SyCipLaw contributed the Philippine chapter to the latest edition of Lexology Panoramic: Tax Controversy. The chapter was co-authored by Senior Partner and Head of the Tax Department Carina C. Laforteza, Partner Ronald Mark C. Lleno, Senior Associate Roman George P. Castillo, and Associate Jamsankin Persian D. Orteza. The chapter provides an overview of the Philippines’ legal and regulatory landscape governing tax administration and controversies. It covers topics such as compliance and enforcement, cooperation between tax and other authorities, penalties and the scope of its application, taxpayer rights, and case management processes...
SyCip Salazar Hernandez & Gatmaitan
Offices
Overview
SyCip Salazar Hernandez & Gatmaitan (SyCipLaw) is one of the largest law firms in the Philippines with branch offices in Cebu City, Davao City, and the Subic Freeport Zone. It is a full-service law firm and was founded in 1945.
We offer a broad and integrated range of legal services, including those in the following fields:
* M&A and Special Projects
* Banking, finance and securities
* Corporate services and general commercial law
* Employment law and immigration
* Litigation and dispute resolution
* Tax
* Intellectual property
SyCipLaw has specialists in key practice areas such as anti-trust and competition, energy, infrastructure, real estate, data privacy, natural resources, government contracts, insurance, international arbitration, and TMT.
We represent clients from almost every industry and enterprise, and the firm’s client portfolio includes local and global business leaders. We also act for governmental agencies, international organizations, and non-profit institutions.
SyCipLaw is ranked as a top-tier firm by Chambers Asia-Pacific, Chambers Global, Asia-Pacific Legal 500, asialaw, IFLR1000, and the ALB M&A rankings.
We maintain links with established and leading firms based in other jurisdictions, including the United States, and countries in Europe and Asia.
Year this Office was Founded: 1945
Lawyers Worldwide: 152
Notable
Areas of Practice
Representative Clients
Professionals
Partners
Jan Celine C. Abano-Ranada
Partner
Leah C. Abutan
Partner
Roshni V. Balani
Partner
Melyjane G. Bertillo-Ancheta
Partner
Rodelle B. Bolante
Partner
Easter Princess U. Castro
Partner
John Paul V. de Leon
Partner
Anthony W. Dee
Partner
Leslie C. Dy
Partner
Rafael L. Encarnacion
Partner
Alan C. Fontanosa
Partner in Charge
Vicente D. Gerochi IV
Partner
Joanna Marie O. Joson
Partner
Rose Marie M. King-Dominguez
Partner
Carina C. Laforteza
Partner
Hiyasmin H. Lapitan
Partner
Franco Aristotle G. Larcina
Partner
Ronald Mark C. Lleno
Partner
Carlos Roberto Z. Lopez
Partner
Amer Hussein N. Mambuay
Partner in Charge
Arlene M. Maneja
Partner
Enrique T. Manuel
Head, Intellectual Property Department
Rolando V. Medalla, Jr.
Head, Tax Department
Maria Teresa D. Mercado-Ferrer
Partner
Marianne M. Miguel
Partner
Ricardo Maria P.G. Ongkiko
Head of the Litigation Department
Jose Florante M. Pamfilo
Partner
Dante T. Pamintuan
Partner
Benedicto P. Panigbatan
Partner
Ma. Patricia B. Paz-Jacoba
Partner
Rocky Alejandro L. Reyes
Head of Special Projects Department
Aaron Roi B. Riturban
Partner
Russel L. Rodriguez
Partner
Angel M. Salita, Jr.
Partner
Ramon G. Songco
Partner
Lozano A. Tan
Of Counsel
Marietta A. Tibayan
Partner
Philbert E. Varona
PartnerAssociates
Austin Claude S. Alcantara
Senior Associate
Il Young Choi
Associate
Mark Kevin U Dellosa
Associate
Camille Angela M. Espeleta
Associate
Kristina Paola P Frias
Associate
Ricardo Jesus E. Gutierrez
Associate
Eugenio M Leynes
Associate
Christian B. Llido
Partner
Bhong Paulo A. Macasaet
Senior Associate
Anne Katherine P. Navarrete
Associate
Danielle Mae D. Navarro
Associate
Maria Christina C. Ortua
Senior Associate
Mark Xavier D. Oyales
Associate
Emmar Benjoe B. Panahon
Senior Associate
Rosevee R. Paylip-Guiang
Senior Associate
Javierose M Ramirez
Associate
Loubelle L Razon
Associate
John Christian Joy A. Regalado
Senior Associate
Ramon I Rocha IV
Associate
Renz Jeffrey A Ruiz
Associate
Nikko Emmanuel D Silva
Associate
Tania Stephanie T Telow
Associate
Joan Mae S. To Conejos
Senior Associate
Maria Viola B. Vista
Senior AssociateOf Counsel
Emmanuel M. Lombos
Of Counsel
Imelda A. Manguiat
Of CounselOther
Marie Antoinette Ingcoco
Business Development ManagerArticles
SyCipLaw Highlights Key Developments in International Arbitration in New Chambers Global Practice Guide
SyCipLaw Senior Partner and Litigation Department Head Ricardo Ma. P.G. Ongkiko, and Partners John Christian Joy A. Regalado and Ma. Patricia B. Paz-Jacoba, contributed the Philippine chapter to the 2026 edition of the Chambers Global Practice Guide on International Arbitration. They were assisted by Associates Allan Cairo M. Reyes, Alyanna A. Shi, Gilbert Charles K. Tiong, and Aaliyah T. Ybañez...
Press releases
SyCipLaw Provides Free Legal Assistance to Makati Residents
SyCipLaw, in partnership with the Makati City Government (through the Office of Councilor Atty. Dino Imperial), conducted the ULAS Barangay Caravan on August 29, 2026, at San Isidro National High School. ULAS or Unified Legal Aid Service is a program of the Philippine Supreme Court that requires covered lawyers to provide pro bono legal assistance to indigent and underprivileged individuals.Makati residents participated in one-on-one consultations with 29 SyCipLaw lawyers, who provided a range of legal services, including notarial services, document drafting, and consultation on various legal concerns...
SyCipLaw Joins Stakeholder Dialogue on Cross-Border Services Taxation
SyCipLaw recently participated in a stakeholder dialogue on the taxation of cross-border services, bringing together representatives from government, the business sector, professional services firms, and academe to discuss the implementation of Revenue Memorandum Circular (RMC) No. 5-2024 and emerging tax compliance challenges.The event, titled “Clarifying Policy to Practice: A Stakeholder Dialogue on RMC No. 5-2024 and Emerging Tax Compliance Challenges,” was held at the Asian Institute of Management in Makati City in August.The forum was convened by Arangkada Philippines, with SyCipLaw and R.G. Manabat & Co. serving as co-presenters...
