Founded in 1972 and now the largest law firm in the Philippines by size, ACCRALAW is particularly strong in capital markets, dispute resolution, intellectual property, labour and employment law, and tax. The firm has a stellar track record of handling complex cases both domestically and internationally, and especially in dispute resolution, where the firm has handled a great number of landmark litigation cases. With full-service branches in Cebu and Davao City and a team of approximately 170 legal experts, the firm capably services the clientele that run the full spectrum of business and industry. Senior partners Judy Hao and Andre Navato Jr and partner Melissa Angela Velarde are key contacts.
Work highlights
Representing three major Philippine banking associations in an ongoing constitutional challenge against Section 23 of the Philippine Innovation Act, which mandates a 4% credit allocation of banks' total loanable funds for innovation development. The petition questions the constitutionality of the mandatory allocation requirement, arguing it imposes unreasonable burdens on banking institutions and violates fundamental constitutional principles of property rights and equal protection. The case's resolution will significantly impact banking practices and credit allocation policies across the Philippine financial sector.
Successfully defended GMR Airports Infrastructure officials in multiple criminal proceedings concerning their right to operate Mactan-Cebu International Airport, the Philippines' second busiest airport. The Supreme Court's landmark ruling confirmed that airports are not classified as public utilities under Philippine law, dismissing charges under the Anti-Dummy Law and Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act. This precedent-setting decision validates foreign investment in Philippine airport operations and strengthens the country's public-private partnership framework.
Representing Manila Electric Company and Vantage Energy Solutions Management in an ongoing P1.3 billion ($23.8 million) dispute regarding fuel cost recovery adjustments imposed on contestable customers. The case, involving multiple arbitration proceedings and regulatory challenges before the Energy Regulatory Commission, centres on the interpretation of retail electricity supply agreements and will establish key precedents on regulatory jurisdiction and force majeure principles in the Philippine power sector.
Key clients
ACI, Sanofi Philippines, Titan Dragon Properties Corporation
Work highlights
Advised UBS AG as domestic counsel in a $92 million IPO by Citicore Renewable Energy Corp, representing the only IPO in the Philippines for 2024. The transaction involved complex regulatory requirements and documentation for listing on the Philippine Stock Exchange, with the deal marking a significant development in the country's renewable energy sector capital markets.
Key clients
Land Bank of the Philippines, RCBC Capital Corporation, Unicapital
