Gorriceta Africa Cauton & Saavedra has hired Jose Ma Emmanuel “Kiril” Caral as senior counsel and head of its energy practice to strengthen the firm’s energy law services, particularly in natural resources, petroleum and infrastructure.
“The energy sector is experiencing significant transformation, including increased regulatory scrutiny, growing ESG and sustainability requirements, complex cross-border transactions and evolving infrastructure projects,” Gorriceta’s managing partner Mark Gorriceta told Asia Business Law Journal.
He said clients increasingly require legal advisers who could anticipate these shifts and provide solutions. Caral’s extensive experience in both the Philippine and regional energy markets position him to be well-equipped to guide clients through regulatory changes, complex transactions and emerging challenges in sustainable energy development, said Gorriceta.
Caral joins the firm from Prime Energy, a Philippine natural gas exploration and development company, where he served as head of legal from 2022 to 2025 before transitioning to the role of senior adviser. Prior to this, he spent 12 years as managing counsel and one year as managing director at Shell Philippines Exploration.
In his previous roles, Caral has successfully led high-stakes corporate transitions, international arbitration and public-private partnerships, with deep expertise in corporate governance, ESG, legal risk management and stakeholder relations.
As a senior counsel and head of energy practice group, Caral would lead the development and execution of the firm’s energy law strategy, oversee client engagements in petroleum, renewable energy and infrastructure projects, and provide guidance on regulatory compliance, risk management and dispute resolution, said Gorriceta.
