One of the market’s leading full-service firms, SyCip Salazar Hernandez & Gatmaitan’s litigation and arbitration practice provides clients with disputes strategies to bridge conflict and avoid lawsuits. The firm often handles precedent-setting cases with unparalleled commercial law experience in the most significant and high-scale cases. Active in all court levels, it is particularly strong in appellate and Supreme Court practice. It has extensive experience in product liability cases, energy and infrastructure disputes, and domestic and international arbitration involving industrial projects across all industries.
Carlos Roberto Lopez, Emmanuel Lombos, Leslie Dy and Ricardo Ongkiko are key individuals.
In a notable case, the firm is representing Manila Electric Company (Meralco), the country’s largest power distributor, in a petition filed by the Philippine Government’s Office of the Solicitor General in the Supreme Court. The petition seeks to challenge the decisions of the Regional Trial Court and the Court of Appeals upholding the validity of a settlement agreement between Meralco and National Power Corporation (NPC), a government-owned and controlled corporation. The settlement agreement was the product of negotiations between Meralco and NPC to settle their respective claims under the contract for sale of electricity. The matter is significant because of the amount involved, the number of consumers affected, and the size and prominence of the power distributor.
The firm is also providing counsel for the respondents, a group of officers of Hawker Pacific Asia, to defend several suits filed by complainant Asian Aerospace over conspiracy and violation of the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act. The matter involved a contract to inspect and overhaul four Bell 412 helicopters of the Office of the President of the Philippines. The Supreme Court’s Resolution contains several important rulings in criminal law, the law on public officers and government procurement law.
In another ongoing matter, the firm is representing two multinational mining companies, one of which is the largest gold mining company in the world, in defending against a petition for a Writ of Kalikasan (a legal remedy under the Philippines law that provides protection of an individual’s constitutional right to a healthy environment) filed by certain individuals supported by their provincial government. This case is significant as it involves fundamental questions on the capacity of Philippine courts to acquire jurisdiction over companies with no businesses in the Philippines. The resolution of this issue will greatly aid in clarifying jurisprudence on the matter.
The firm’s major clients include Filminera Resources Corporation, Hedcor, Mitsubishi Corporation, OceanaGold (Philippines) and Platinum Group Metals Corporation.
Client feedback
“They have the best and the brightest lawyers in the Philippines. They are very reliable and provide practical advice.” – Commercial and transactions
“The lawyers understand the litigation process and the court procedures well. They provide regular updates on the litigation proceedings.” – Commercial and transactions
“Communicated well not only with clients but with Philippines' legal authorities, which led to the right legal advice.” – Competition/antitrust
Leslie Dy
“Demonstrated deep understanding of labour-related matters and provided thorough legal opinion based on research.”
John Christian Joy A Regalado
“Understands client's business and provides excellent explanation of local laws.”
Aaron Riturban
“He's very conscientious, responsive and straightforward.”
Russel Rodriguez
“Always available to provide advice. Can provide clear and commercial advice.”
