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A series of legal reforms have recently been underway in the Philippines to increase the nation’s energy self-sufficiency and secure its energy supply, keeping lawyers busy with associated work.

In January 2025, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr signed into law the Philippine Natural Gas Industry Development Act, which aims to expand the share of natural gas in the national energy mix and strengthen energy security. The new law is expected to enhance the stability of domestic natural gas supply and reduce vulnerability to global supply chain disruptions.

The Philippine Congress is currently undertaking procedures to enact the Philippine National Nuclear Energy Safety Act, which establishes the Philippine Atomic Energy Regulatory Authority, the new independent regulatory body, consistent with international safety standards on the use of nuclear energy.

Despite uncertainties such as the global strengthening of trade barriers and economic slowdown, these legal reforms regarding energy are expected to serve as a driving force for the Philippine economy.

Economic experts support optimism. According to a World Bank report published in June 2025, the Philippines is projected to be the second-fastest growing economy in Southeast Asia until 2027, behind Vietnam. The international financial institution forecasts the country’s GDP to expand by 5.4% in 2026, and 5.5% in 2027.

Meanwhile, the Philippine government is actively pursuing membership in the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) to enhance its trade and investment opportunities. By joining the CPTPP, the Philippines is expected to gain benefits including increased market accessibility, and domestic law firms are set to act as crucial stakeholders in navigating a constantly changing landscape.

Against this promising backdrop, Asia Business Law Journal proudly presents the country’s top 100 A-List lawyers and 38 legal icons. These legal professionals are praised for their dedication to best practices and excellence in service delivery.

Comments submitted to ABLJ by clients indicate that there is a clear preference for lawyers who are responsive and willing to go the extra mile to understand clients’ requirements.

Swiftness and precision

One such lawyer is Alfonso B Verzosa from DivinaLaw. He is nominated by Rizza Colobong, the director of human resources welfare and development at Jubilee Christian Academy, based in Quezon City.

“Alfonso B Verzosa of DivinaLaw has been an indispensable legal adviser to our institution, providing expert counsel on a retainer basis,” says Colobong. “What truly sets him apart is his remarkable responsiveness – he addresses urgent matters with swiftness and precision, ensuring that our institution remains protected and compliant.

“His deep commitment to our institution’s success, coupled with his vast experience and approachable demeanour, makes him not just a lawyer but a true partner in our mission. We are grateful for his unwavering support and look forward to many more years of collaboration.”

Patricia-Ann T Prodigalidad, a managing partner at ACCRALAW, is likewise recommended by Daniel Chia, the managing partner of Prolegis and head of litigation at Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer Prolegis Formal Law Alliance.

“Patricia has helped us on matters by supporting us with Philippine law advice and guidance. I have found her very user-friendly, very commercial, very responsive and very astute and to the point,” says Chia.

“Her views and opinions have been used extensively in courts outside of the Philippines, where she has given evidence as a Philippine law expert. It’s been a real pleasure working with her and her team, which are top-notch.”

Maria Carla Uykin, the chief legal officer at Megaworld Corporation in Manila, adds: “Prodigalidad is a seasoned litigator who excels at handling complex cases, even with time constraints. She also gives timely and meaningful input on emerging legal trends in the real estate and construction industries, enabling us to keep abreast of such trends and incorporate the same in our internal procedures and policies.”

Joseph Rebano, a maritime law expert from Del Rosario & Del Rosario, is praised by Richard Brearley, the vice president of crew and travel operations at Carnival Cruise Line in Florida, for his clarity, integrity and precision.

“Rebano’s commitment to excellence upholds the highest standards of legal practice and strengthens the foundation of maritime governance and industry compliance. He consistently provides sound counsel and navigates complex maritime issues with clarity, integrity and precision.”

Rebano is also recommended by Mailyn Borillo, a managing director at OSM Thome Philippines in Manila, a ship management and maritime services company, who appreciates “Rebano’s extensive experience and deep knowledge of maritime law”.

“He has a rare talent for making the complicated simple, all while ensuring fairness for everyone involved – even those on the other side of the fence. Beyond his expertise, his positive energy and calm persona are a breath of fresh air in what can often be an intimidating legal process,” says Borillo.

A stellar IP lawyer

The Philippines has a comprehensive legal framework for protecting intellectual property rights, and many IP lawyers have received praise from clients and made the A-List.

Patricia Bunye, the managing partner at Cruz Marcelo & Tenefrancia, is recommended by Alan Adcock, a partner at Tilleke & Gibbins in Bangkok. “Patricia’s reputation as a stellar commercial and IP transactional lawyer extends far beyond the Philippines, given her leadership roles in the Licensing Executives Society International, as well as being the go-to referral for so many of us here in the region,” says Adcock. “I regularly hear clients praise her clear and practical advice, responsiveness and professionalism.”

Jeremiah Pampolina, the chief sustainability officer from Sta Lucia Land in Manila, also acknowledges Bunye. During his company’s nationwide expansion, Bunye navigated legal and regulatory hurdles, ensuring board alignment and compliance.

“Respected for her precision and discretion, Bunye exemplifies the modern corporate secretary – a trusted adviser who safeguards both governance and long-term value,” says Pampolina.

Bienvenido Somera, from Villaraza & Angangco, receives praise from Cecilia S Santos, who is the first vice president of the legal services group and the office of the corporate secretary at BDO Unibank in Manila.

“Bienvenido Somera’s legal expertise in the field of IP and his commitment to achieving favourable outcomes for his clients’ cases are highly commendable,” says Santos. “He and his team’s dedication and hard work to serve the best interest of their client went above and beyond expectations.”

Excellent M&A lawyer

While the M&A market in the Philippines showed robust performance in 2024, achieving a total deal value of USD8.6 billion across 113 transactions, several M&A lawyers in the country earned the prestigious recognition of being on the A-List by handling difficult transactions carefully and judiciously.

Michael J Yoshii, senior in-house counsel at Marubeni Corporation, an integrated trading and investment business company in Singapore, describes Maria Elizabeth E Peralta-Loriega, from Sarmiento Loriega Law Offices, as an “excellent M&A lawyer”.

“Beth has been my go-to attorney for M&A and infrastructure projects in the Philippines for more than 10 years,” says Yoshii. “Beth has a unique superpower in that she is both an excellent M&A lawyer and an excellent tax lawyer. Both skills are essential for the crucial first steps of deal structuring and identifying the major issues in a transaction. She is also a very hard worker and provides excellent service to clients.”

Edward Koehler, special counsel at Hunton Andrews Kurth in Bangkok, agrees with Yoshii. “I have worked with Beth for many years on multiple Philippine transactions with complicated transaction projects and shareholder structures. Beth is the complete lawyer, bringing responsive, insightful experience to each transaction, and as to tax matters Beth is always on point, knowing the law and providing solutions.”

Minerva A Santos, a senior partner from PunoLaw who focuses on M&A and energy, is mentioned by clients for her expertise in structuring complex transactions. Joanne Melanie Trinidad-Gemanil, general legal manager at Vena Group in Makati, says: “Her work has been instrumental in various projects of Vena, which span across financing, offtake agreements, regulatory and compliance matters. With a strategic approach to risk allocation and a deep understanding of sector-specific regulations, Minerva continues to be a trusted adviser to Vena Energy.”

Mark S Gorriceta, a managing partner at Gorriceta Africa Cauton & Saavedra who focuses on M&A and technology, media and telecommunications, is chosen as a trusted adviser by Omar Mahmoud, the managing director at Creador Private Equity in Kuala Lumpur. “Mark consistently strikes a balance between sharp commercial insight and practical, common-sense judgment. He’s a trusted adviser not only to our firm but also to our portfolio companies across the Philippines,” says Mahmoud.

Indispensable pillar

Some lawyers in the Philippines are also recognised for their commitment to pro bono work, demonstrating that their efforts not only change lives but also enhance public confidence in the legal profession.

One example is Roy Enrico C Santos, a managing partner from PJS Law. Maria Fatima Lorenzo, the co-founder of the Kythe Foundation in Quezon City, testifies that Santos and PJS Law have served as their pro bono legal consultants for more than a decade.

“[The] Kythe Foundation provides crucial psychosocial and financial support to children battling cancer, and Santos has been an indispensable pillar of our work,” says Lorenzo.

“His expertise, particularly in employment and labour law, proved critical in navigating one of the foundation’s most challenging crises. Thanks to Santos’ astute guidance, Kythe Foundation not only overcame this hurdle but also maintained its sterling reputation among sponsors and donors.”

Sartono S, a managing partner at Dentons HPRP in Jakarta, adds: “Santos is very responsive and solution oriented. Working with Santos gives us assurance that the matter will be well taken care of and a solution achieved.”

Dino Vivencio A Tamayo, a senior partner at Poblador Bautista & Reyes, is recognised for his commitment to mentorship.

Renato Vehemente, the head of legal and compliance at FDC Utilities in Makati, a company focusing on power generation, commends Tamayo for “sharing his talent and experience by teaching young lawyers with technical skills and coaching them” with ethical mentorship.

“Dino’s leadership is manifested through the excellent dedication of the firm’s associates,” says Vehemente.

“His leadership, integrity and passion in litigation deserve recognition. He is very enthusiastic to understand a client’s case and maintains a high level of integrity by providing only fair and just legal solutions.”