Our Services

Arbitration and Dispute Settlement

We work hand in hand with our clients to tailor our approach bearing in mind the primary goal of limiting the reputational and financial damage that may result from a dispute. Whether in court or other venues of dispute resolution, we advise our clients on the most-cost effective mode to resolve a dispute.

Our litigation lawyers represent clients before the:

• Metropolitan Trial Court,
• Regional Trial Court,
• Court of Appeals,
• Sandiganbayan,
• Office of the Ombudsman, and
• Supreme Court.

They have also appeared before administrative bodies and quasi-judicial tribunals including the:

• Bureau of Immigration,
• Bureau of Internal Revenue,
• Department of Labor and Employment,
• Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines,
• National Labor Relations Commission, and
• Securities and Exchange Commission.

For some clients, going to court may not always be the best option to resolve a dispute. In the long run, the cost of litigation may outweigh any award to a party. The trend now is to resort to alternative methods of dispute resolution such as arbitration especially if a foreign investor is a party to a case. We can also represent clients before any alternative dispute resolution centers.

Anti-Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing

In this compliance regime, it is imperative not only for financial institutions but also for non-bank financial institutions to adopt a customized and risk-based anti-money laundering and terrorist financing (AML/FT) compliance programs. That is also to protect the institutions from being used by those involved in money laundering or terrorist financing activities.

Our subject matter expert assists our clients in identifying and developing policies and programs that need to be implemented based on applicable legislation and rules and regulations and consistent with global best practices taking into consideration the nature of activities and products of the covered institutions. Failure to comply can result in financial sanctions or criminal prosecution or both.

We also provide an independent audit and review of the AML/FT program of our clients to make the program relevant and properly address any new risks or rectify deficiencies.

Finally, it is equally important to raise awareness and to train staff in recognizing and dealing with transactions that might be related to money laundering and terrorist financing. We can also design a training program suited for the business activities and products of our clients.

Corporate and Commercial

We offer a full spectrum of advice on corporate and commercial matters across various sectors. We understand that time is of the essence in every transaction of our clients. That is why we dedicate a team to provide immediate assistance to prepare, review, and advise on the concerns of our clients.

Our commercial experience includes general corporate counseling, advising on all commercial contracts, and assistance on the following ventures:

• Asset Sales and Purchases
• Business Registration and Compliance Services
• Corporate Governance Advice
• Due Diligence
• Distributorship
• Franchising
• Joint Ventures
• Stock Sales and Purchases
• Withdrawal of License and Closure of Business

Our lawyers and professionals are experts in their respective fields and remain current on investment laws and compliance issues. We also have a corporate services team who are skilled in corporate housekeeping and corporate secretarial services. Under the supervision of a lawyer, they do:

• Documentation for company formation and amendment of corporate documents;
• Preparation of reportorial requirements of the SEC;
• Preparation of minutes of meetings, board resolutions, and secretary’s certificates; and
• Other corporate and legal documents.
• Renewal of business permit (mayor’s permit) and BIR registration.

Data Privacy

Information and communications technology plays a vital role in promoting innovation and economic growth. Regulators, however, implement rules and regulations to ensure that privacy of every person is not sacrificed. Companies are under close watch on how they use personal information. We help our clients navigate the rapidly evolving privacy and technology areas by providing the following services:

• Privacy Advisory Services and Compliance;
• Drafting and Review of Privacy Compliance Documents
• Conduct Training; and
• Advice on data protection, document retention policies, and e-commerce law.

We work hand in hand with clients to keep them abreast on any development on privacy laws and regulations and to design a privacy compliance program taking into consideration the products and services of each client. Designing a privacy compliance program does not end there. An enterprise has to conduct a periodic audit of its privacy policies and internal processes to be compliant and minimize legal risks.

Training the staff also is a key to ensure compliance with the privacy policies of the company and of the applicable legal requirements. We assist clients in designing the training fit to the client’s business activities and products.

Intellectual Property

Our intellectual property lawyers provide assistance to our clients including registration and maintenance of:

• Trademark,
• Patent,
• Industrial design, and
• Utility model application.

With regard to trademark protection, we conduct and review searches, prepare opinion letters, and prosecute trademark applications as well as handling the defense of trademark in administrative proceedings before the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines.

In terms of transactions involving intellectual property, we help our clients negotiate and draft license agreements, non-disclosure, collaboration, and distribution agreements.

Labor and Employment

Human resources play a vital role in every organization. We advise clients to tackle day-to-day employment and HR-related concerns as well as on the HR impact of their transactions. Some of our services include:

• Advice and assistance in ensuring compliance with the labor laws and regulations of the Philippines;
• Drafting and review of employment, consultancy, and project employment agreements;
• Preparation of executive compensation and benefits;
• Preparation of Handbooks, Manuals, HR Policies, and onboarding documents;
• Employment Termination and Dismissals; and
• Filing of Alien Employment Permit and Visa Applications of Foreign Talents on behalf of client companies.

We also represent clients in contentious matters involving allegations of illegal dismissal as well as in non-contentious and regulatory matters such as failure to comply with labor standards. Before any employment-related concerns arise, we encourage our clients to do an internal employment audits to protect them from allegations of any labor law violation.

Tax

We offer tax advisory services and assistance to both private enterprises and not for profit organizations.

Our tax-related services include:

• Advice on the tax efficiency of corporate vehicles when entering the Philippine market or in acquiring other businesses or disposing of assets.
• Advice on tax audits;
• Representation before the tax authorities, Court of Tax Appeals, and Supreme Court;
• Application for tax rulings, tax treaty reliefs,
• Application for tax incentives or preferential tax rate from investment promotion agencies; and
• Certification from the Philippine NGO Certification for tax incentive availment of Non-profit organizations.

Visa Services and Immigration

We have a comprehensive scope of services and workflow allowing ease of transaction. Our Immigration Consultants and seasoned Visa Specialists have in-depth knowledge of each application type and are adept in establishing contingency plans for instantaneous immigration concerns or situations. Our close working relationship with the government agencies involved in immigration help our clients have an overall pleasant experience from the time they signed up with us and up to the end of engagement.

Each visa application is treated differently depending on the case, requirements, and needs of the client. The scope of work includes guidance in choosing the right visa/permit application, evaluation, and assistance in complying with documentary requirements, timely filing, and processing of application, consistent monitoring and collaboration with the client. With the opportune and significant rise of business, employment, and relocation opportunities in the Philippines, our team can be your trusted partner for your visa and immigration needs.

In addition to visa services, we assist in filing the necessary petition for lifting of derogatory records for overstaying, for instance, and other other immigration concerns.

Australia

• Visitor Visa (subclass 600)
  Approval period: 2 weeks

United Kingdom

• Visitor Visa
  Approval period:
  Regular – 10-15 days,
  Priority – 3-5 days
  Superpriority – 24 hours

India

• Business Visa
  Approval period: 2 weeks

Japan

• Temporary Visitor Visa for Commercial Purpose
  Approval period: 2 weeks

* Schengen business visa

• Approval period: 2 weeks