The team at Gatmaytan Yap Patacsil Gutierrez & Protacio (C&G Law) continues to be busy advising local and international borrowers and lenders on various lending and financing transactions, as well as on a wide range of securities deals. The group, which is co-led by Jaime Renato B. Gatmaytan and Annalisa Carlota, also excels in advising on banking regulations and frequently supports clients on various registration requirements and other applications for approval from the Philippines’ Central Bank. In addition, the practice is skilled at advising on the financing aspects of energy and infrastructure projects further to being highly regarded for its work on green financing mandates, transactions involving the non-performing assets of banks, and matters relating to the technology sector. The firm is also a member of Rajah & Tann Asia Network, and as such is well-equipped to work on complex multi-jurisdictional matters.

Headed by Mark Vergara  and Rosalia Bartolome-Alejo, the team at Martinez Vergara & Gonzalez Sociedad receives a steady flow of instructions from leading local and foreign banks as well as financial institutions, with a  core area of focus being on regulatory compliance. The team also excels in advising borrowers and project proponents on major deals spanning loan syndications, acquisition financing and project financing, particularly in relation to power projects. Other areas of industry expertise include consumer goods, real estate, property development, and infrastructure, while debt restructuring work constitutes another core strength of the practice. Erika Paulino is a notable member of the team and is active in advising on the financing of renewable energy projects.

Under the leadership of Philbert Varona, SyCip Salazar Hernandez & Gatmaitan has a stellar reputation for its work with various foreign and local banks and financial institutions on a wide range of matters. Assisting borrowers and issuers on a variety of key deals such as acquisition and project financing, securities issuances and listings, forms as much part of the firm's strengths as advising on corporate notes, bonds, major syndicated loans and re-financings. Another core area of focus is in aviation financing, where the practice is regularly mandated by leading aircraft lessors, financiers and local operators. In addition, the practice works closely with international law firms on significant cross-border banking deals and advises clients on investment-related projects in the renewable energy and infrastructure arenas. Among the key names to note are Jan Celine Abaño-Ranada  and Bhong Paulo Macasaet. Roshni Balani and Mark Xavier Oyales were promoted to the partnership in January 2023.

Spearheaded by Ramil Bugayong and Pearl Grace Cabali, the banking and finance practice at Puyat Jacinto & Santos Law Offices has a solid reputation for its work on a broad spectrum of matters, spanning the securitisation of bonds as well as major M&A transactions. The firm is also well-regarded for its work on the sale and purchase of distressed assets and on an array of capital markets matters.

Maria Christina Macasaet-Acaban and Alain Charles Veloso are at the helm of Quisumbing Torres' banking and finance practice, which has a strong reputation for its work with various multinational banks, financial institutions and other corporate entities. Further key clients include multilateral agencies and financial sponsors. The group also frequently works on a myriad of complex loans and credit facilities, as well as advising on acquisition and project financing and fielding particular expertise in the fintech sector. Ramon Miguel Bacani is another key name to note.

Villaraza & Angangco (V&A Law) advises on cross-border project financing agreements in the energy, infrastructure and telecommunications sectors, in addition to providing regulatory advice to banks and other financial institutions on financial services products to ensure compliance with government bodies. Raoul Angangco, Sylvette Tankiang and Franchette Acosta lead the team.

The banking and finance practice at Gorriceta Africa Cauton & Saavedra covers both regulatory and transactional work, in addition to advising on all aspects of digital banking. It has a diverse range of clients, which includes several fintech companies, amongst others. Mark Gorriceta is the firm’s managing partner and is well regarded for his work in this area. Anthony Edsel Tupaz, Kristine Torres and Micaela Galvez are among the other key members of the department.

The team at Gruba Caganda Advincula Melo & de la Fuente continues to advise several banks on a number of multi-million dollar loans, mainly in relation to financing projects in the energy sector. Other key areas of work include advising on regular and syndicated loans in the banking sector, while the practice also has a strong emphasis on project financing. Lily Gruba has a wealth of experience in this space, and frequently works with both borrowers and lenders on a broad array of banking matters. Antero Jose Caganda is also skilled at handling a broad variety project financing transactions. Likewise, Angelo Patrick Advincula has a particular focus on project financing, while Jorge Alfonso Melo  is well versed in disputes.

At Gulapa & Lim (Gulapa Law), Aris Gulapa and Jose Maria Angel Machuca co-head the practice, which covers a diverse range of matters. Recent highlights have included advising on various cross-border security agreements as well as on syndicated loan documentation, while the team is also active in matters regarding registration requirements and compliance matters, often times for clients in the digital banking sector. The group also counts the financing aspects of PPP projects amongst its core areas of work.

At Serrano Law, managing partner Elmer Serrano heads the banking and finance practice. The firm has a solid reputation for its work with various lenders and borrowers, and is particularly skilled at advising on the restructuring of credit facilities. Phil Ivan Chan is another important member of the department who is experienced in a wide range of banking and finance matters.

Subido Pagente Certeza Mendoza & Binay (SPCMB Law Offices) is regularly instructed by large domestic and foreign banks, as well as by borrowers. The firm is well-equipped to advise on a range of financing transactions and on various regulatory matters in addition to being adept at handling deals involving loan restructurings. Ma. Joycelyn L. Guirnalda, Maria Patricia Alvarez, and Mary Christine Charisse Catre are at the helm.