

Philippines
We have extensive experience in the Philippines through working with major Philippine conglomerates, banks, the Philippine government, government-owned and controlled corporations and other privately controlled corporations on their transactions throughout the past 25 years.
This has given us an unparalleled track record, expertise and contacts in the market as well as a top tier ranking in the leading legal directories.
Whilst, in common with all international law firms, we do not practice Philippine law, the volume of transactions and disputes that we advise on with a Philippine nexus means we have a very close relationship with the country. This work, has given us an in-depth understanding of Philippine legal, business and cultural practices. We also have specialist expertise to advise on a diverse range of transactions including anti-trust, TMT and specific regional experience.
Our experience
M&A
General Atlantic on its Series C fundraising investment into Kumu, a Philippines-based livestream platform.
Debt capital markets
The dealer manager on Jollibee Food Corporation’s tender offer to purchase for cash its USD600m guaranteed senior perpetual capital securities listed on the SGX-ST.
Equity capital markets
Emperador Inc on its secondary listing by way of introduction on the Mainboard of the Singapore Exchange Securities Trading Limited (SGX-ST). Emperador had an estimated market capitalisation on the PSE of approximately SGD6.8 billion on the day prior to its secondary listing on the SGX-ST and is the first PSE-primary listed company to conduct a secondary listing on the SGX-ST Mainboard.
Banking
BDO Unibank in relation to a USD870m financing to Frontier Tower Associates (a portfolio company of KKR’s) for the acquisition of 3,539 telecom towers from Globe Telecom in the Philippines.
Projects
A Philippine conglomerate as sponsor on its proposed investment into and development of a solar power project in the Philippines.
Disputes
Baggerwerken Decloedt En Zoon NV, a subsidiary of one of the world’s largest dredging companies, in a dispute with the Republic of the Philippines concerning the wrongful cancellation of a contract to dredge the Laguna Lake, outside of Manila. The Philippines was found to have violated the applicable Treaty and damages were awarded to our client. This is the first successful ICSID claim against the Philippines.
News and insights

Publications: 01 December 2022
Podcast: ASEAN data protection and privacy developments: Episode 1 – An overview
In the first episode, our team of ASEAN data experts gave a high level update on the latest happenings in the region. Among other developments, we know that:

Blog Post: 26 April 2022
New Global Cross-Border Privacy Rules Forum established by APEC CBPR members
On 21 April 2022, seven economies participating in the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Cross-Border Privacy Rules (CBPR) System announced the launch of the Global CBPR Forum to facilitate…
Recognition
They provide very sound and well thought out advice that is practical and attuned to the local business realities. They have very good industry knowledge and are very much aware of local regulatory developments.” “They have a very deep pool of lawyers who are able to handle very large transactions. They have a very strong presence in the Philippines and are quite familiar with the key issues such as FDI limits. They always field a team led by partners who are subject matter and industry experts, supported by a team of lawyers who provide very strong support.
Chambers 2023 (Corporate & Finance, Philippine)
Allen & Overy is “very collaborative” and particularly appreciates that the firm is “always trying to achieve what the client needs.
Chambers 2022 (Corporate & Finance, Philippine)
Awards & accolades
- We have been recognised as “International Deal Firm of the Year” four years running, in 2016 to 2019 and 2022 at the ALB Philippine Law Awards.
- Tier 1 - Foreign Firms, The Legal500 Asia Pacific 2023
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We have a leading reputation in the Philippines acting as international counsel. This is demonstrated by us being named “International Deal Firm of the Year” two years running in 2017 and 2016 at the ALB Philippine Law Awards.
Our global coverage
Click on the regions in the map below to find out more about the jurisdictions we cover across the world.
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Europe
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Africa
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Asia Pacific
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Middle East
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North America
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Latin America
In addition to countries where we have offices, we also have a number of International Desks advising clients on large scale international transactions in Europe.
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Global Experts and Markets

Key contacts
Media contact
Contact details
Hong Kong
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9th Floor, Three Exchange Square, Central
Hong Kong
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