The 2024 DOJ-NPS Rules have raised the evidentiary standard for criminal complaints, demanding litigants to develop trial-ready cases as early as preliminary investigation. Here’s what you need to know. The 2024 DOJ-NPS Rules, including the new quantum ofprima facieevidence with reasonable certainty of conviction for preliminary investigations and inquest proceedings, are a valid exercise of the DOJ’s rule-making power. Preliminary investigation and inquest proceedings are executive functions; courts generally have no authority to interfere with the conduct thereof...
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 Established: 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
Hector M. De Leon
Managing Partner
Anthony W. Dee
Partner
Leslie C. Dy
Partner
Rafael L. Encarnacion
Partner
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
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
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
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
SEC Releases New Draft Circular on Online Lending Platforms
On 11 March 2026, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) released for public comment itsdraft memorandum circularentitled “Guidelines Lifting the Moratorium on Online Lending Platforms and Prescribing Prudential, Disclosure, and Market Conduct Requirements for Financing and Lending Companies” (Draft Circular)...
Press releases
SyCipLaw Named Philippine Law Firm of the Year for Seventh Consecutive Year
SyCipLaw has been named Philippine Law Firm of the Year at the Chambers Asia Pacific and Greater China Region Honours 2026, marking the Firm’s seventh consecutive win and 12th overall award since the distinction was established in 2012.Senior Partner and Head of the Employment and Immigration Department Leslie C. Dy accepted the award on behalf of the Firm during the awards ceremony on May 27, 2026 at The Murray in Hong Kong.The Chambers Asia Pacific and Greater China Region Honours recognize outstanding legal work, achievements, and leadership by law firms across the region, based on extensive research conducted for the Chambers Asia Pacific 2026 Guide...
SyCipLaw Shortlisted for Philippine Law Firm of the Year in Chambers Asia Pacific and Greater China Region Honours 2026
SyCipLaw has been shortlisted for Philippine Law Firm of the Year at the upcoming Chambers Asia Pacific and Greater China Region Honours 2026. In 2025, the Firm earned the same recognition for the sixth consecutive year, marking its 11th citation since the award’s inception in 2012.The annual awards seek to recognize leading law firms across the Asia Pacific and Greater China region, highlighting outstanding achievements and excellence identified through the guide’s independent research.Winners will be announced at an awarding ceremony on May 27, 2026, in Hong Kong. The complete shortlist is available on the Chambers website...
