MANILA, Philippines — The Asia Business Law Journal has recently released its esteemed A-List, featuring the Philippines’ top 100 lawyers and an additional 35 legal icons, spotlighting the nation’s most accomplished legal minds. This announcement comes amidst a backdrop of significant economic strides within the country, positioning the Philippines among Asia’s fastest-growing economies, a boost largely attributed to government efforts led by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
During the second quarter of 2024, the Philippine economy expanded by 6.3%, a notable increase from 4.3% the previous year. This growth is fueled by heightened government spending on social safety, healthcare, education, and infrastructure, alongside robust export and import performance.
Roberto Claudio, president of the Philippine Retailers Association, has expressed optimism for the retail sector’s future, predicting its GDP contribution could hit 20% by early 2025. Claudio has been actively advocating for the incorporation of online transactions within the national tax regime and is pushing for the swift passage of the Internet Transactions Act to promote equitable competition across the board.
The weavings of law and commerce run deeper with the launch of significant initiatives like the Terra Solar project, earmarked as the world’s largest solar power initiative. This has emphasized the government’s dedication to sustainable growth. In conjunction with this green movement, the Department of Trade and Industry is investing PHP2.65 billion (approximately USD46.7 million) to develop the local halal sector, aiming to tap into a global market projected to reach USD7.7 trillion by next year.
On the legal front, new regulations from the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines have been enacted to bolster the quality of services and public protection by formalizing the recognition of IP agents and lawyers. The legal community is also closely watching the developments in the energy sector, where the Department of Energy recently entertained eight bids for petroleum and natural hydrogen exploration.
These dynamic economic and regulatory landscapes have inevitably ripened the need for top-tier legal expertise, a demand that the A-List aims to satisfy. Chosen through meticulous research and nominations from in-house counsel nationwide and abroad, these legal professionals are recognized not only for their expert handling of complex legal issues but also for their innovative approaches to the legal challenges presented by a rapidly evolving marketplace.
Notable mentions among the A-List include Oliver Pantaleon, a senior partner at ACCRALAW. His decade-long performance has been highly esteemed in various circles, notably by Harvey Dychiao, managing director at Bonifacio Capital, who praised Pantaleon’s ability to navigate through complex matters effectively, aligning legal solutions closely with client goals and commercial realities.
Further commendations were given to lawyers like Alden Gonzalez of DivinaLaw and Edsel F Tupaz, a senior partner specializing in data privacy and artificial intelligence at Gorriceta Africa Cauton & Saavedra. These professionals illustrate the high caliber of expertise and dedication prevalent among the Philippines’ legal top-tier, encapsulated within this A-List.
As the international spotlight on the Philippines’ economic and legal sectors intensifies, these legal practitioners not only mediate the complexities of today’s most pressing commercial and regulatory issues but also shape the future landscape of Philippine and Asian legal standards. The Asia Business Law Journal’s A-List provides a crucial benchmark for legal excellence in the country, celebrating the intricacies and advancements that these leading lawyers navigate daily.