Firms To Watch: Real estate and construction

Sarmiento Loriega Law Firm's was bolstered in February 2024 with the arrival from SyCip Salazar Hernandez & Gatmaitan of land disputes specialist Spencer M. Albos.

Real estate and construction in Philippines

Gatmaytan Yap Patacsil Gutierrez & Protacio (C&G Law)

The practice at Gatmaytan Yap Patacsil Gutierrez & Protacio (C&G Law) has a strong reputation for its capabilities handling high-value and frequently cross-jurisdictional construction and infrastructure work. It is well-equipped to assist its clients in the construction of such significant projects as telecoms towers, rail systems and airports. The team handles the full life cycle of construction projects, from the drafting of contracts, through to completion and ongoing operation. The group is jointly led by corporate and commercial transaction specialist Jaime Renato B. Gatmaytan and Ben Dominic R. Yap, who harnesses expertise in related disputes and transactions. Norma Margarita Patacsil and Andrea Katipunan are key names in the team. Annalisa Carlota departed in May 2024.

Responsables de la pratique:

Jaime Renato B. Gatmaytan; Ben Dominic R. Yap


Autres avocats clés:

Norma Margarita Patacsil; Andrea Katipunan


Principaux clients

First Gen Corporation


FGEN LNG Corporation


SN Aboitiz Power-Magat, Inc.


Aboitiz Power-Benguet, Inc.


Nuevo Solar Energy Corporation


Vena Energy


Alternergy Holdings Corporation


Island Wind Energy Corporation


GNPower Dinginin Ltd. Co.


ACEN Corporation


AC Energy Corporation


SM Prime Holdings, Inc.


Robinsons Land Corporation


Aboitiz Renewables, Inc.


SN Aboitiz Power-Magat, Inc.


Visayan Electric Company


Metro Rail Transit Corporation


Meta Platforms, Inc.


Martinez Vergara & Gonzalez Sociedad

The group at Martinez Vergara & Gonzalez Sociedad is well-placed to assist its sector-spanning client roster on the broad range of complex matters, including assisting in the financing aspects of large-scale and high-value construction projects; drafting facilities and security agreements; and advising on due diligence aspects of construction projects. Additionally, the team is well-equipped to assist with acquisitions and transfers of land. Rosalia Bartolome-Alejo helms the team and harnesses expertise in the financing of various large-scale, land-related transactions. Bartolome-Alejo leads alongside Janice Co for whom due diligence is an area of particular expertise. Gwyneth S. Ong and Erika Paulino are also recommended practitioners.

Responsables de la pratique:

Rosalia Bartolome-Alejo; Janice Co


Autres avocats clés:

Manuel Gonzalez; Erika Paulino; Gwyneth S. Ong


Principaux clients

Sta. Lucia Land, Inc.


PV Sinag Power Inc.


Asia United Bank


Union Bank of the Philippines


Suntrust Resort Holdings, Inc.


P.A. Alvarez Properties Development Corporation


Calumpang Packaging Corporation


Emerging Power Inc.


Principaux dossiers


  • Advised Asia United Bank and Union Bank of the Philippines in the grant of up to Php 9bn term loan facilities in favour of Hann Philippines, Inc. for the construction and development of a 450-hectare luxury golf resort development in New Clark City, Tarlac.
  • Represented Suntrust Resort Holdings, Inc. in its maiden project financing in the amount of Php 25bn, which will partially fund the construction and operational phase of a hotel and casino project in Pasay City, Metro Manila.
  • Assisted Calumpang Packaging Corporation in its acquisition of several parcels of land and material recovery facility assets in Southern Philippines, and obtained the required authority from the Philippine Economic Zone Authority that allowed the company to avail the relevant tax incentives.

Quisumbing Torres

The team at Quisumbing Torres has experience advising on the full gamut of complex real estate transactions. Its workload includes advising on transactional, regulatory and due diligence aspects of acquisitions of land, relocation projects, and constructions of large-scale facilities. The client portfolio the team assists features well-known names from an array of industry sectors. Julius Cervantes has expertise in regulatory and contractual aspects of real estate and construction matters. Donemark Calimon is adept at handling the construction elements of industrial, manufacturing and transportation work. Ramon Miguel Bacani is also a noteworthy name with a specialism in renewable energy, as is Michael Macapagal.

Responsables de la pratique:

Julius Cervantes


Autres avocats clés:

Donemark Calimon; Ramon Miguel Bacani; Michael Macapagal


Principaux clients

Alphabet


Shell


China Harbour Engineering


Changi Airport International Pte. Ltd.


SBA Communications Corporation


Tecnimont SpA


Repsol SA


Principaux dossiers


  • Assisted a religious organization in the due diligence and acquisition of land which will be used by the client for religious purposes.
  • Assisted a multinational tech company on the construction of a state of the art facility within an ecozone under the jurisdiction of the Philippine Economic Zone Authority.
  • Assisted a multinational pharmaceutical company with the real estate and regulatory aspects of the client’s office relocation project.

SyCip Salazar Hernandez & Gatmaitan

SyCip Salazar Hernandez & Gatmaitan‘s offering has a strong reputation in the practice area, and is active advising well-known, sector-spanning clientele on the gamut of complex matters. The team is well-placed to handle all aspects of transactions in both domestic and international contexts, including joint ventures, real estate acquisitions, and high value construction and development projects. Rocky Alejandro L. Reyes oversees the group, key members of which include Hector De Leon, Jr. who has expertise across the range of commercial transactions, and Imelda A. Manguiat, who advises on power projects in particular. John Paul De Leon is also recommended.

Responsables de la pratique:

Rocky Alejandro L. Reyes


Autres avocats clés:

Angel Salita; John Paul De Leon; Bhong Paulo Macasaet; Arlene Maneja; Hector M. De Leon, Jr.; Imelda A. Manguiat; John Paul V. De Leon


Principaux clients

Aboitiz Group


Bell Canada


Dentsu Aegis Network


Frontier Tower Associates Philippines, Inc.


Gilbert & Tobin


Hyatt International


Keppel Midgard Holdings Pte. Ltd.


Manila Electric Company


Marriott


Marubeni Corporation


MasterCard


Maxima Machineries, Inc


Metro Pacific Group


Mitsui Fudosan


Mitsui & Co


Nippon Sanso Holdings Corporation


NTT UD Asia Pte. Ltd.


PLDT, Inc.


San Miguel Corporation


Skadden Arps


TMI Associates


United Laboratories, Inc.


Villaraza & Angangco (V&A Law)

Villaraza & Angangco (V&A Law)‘s group is experienced handling the broad scope of work, from advising its clientele on transactions relating to the establishment of large infrastructure projects, including acquisitions and joint ventures, to advising on the finance aspects of such projects. Procedural and regulatory assistance provision also forms a significant portion of its workload. Commercial expert Raoul R. Angangco helms the team alongside Sylvette Y. Tankiang and Juanito L. Sañosa, who joined the practice in April 2024 from private practice. Kristin Charisse C. Siao has expertise handling project development matters. Former team lead Franchette M. Acosta departed in January 2024.

Responsables de la pratique:

Raoul R. Angangco; Sylvette Y. Tankiang; Juanito L. Sañosa


Autres avocats clés:

Kristin Charisse C. Siao


Principaux clients

Chongqing Panhua Steel Sheet Co., Ltd


AyalaLand Inc.


LF (Philippines) Inc.


Kilowatt Holdings, Inc.


Kiangan Mini Hydro Corporation


Alternergy Mini Hydro Holdings Corporation


Phinma Union Galvasteel Corporation


Lightspire Energy, Inc.


Manila Water Company, Inc.


Principaux dossiers


  • Assisted a foreign steel company with its goal of establishing an integrated steel mill in the Philippines.
  • Handling corporate and commercial matters for Ayala Land, Inc., one of the major key players in the real estate industry of the country

Cruz Marcelo & Tenefrancia

Advising on due diligence aspects of the remit of land and property transfers and operations, and on complex transactional matters including high-value acquisitions, are key features of the Cruz Marcelo & Tenefrancia‘s team’s workload. Manuel Manaligod has expertise handling PPP and infrastructure transactions. The team is jointly led by Aida Araceli G. Roxas-Rivera who is equipped to advise on related contracts, agreements and due diligence, and Rosa Michele C. Bagtas who specialises in property development and related due diligence.

Responsables de la pratique:

Aida Araceli G. Roxas-Rivera; Rosa Michele C. Bagtas


Autres avocats clés:

Manuel Manaligod; Pancho Umali; Francis Fragante; Fernand Joseph Miranda; Eric Dykimching; Karla Ysabel Galang


Principaux clients

W Group, Inc.


Portuguese Land, Inc.


Abraham Holdings, Inc.


IRMO, Inc.


Baltimore Land, Inc.


Citigold Resources and Development Corporation


Lux Pacific Realty Corporation


ILO Properties, Inc.


ILO Land, Inc.


Mapex Realty, Inc.


Asian Development Bank


Philippine Public-Private Partnership Center (PPPC)


PRI Realty, Inc.


Portuguese Land, Inc.


Moldex Realty Corporation


Kalinisan Steam Laundry Inc.


Landco Pacific Corporation


Costa de Madera Landholdings, Inc.


Principaux dossiers


  • Conducted due diligence reviews and advised a real estate company in conducting due diligence over 154 parcels of land located at San Juan, Batangas.
  • Conducted legal due diligence on a 200-hectare parcel of land and the water operations of the seller.

Gulapa & Lim (Gulapa Law)

Gulapa & Lim (Gulapa Law)‘s group has a workload which is formed of matters ranging from preparing bid proposals for large-scale and high-value projects, to drafting proposals for significant construction projects, particularly those in the tech and energy sectors. Aris L. Gulapa has particular experience handling the contractual aspects of real estate and construction matters, and oversees the group alongside Jose Maria Angel P. Machuca who assists clients in the array of infrastructure matters. Teodulo San Juan is noted for his ‘exceptional experience doing EPC and other construction contracts’. 

Responsables de la pratique:

Aris L. Gulapa; Jose Maria Angel P. Machuca


Autres avocats clés:

Teodulo San Juan


Les références

‘Teodulo San Juan has exceptional experience doing EPC and other construction contracts. He is prompt in providing advice, is very commercial, and gives practical advice.’

‘I have had opportunity to compare Gulapa firm’s services with others and in the area of EPC documentation, negotiation, and implementation, Gulapa is on top.’

‘Teodulo San Juan provides sound legal advice to us on most of our projects, especially including construction. Very commercial, acts with respect to counterparties across the negotiating table, is very organised, eager to help, and is very practical in providing advice.’

Principaux clients

Aboitiz InfraCapital, Inc.


Megawide Construction Corporation


Standard Systems Water and Wastewater Technologies, Inc.


Aboitiz Renewables, Inc.


Solar Tanauan Corporation


Peak Off-Grid Innovations and Solutions Inc.


First Balfour, Inc.


Asian Development Bank


International Finance Corporation


Principaux dossiers


  • Assisted a consortium comprising various major infrastructure companies in the Philippines in preparing its bid for the NAIA Rehabilitation Project, which includes advising on legal issues affecting the project and preparing its bid proposal.
  • Assisting Aboitiz Renewables Inc. and its Japanese consortium counterparts in their participation in the bid process of the PSALM for the selection and appointment of the Independent Power Producer Administrator.
  • Assisted the Peak Off-Grid Innovations and Solutions Inc. in the preparation and submission of its unsolicited proposal for the construction of the Marinduque Microgrid Power Project.

Fortun Narvasa & Salazar (H.K.) Services Limited

Fortun Narvasa & Salazar‘s group is well-known for its capabilities handling all aspects of high-stakes sales and purchases for its roster of clients who consider themselves ‘lucky to have them’ as counsel. Real estate and family practitioner Maria Carmen D Babista-Lazaro is at the helm of the practice and is noted for her provision of ‘realistic advice’. Roderick Salazar III is recommended.

Responsables de la pratique:

Maria Carmen D Babista-Lazaro


Autres avocats clés:

Roderick Salazar III


Les références

‘Fortun Narvasa & Salazar team led by Maria Carmen D Babista-Lazaro handles our legal problems in a more systematic way and has a diplomatic approach, compared to other firms. Our company is so lucky to have them – they provide help and assistance in a peaceful manner.’

‘Maria Carmen D Babista-Lazaro – She always gives us a realistic advice, and for that we are able to handle any disputes and problems in a peaceful way. Her personality motivates me personally to be calm, so I can think logically and strategically in resolving problems.’

‘This firm is unique due to its collaborative approach. Other clients may be interested in the team’s strength, such as extensive experience in the field with a client-centred approach.’

Principaux clients

Jones Lang LaSalle (Philippines), Inc.


Amalgamated Development Corporation


First SLP Holdings, Inc.


Czark Mak Corporation


Blackley Holdings, Inc.


F&E De Castro Corporation


Our Properties Ventures, Inc.


One Dominion Ventures, Inc.


Principaux dossiers


  • Assisted a client in the sale of their real properties located in Dasmariñas City to the Wilcon group.
  • Advising the client pertaining to their purchase and sale of their real properties, including the condominium units purchased from St. Francis Square located in Makati City and Pasig City.
  • Assisting the client in the sale transaction documents pertaining to their purchases of several real properties located in Taguig and Cabuyao City, Province of Laguna covered by a Memorandum of Agreement as a result of their conditional sale agreement.

Serrano Law

The group at Serrano Law has broad experience, including advising on the acquisitions of reclamation projects, and assisting with due diligence aspects of real estate investment projects. Finance-related aspects of transactions is a key area of focus for the team and an area of specialism of team lead Elmer B. Serrano. Phil Ivan Chan is noted as a ‘seasoned and experienced’ practitioner by clients.

Responsables de la pratique:

Elmer B. Serrano


Autres avocats clés:

Phil Ivan Chan; Tephanie Gandia; Melissa Jean Hipolito


Les références

‘Elmer B. Serrano and Phil Ivan Chan are experienced lawyers who have successfully handled complex and high-value transactions. Their proficiency is evident in innovative solutions, regulatory compliance and documentation.’

‘The firm is known to be reliable, and knowledgeable on advice needed by our group.’

‘Billy Serrano and Tephanie Gandia are both excellent in terms of guidance needed in our industry.’

Principaux clients

BDO Unibank, Inc.


SM Keppel Land, Inc.


Gratia Capital