines have formalised the recognition of IP agents and lawyers to enhance service quality and public protection. Meanwhile, the Department of Energy has received eight bids for petroleum and natural hydrogen exploration, indicating strong interest in indigenous energy resources.
The Philippines continues to showcase solid macroeconomic fundamentals, retaining its net creditor status within the International Monetary Fund’s financing operations. The dynamic tax landscape in 2024 is shaped by key legislations such as the amended Corporate Recovery and Tax Incentives for Enterprises (CREATE) Law and the Ease of Paying Taxes Act. These two laws emphasise modernised, equitable tax administration. The CREATE Law has attracted more than PHP1.2 trillion, demonstrating the government’s efforts to facilitate a conducive business growth and economic development environment.
As the legal landscape in the Philippines evolves alongside economic and regulatory developments, the demand for experienced and proficient legal expertise is becoming more pronounced. Recognising this need, Asia Business Law Journal showcases the Philippines’ top 100 A-List lawyers and 35 legal icons. These legal professionals are praised for their dedication to best practices and excellence in service delivery.
The A-List, carefully compiled through meticulous research and nominations from in-house counsel across the Philippines and abroad, as well as partners from international law firms with a focus on the region, illustrates a clear preference for seasoned lawyers who consistently deliver superior legal services. These professionals are primarily based in Manila, reflecting the capital’s significance as a legal nexus. As the country continues to develop, a question arises: Which lawyers will rise to the occasion and make the most of the emerging opportunities?
Oliver Pantaleon, senior partner at ACCRALAW, is held in high regard by Harvey Dychiao, managing director at Bonifacio Capital, a private equity investment and advisory firm in Taguig City. Dychiao notes: “I’ve worked with Oliver for more than 10 years. His advice is always on point, and he has the ability to cut through complex issues in a way that is conscious of client objectives and commercial realities, saving his clients time and resources.”
Pantaleon’s dedication is also recognised by Philip Ronald Regondola, legal counsel for Chevron Philippines, an energy company in Makati City. “Atty Pantaleon is very responsive to his clients’ needs,” he says.
“He anticipates what would be needed for his clients to make an intelligent decision on matters that are important to them. He takes time to understand the business of his clients and is therefore able to give fit-for-purpose and relevant advice.”
Alden Gonzalez, senior partner at DivinaLaw, is praised by Rene Buenaventura, vice chairman of the Equicom Group, a financial services conglomerate in Makati, as “competent and resourceful”.
Felomeno Siy, president of Sermasison Corporation, a food distribution company in Quezon City, adds that Gonzalez is a “lawyer with integrity, very capable, dynamic and very professional”.
Siy goes on to commend Nilo Divina, founder and managing partner of DivinaLaw, defining him as the “epitome of an outstanding lawyer with integrity, ability, humility, professionalism, competence, dynamism and more”.
Emma Theresa Cabochan, senior vice president, legal services head and data privacy officer of Asia United Bank in Pasig, says Divina “gives quality actionable legal advice in a timely manner, [and is] very easy to talk to and reachable especially for urgent concerns”, providing a highly personalised service.
Danny Bunyi, a senior partner at DivinaLaw, is commended by CIMB Bank Philippines’ chief compliance officer, Joy Sasan, for his readiness to assist. “[Bunyi] is a reliable counsel who handles our inquiries and tasks with attention,” says Sasan. “He is always ready to help us and attend last-minute meeting requests. I have worked with Danny and the firm for about five years now through the various corporate companies that I have been with.”
A fellow senior partner at DivinaLaw, Enrique V Dela Cruz Jr, is lauded for his legal excellence by Jose Carlos De Guia, chairman emeritus at MicroPhase Corporation, an information technology (IT) provider and consultant in Makati. De Guia says Dela Cruz is an “indisputable, very professional and excellent lawyer from consultation to litigation”.
Charisse Arellano, executive assistant to the president and legal counsel at CNC Consultancy Management Corporation in Taguig, says Enrique’s “profound knowledge of the law is unparalleled, ensuring that every case he handles is grounded in expert understanding and strategic insight. He is always just a message or call away, readily available to provide timely and valuable advice. His commitment to his clients is evident as he consistently goes beyond the contracted work, demonstrating a dedication that transcends mere professional obligation.”
Gorriceta Africa Cauton & Saavedra senior partner Edsel F Tupaz is nominated by Karen Jimeno, director and chief legal counsel at SofCap Partners, a growth equity investment firm in Taguig, and Jojo Flores, co-founder of Plug and Play Tech Centre, an innovation platform with locations in more than 60 countries, for his expertise in data privacy and artificial intelligence (AI).
“Edsel has demonstrated an exceptional understanding and application of Philippine data protection law and general business law, which has been pivotal in numerous high-profile cases and transactions,” says Jimeno. “He has consistently provided strategic legal advice in areas such as technology law, data privacy, artificial intelligence frameworks and Philippine law applicable to international startups seeking to do business in the Philippines, showcasing deep-seated expertise that has greatly influenced the legal landscape. Notably, Edsel’s work on the nexus of data privacy and artificial intelligence has set new benchmarks in Philippine legal practice, underscoring his role as a thought leader in the field of privacy AI.”
Flores acknowledges Tupaz’s role in fostering the Philippine startup ecosystem, saying his “deep understanding of data privacy, cybersecurity and artificial intelligence, combined with his practical experience in various legal and technological domains, has made him an invaluable asset to the advancing startup community in the Philippines”.
Editha R Hechanova, president and managing partner of Hechanova Group, is recommended by Kristian Nico Acosta, general counsel and head of the legal department at fashion retailer, the GUESS Group of Companies, in San Pedro City. Acosta emphasises Hechanova’s “excellent work as a private law practitioner”. “Her cost-effective and results-oriented legal services are bespoke, and aligned with a client’s business and legal interests. She has represented clients not only in contentious proceedings but also on legal advocacy and government relations aspects.”
Leopoldo De Castro Jr, vice president and director of finance at Delivery Hero Philippines, a multinational online food delivery company with a local branch in Taguig City, highlights managing partner Euney Marie J Mata-Perez, of Mata-Perez Tamayo & Francisco, for having a “very high level of integrity”, a “solid knowledge and experience in corporate and taxation law”, and “business acumen at its finest”. Romulo partner Tranquil Salvador III is nominated by Doris Almanzor, CEO of Manila Bankers Life Insurance Corporation, an insurance company in Makati; and Benigno Emilio Ramirez, the president and CEO of Doña Alejandra, an IT company in Quezon City, for his approach to insurance contracts and legal advice.
Almanzor cites Salvador’s expertise: “Insurance contracts and legal documents often contain intricate terms and provisions that demand meticulous scrutiny,” says Almanzor. “Keen attention to detail is essential to ensure that every aspect is thoroughly reviewed and addressed. Tranquil Salvador exemplifies this precision and expertise, making him an exceptional candidate for recognition as one of the Philippines’ top lawyers.”
Ramirez complements Salvador for considering the multifaceted aspects of a problem when giving advice to a client. “He does not limit his advice to legal matters but covers the political, commercial and communication consequences of his recommendations,” he says. “By doing this, the client can make a well-informed business decision and will not be surprised by the result of their choices.” John Siao, co-managing partner and founding partner of Tiongco Siao Bello & Associates, is praised by Filemon Cecilio Cabungcal, first vice president and group head of finance at microfinancial services provider Cebuana Lhuillier in Makati. Cabungcal appreciates Siao for his legal advice and understanding of regulatory frameworks. “John was able to provide us the necessary legal guidance on how to apply for a regulatory licence,” he says. “Aside from guiding us, they also provided the key people in their network who we can talk to, without any need of facilitation fees. He knows very well the regulatory framework we operate in, and hence can show us how to properly navigate the business.”
Jose Xavier Gonzales, the board chairman of Professional Services Inc, a healthcare operator in Pasig City, speaks highly of Raoul Angangco, a senior partner at Villaraza & Angangco, praising his “sharp, incisive analysis, practical solutions driven by a strong appreciation of business and economics, and consensus leadership”. Senior legal counsel Afif Akbar, of Trinusa Travelindo (operating as Traveloka), a travel service company based in Jakarta, commends Rashel Pomoy, a partner at Villaraza & Angangco. Akbar describes Pomoy’s service and understanding of Traveloka’s business needs: “She has been the best external counsel we have ever found in the Philippines. She is very understanding of the needs of our business and has made recommendations beyond what we have expected.” Shierly Nora, HR business partner at DTN Philippines, a global data and analytics company, also acknowledges Pomoy. “Rashel has been our company’s legal and labour adviser for more than five years, and her extensive experience makes our company compliant with labour laws and best practices, which makes our employees happy and satisfied.”
The A-List is based on extensive research conducted by Asia Business Law Journal. To identify the top lawyers in the Philippines, we turned to thousands of in-house counsel in the country and around the world – as well as partners at international law firms – and asked them to tell us which lawyers should make the cut.
A-List lawyers were defined on the nomination form as “lawyers who are currently the star performers of the Philippines’ legal profession; the lawyers who are personally undertaking the country’s top legal work, crafting the most cutting-edge legal solutions to complex problems, and setting the highest standards in terms of quality, innovation and the ability to handle complex matters”.
Our Legal Icons were defined as “lawyers who are the luminaries of the Philippines’ legal profession; the titans who command the respect of clients and juniors alike; the mentors who lead the Philippines’ most admired law firms and/or legal teams, and who are the country’s most prolific rainmakers”.
All Filipino private practice lawyers and foreign lawyers based in the country were automatically eligible for inclusion in the nomination process. There were no fees or any other requirements for entry.