GC Summit Philippines 2024

The role of general counsel and senior in-house legal advisors is constantly evolving to meet the rapidly changing demands of organisations in today’s business world. In addition to overseeing the day-to-day legal challenges affecting the business and managing legal staff, in-house lawyers are expected to diversify their service offering in order to overcome a growing list of commercial challenges. Whether it is managing internal investigations, defending their company in cross-border disputes, handling complex data or adapting to the shifting trends in M&A, the required skillset of the profession is developing at an exponential rate.

The Legal 500’s GC Summit Philippines 2024 invites the most esteemed in-house counsel from the country’s most prolific companies, and leading practitioners to discuss their changing roles as in-house leaders and the challenges, issues and opportunities they are set to face in 2024 and beyond.

Between comprehensive panel discussions, presentations and the opportunity to meet and engage with fellow in-house counsel, GC Summit Philippines promises to be a practical, forward-looking event bringing together the region’s top legal minds.

Agenda

8.30am – 9.00am Arrival & Registration

9.00am – 9.10am Opening Remarks

Legal 500 senior research analyst Franciso Castro will introduce the day’s festivities before handing over to our keynote speakers, who will speak about some of the challenges and opportunities facing in-house counsel in the Philippines, to set the tone for the Summit.

• Francisco Castro, senior research analyst, The Legal 500
• Maria Christina J. Macasaet-Acaban, partner, Quisumbing Torres
• Lirene C. Mora, head of global corporate legal affairs, International Container Terminal Service, Inc. (ICTSI)

9.10am – 10.00am The Benefits of, Challenges to, and Trends on Commercial Arbitration in the Philippines

The panel seeks to discuss the practical considerations and challenges presented if and when the parties chose to resolve their disputes through arbitration. Aside from what the rules require, may it be through an institutional or ad hoc arbitral bodies, the process and success of any dispute resolution mechanism necessitate close coordination and cooperation between external counsels and the client’s in-house/internal legal counsels.

Attys. Jose Martin R. Tensuan, Arnold M. Corporal, Antonio Eduardo S. Nachura, Jr., and Thomas Andrew T. Yuzon will examine the benefits of arbitration proceedings vis-à-vis regular court actions in terms of the speed and efficiency required of the parties, the tribunals and courts, the recoverable costs, and the effect of the awards and decisions rendered in these two types of proceedings.

Through the lens of both the external and in-house legal counsels, the panel will also share their expertise and experience in addressing the challenges presented by participating in arbitration proceedings in a legal landscape that predominantly prefers judicial bodies for dispute resolution.

Finally, the panel will also give their insights on the developing jurisprudence relating to the enforcement of foreign and domestic arbitral awards under the 1958 United Nations Convention on the Recognition and Enforcement of Foreign Arbitral Awards.

• Jose Martin R. Tensuan, senior partner, Angara Abello Concepcion Regala & Cruz Law
• Arnold M. Corporal, senior partner, Angara Abello Concepcion Regala & Cruz Law
• Antonio Eduardo S. Nachura, Jr., partner, Angara Abello Concepcion Regala & Cruz Law
• Thomas Andrew T. Yuzon, deputy general counsel, Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas

10.00am – 10.50am Untangling Delisting: Navigating the Pros, Cons, and Tax Considerations

• Roel Refran, COO, The Philippine Stock Exchange
• Michael P. Garcia, partner, Romulo Mabanta Buenaventura Sayoc & de los Angeles
• Ricardo M. Pilares III, vice-president for legal and corporate governance officer, Metro Pacific Investments Corporation
• Carina Sumilong Bayon, chief environmental, social and governance officer Pepsi Cola Products Philippines Inc.
• Claudia Squillantini, senior associate, Capital Markets, Romulo Mabanta Buenaventura Sayoc & de los Angeles

10.50am – 11.05am Coffee Break

11.05am – 11.35am Employer’s Duty of Care: Mental Health in the Workplace

The presentation will discuss the legal paradigm for mental health in the workplace, particularly in light of the three (3) major legislations/rules on the matter: the Magna Carta for Persons with Disabilities, the Mental Health Act and the Department of Labor and Employment’s Guidelines for the Implementation of Mental Health Workplace Policies and Programs for the Private Sector.

The speaker will discuss how mental health condition is considered a disability under current laws and the corresponding obligations imposed upon employers on employees with diagnosed mental health issues, including “reasonable accommodation”. The speaker will also provide practical guidance on what are considered reasonable accommodations to workers with mental health conditions, and the limits of accommodations.

The speaker will also outline how, after exhausting reasonable accommodations, the employer can separate an employee suffering from a persistent mental health condition.

• Rashel Ann C. Pomoy, partner, Villaraza & Angangco

11.35am – 12.25pm The Evolving Role of Legal Counsel in Tech and Fintech

This panel discussion will explore the anticipated changes and growing complexities in the roles of legal professionals within the technology and financial technology sectors. Comprising of leading legal experts and industry pioneers, the panel is set to explore the impacts of rapid technological advancements and shifting regulatory landscapes on legal practices. It will emphasize the evolving nature of legal counsel roles, from traditional advising to becoming strategic partners in business innovation and risk management.

Key discussions will include integrating legal expertise with an in-depth understanding of emerging technologies like AI and blockchain, adapting to global compliance and data privacy challenges, and navigating ethical considerations in tech-driven environments.

The session aims to highlight the importance of continuous learning and interdisciplinary collaboration for legal professionals, stressing their increasingly pivotal role in their respective organizations through complex legal and regulatory terrains. Ultimately, the panel seeks to demonstrate how legal professionals can thrive in the ever-evolving intersection of law and technology, thus promoting their significance in shaping the future of the legal industry.

• Moderator: Kristine Torres, partner at Gorriceta Africa Cauton & Saavedra
• Mark S. Gorriceta, managing partner, Gorriceta Africa Cauton & Saavedra
• ⁠Miscen Desiderio-Dime, director for legal and compliance, Philippines, Accenture
• Geossiel A. Cotoco, general counsel and corporate secretary, senior vice-president, UnionDigital
• Robert Josef De Guzman, head of legal and corporate governance, risk, and compliance (LGRC), Coins.ph

12.25pm – 1.25pm Lunch

1.25pm – 2.15pm Strategic Solutions: Streamlining Arbitration Costs and Enhancing Efficiency

The panel will share their experiences in navigating issues arising from submitting their disputes to arbitration. They will focus on practical experiences and insights from legal professionals collaborating with stakeholders and clients. Topics include cost-efficient collaboration between in-house counsel and external firms, as well as methods to improve efficiency in output and expenses. This session will also examine the current business and legal landscape while anticipating shifts due to recent technological advancements. The discussion aims to provide best practices and innovative approaches to achieve greater efficiency while maintaining quality and compliance in all stages of arbitration.

• Elmar B. Galacio, senior partner, Cruz Marcelo & Tenefrancia
• Carla S. Pingul, partner, Cruz Marcelo & Tenefrancia
• Jacques S. Lynn, partner, Cruz Marcelo & Tenefrancia
• Cynthia Nuval, corporate legal counsel, Green Energy & Alternative Technologies, Inc.
• Jeremy Wan, government corporate attorney, Office of the Government Corporate Counsel

2.15pm – 2.45pm Driving Foreign Investment: Suggestions to Accelerate the Philippine IPO Market

• James Grandolfo, partner, Milbank LLP
• Paul Pery, partner, Milbank LLP
• Moderated by Francisco Castro, senior research analyst, The Legal 500

2.45pm – 3.00pm AI, and the legal department of the future

917Ventures’ Head of Legal, Jill Genio talks about the role of tech and AI in law practice–introducing Amicus as its latest innovation–aimed at helping Filipino lawyers be more efficient and productive with their tasks, through the use of AI.

• Jill Genio, head of legal, 917Ventures

3.00pm – 3.30pm Fireside Chat: Perspectives of Inhouse Counsel on Interfacing with External Counsel in Cross-Border Transactions and Disputes

• Arvin Lee, partner, Wee Swee Teow LLP
• Mona Katigbak, general counsel, hydro power, GE Vernova
• Amabelle Asuncion, chief legal officer and chief compliance officer, Manila Water

3.30pm – 3.45pm Coffee Break

3.45pm – 4.35pm Competition Law Enforcement Updates, Issues in Digital Markets, and Interplay with ESG

• Alain Charles J. Veloso, partner, Quisumbing Torres
• Michael Macapagal, partner, Quisumbing Torres
• Ferdinand M. Negre, commissioner, The Philippine Competition Commission
• Takahiro Kenjie Aman, legal counsel, GCash

4.35pm – 5.00pm Presentation: Business and the Local Government
During this session, attendees will gain an understanding of the dynamics between private businesses and local government units (LGUs) in a Philippine context. The discussion will begin with the structure and creation of LGUs, emphasizing the powers granted to them by law in light of their dual character as a subdivision of the national government and a corporate entity representing the inhabitants of its territory.

Thereafter, the practical aspects of business interactions will be discussed, including the issuance of business permits, the levying of taxes, and the LGU’s power to act in its proprietary capacity. By providing basic facts regarding the workings of LGUs and their interactions with business, the presentation will provide the audience with a better understanding of (i) how to navigate the regulatory landscape of LGUs and (ii) the efforts made to foster an environment conducive to business.

• Michael Arthur R. Camiña, city legal officer, The City of Makati

5.00pm – 5.05pm Closing remarks

• Francisco Castro, senior research analyst, The Legal 500
• Kristian Nico Calugay Acosta, general counsel and head of legal department, GUESS Group

5.05pm – 6.00pm Networking Drinks

Speakers

James Grandolfo, partner, Milbank LLP

James Grandolfo is a partner of Milbank LLP, head of Milbank (Hong Kong) LLP and a member of Milbank’s Global Capital Markets Group. He has over 25 years’ experience representing issuers and investment banks in a variety of debt, equity and equity-linked capital markets transactions, including high yield and investment grade debt issuances, initial public offerings, a variety of liability management exercises, Rule 144A and Regulation S transactions and SEC-registered offerings.

Active throughout Asia, including in many of its emerging and frontier markets, James is especially sought out for his experience in India and the Philippines. In the Philippines in particular he advises across a variety of capital markets, M&A, private equity and leveraged finance matters and is widely considered one of the most experienced international lawyers practicing in this jurisdiction. Mr. Grandolfo’s experience spans a wide range of sectors, including finance, renewable, conventional and new power and energy, real estate, hospitality and gaming, TMT, infrastructure and logistics, among others. Combining his expertise in both capital markets and M&A, Mr. Grandolfo advises on SPAC transactions from Asia and is also active on sustainability and sustainability-linked transactions.

Paul Pery, partner, Milbank LLP

Paul Pery is a partner of Milbank (Hong Kong) LLP and a member of the firm’s Global Capital Markets Group. For over a decade Paul has been advising issuers and investment banks in a variety of debt, equity and equity-linked capital markets transactions. He regularly acts on high yield and investment grade debt issuances, initial public offerings, a variety of liability management exercises as well as other Rule 144A and Regulation S transactions and SEC-registered offerings and is routinely sought out to advise on a variety of corporate and M&A transactions.

Paul’s practice focuses on Southeast Asia, with particular expertise in the Philippines, where he has advised extensively, as well as India, Hong Kong and Mongolia. His experience spans a wide number of sectors such as finance, real estate, telecommunications, retail and consumer and power and energy, and he has particular experience advising on sovereign and quasi-sovereign issuers.

Mark S. Gorriceta, managing partner, Gorriceta Africa Cauton & Saavedra

Mark S. Gorriceta is the Managing Partner and Head of the Corporate Group and Technology Media and Telecommunications Group of Gorriceta Africa Cauton & Saavedra.

He represents domestic conglomerates in their digitization efforts as well as the Philippines’ top technology companies – both local and global entities – and further renders his expertise in corporate structuring, tax, banking & finance, capital markets, equity financing, and in navigating complex cross-border commercial transactions.

With over 20 years of experience in private practice, Mark has developed an extensive expertise in complex corporate transactions, commercial contracts and regulatory matters in a range of areas that impact businesses – whether for start-ups or for Top 1000 companies in the Philippines. He is a leading lawyer in the Philippines in the fields of Capital Markets, Mergers & Acquisitions and Securities Law. Mark has been recognized as one of the Philippines’ Top 100 Lawyers for four consecutive years (2020, 2021, 2022 and 2023) by the Asia Business Law Journal. With pioneering expertise on the law on digital assets, fintech, blockchain, virtual currencies, e-commerce, data privacy, and artificial intelligence, he is legal counsel to the biggest and most impactful technology and online companies in the Philippines and has been recognized as one of the Top Technology Media & Telco Lawyers in Asia and Ranked # 1 in the Philippines in the Tech/Fintech/Innovation space. He is also recognized by The Legal 500 as a Leading Individual in TMT and is recommended in the areas of Tax, Banking and Finance, Capital Markets, Corporate and Mergers and Acquisitions.

Mark is a faculty member of the Ateneo de Manila University’s Graduate School of Business teaching Mergers & Acquisitions and serves as lecturer at the Fintech and Regulatory Innovation Program of the Mapua University in collaboration with the University of Cambridge of England.

Claudia Gabriella R. Squillantini, senior associate, Romulo Mabanta Buenaventura Sayoc & de los Angeles

Claudia is a senior associate who works with several practice groups, including Securities, Project Development and Finance, and Corporate Banking.

Her practice presently spans several areas. Claudia assists in advising issuers, shareholders, and investment banks on securities offerings, many of which involve the Securities and Exchange Commission. She has also assisted in advising clients on various competition law matters and in completing several merger notifications to the Philippines Competition Commission.

Claudia’s corporate practice also extends to project financing and registration of foreign investment in nationalised industries. She has also assisted in advising domestic and foreign clients on various corporate deals and transactions involving cross-border mergers and acquisitions, corporate structuring and regulatory compliance.

Francisco Castro, senior research analyst, The Legal 500

Francisco joined the Legal 500’s GC Powerlist series in August 2022. As part of its in-house legal research team, Francisco’s work focuses on researching, editing and interviewing some of the most prominent and exceptional in-house counsel of some of the largest companies in the world. He has also played a part in chairing Legal 500 summits all around world, and is a regular host for The Legal 500’s webinar series, which provides market-leading expertise on a distinctive digital platform.

Additionally, Francisco has extensive research experience in other fields, such as Public Policy, Higher Education and International Law. Other scientific areas of interest include International Relations, Geopolitics and International Humanitarian Law. Francisco is fluent in English, Portuguese and Spanish.

Rashel Ann C. Pomoy, partner, Villaraza & Angangco

Ms. Pomoy is the Deputy Head of the Labor and Employment Practice Group and a Partner of the Firm.

Ms. Pomoy has an extensive experience with domestic and international clients on all aspects of employment and industrial relations, including general employment advisory and assistance, employee investigation, employment and industrial relations disputes, international transfers and global mobility matters, large-scale reductions in workforce and corporate restructures and the employment aspects associated with corporate transactions.

She regularly assists in navigating complex contentious and non-contentious employment matters faced by multinational companies with presence in the Philippines. She strategizes with employers to foster early resolution of disputes with due consideration to the clients’ business realities and plans.

In 2023 and 2024, Ms. Pomoy was recognized as Recommended Lawyer for Labor and Employment in The Legal 500 Asia-Pacific Rankings. She was featured as among Asia’s Top 40 under 40 Lawyers by Asian Legal Business in 2023, and one of the 40 experts from 24 countries across the globe in the International Employment Lawyer’s second annual Tomorrow’s Leaders survey. In 2022, she was recognized as Employment Litigation Expert in the Philippines by The Lawyer Network.

Elmar B. Galacio, senior partner, Cruz Marcelo & Tenefrancia

Elmar Galacio is Deputy Managing Partner and leads the Arbitration and ADR practice at Cruz Marcelo & Tenefrancia. He is a Fellow and Assessor of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (CIArb), arbitrator at Singapore International Arbitration Center (SIAC), and member of the ICC Institute of World Business Law, ICCA, APIEx, and DRBF. He has obtained an Oxford Diploma in International Commercial Arbitration (DiplCIArb), a Certificate in International Investment Arbitration from the Washington College of Law, and a Certificate in Maritime Disputes and Arbitration from the Lloyd’s Maritime Academy. His far-reaching experience as a distinguished arbitrator, advisor, and litigator handling diverse disputes nationally and internationally as well as published articles cover all stages of ADR and arbitration-related processes, including preventive dispute mechanisms and advice, to post-award enforcement, remedies, and judicial recourse.

Carla S. Pingul, partner, Cruz Marcelo & Tenefrancia

Pingul is a partner at Cruz Marcelo & Tenefrancia. Her practice areas include arbitration, data privacy litigation, tax litigation, banking litigation, trial advocacy and appellate practice. She has represented clients before the Permanent Court of Arbitration and the International Chamber of Commerce for disputes involving government infrastructure projects and energy contracts, as well as various arbitration institutions. She is a member of CIArb, a trained arbitrator of the Philippine Dispute Resolution Center, Inc., and a senior lecturer at the University of the Philippines, College of Law, where she teaches remedial law.

Jacques S. Lynn, partner, Cruz Marcelo & Tenefrancia

Lynn, a Partner at Cruz Marcelo & Tenefrancia, excels in arbitration and complex commercial litigation. As a Member of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (East Asia Branch), an accredited arbitrator of PICCR, and Trained Arbitrator at PDRCI, she has effectively represented clients in institutional and ad hoc arbitrations. With a commitment to professional growth, she completed specialized training with the Dispute Resolution Board Foundation, and the ICC Institute in International Commercial Arbitration and International Contracts. She serves as Vice President- Chapters of the Philippine Institute of Arbitrators and Assistant Corporate Secretary at the Philippine International Center for Conflict Resolution.

Arvin Lee, partner, Wee Swee Teow LLP

Arvin Lee is a Partner of Wee Swee Teow LLP, a 112-year-old Singapore law firm. He is an Arbitrator of the Korean Commercial Arbitration Board, the Beijing Arbitration Commission, the Dubai International Arbitration Centre, and the Chinese Arbitration Association (International), an Adjudicator of the Financial Institutions Dispute Resolution Centre (Singapore), and a Member of the Appeals Board of the Ministry of National Development, Singapore.

He focuses on energy-related disputes (conventional and renewables). Recent experience includes acting as co-lead counsel on letter of credit issues governed by Singapore law for a Pertamina subsidiary against the paying bank in relation to an LC dispute in excess of US$23m before the Singapore International Commercial Court (and the appeal before the international division of the Singapore Court of Appeal filed by the opponents, heard by Lord Mance IJ, the Right Honourable Sir Bernard Rix IJ, and Judith Prakash JCA).

On the renewable energy front, he has a focus on wind and solar, and his experience includes being lead counsel for a Southeast Asian wind power developer in its project finance claims arising from Vietnam FIT rates against its private equity investor in an SIAC arbitration, with total amount in dispute in excess of US$20 million, for a Southeast Asian wind power developer in relation to attempts by private equity investor to exercise conversion rights to take over control of the developer at project level pursuant to an accelerated repayment provision; and for a Fortune 100 Enterprise’s renewables arm in a solar dispute against a regional contractor in ICC arbitration.

Arvin holds law degrees from Harvard (LL.M.) and the LSE (LL.B., First Class Hons.). He is admitted to argue cases in the Singapore Courts and the DIFC (Dubai International Financial Centre) Courts.

Mona Katigbak, general counsel, hydro power, GE Vernova

Mona Katigbak has been working in renewable energy for her entire professional career and is passionate about sustainable development and climate change mitigation. In her current role, as the global General Counsel of GE Hydropower and GE Hybrids Solutions, Ms. Katigbak is responsible for setting the overall legal strategy and direction of two key renewable energy businesses that are part of GE Vernova (GE’s portfolio of energy businesses).

Prior to joining GE, Ms. Katigbak was a partner at a leading international law firm where she was the global co-head of the Renewable Energy practice group, specializing in project development, construction and financing of hydropower, solar and wind projects globally. She was also Asian head of the Diversity Group, in charge of promoting the firm’s commitment to diversity, inclusion and equality.

Ms. Katigbak has been named a “Leading Lawyer” by IFLR/Petroleum Economist in the categories of “Banking/Project Finance” and “Energy and Infrastructure”. She has an LL.M. from Harvard Law School and a J.D. from the University of the Philippines, where she was editor-in-chief of the Philippine Law Journal (law review) and team captain of the Jessup Moot Court Team.

Amabelle Asuncion, chief legal officer and chief compliance officer, Manila Water

Atty. Amabelle Asuncion has a diverse experience that spans the public and private sectors, in the areas of corporate and commercial law, compliance, regulatory and government affairs.

As a corporate attorney, she was a corporate partner before she went on to serve as chief legal counsel in the gaming, hospitality, and water sectors.

Maria Christina Macasaet-Acaban, partner, Quisumbing Torres

Maria Christina Macasaet-Acaban is a partner and a member of the Management Committee of Quisumbing Torres, a member firm of Baker & McKenzie International. She heads the Corporate & Commercial/M&A Practice Group, the Competition Focus Group, and the Healthcare & Life Sciences Industry Group in Quisumbing Torres. Christina’s practice focuses on mergers and acquisitions, foreign investments and structuring, antitrust and competition, and corporate reorganizations and restructuring for a range of industries including pharmaceuticals and healthcare, technology, media and telecommunications, real estate, consumer goods and retail, and manufacturing.

Christina is also a member of the Technology, Media & Telecommunications Industry Group. She is a member of Baker & McKenzie International’s Asia Pacific Healthcare & Life Sciences Steering Committee and the Asia Pacific M&A Steering Committee. She has 24 years of experience advising and representing multinational corporations on domestic and cross-border transactions.

Christina is cited as a Leading Individual in Corporate and M&A by the Legal 500 Asia Pacific 2019-2024, Distinguished Practitioner for Corporate and M&A by asialaw Leading Lawyers 2020-2023, and Highly Regarded Lawyer in Corporate and M&A by the IFLR1000-Financial and Corporate Guide 2019-2023. She is recognized as Future Leader for Competition by Who’s Who Legal: Competition in 2020-2023. Christina is among Asia Business Law Journal’s “A-List” of the Top 100 lawyers in the Philippines 2021-2023. She is a leading individual (Band 3) in Corporate and M&A by Chambers Asia Pacific and Chambers Global 2024.

Alain Charles J. Veloso, partner, Quisumbing Torres

Alain Charles Veloso is a partner and assistant head of Quisumbing Torres’ Corporate & Commercial/M&A Practice Group. He heads the firm’s Capital Markets Practice Group and the Financial Institutions Industry Group. He is also a member of the Technology, Media & Telecommunications Industry Group. He participates in the initiatives of Baker McKenzie International of which Quisumbing Torres is a member firm. He is a member of Baker McKenzie’s Asia Pacific Competition Steering Committee. He has 17 years of legal practice, advising clients with regard to their transactions in the Philippines, including private and public M&A transactions, financing, and equity capital markets transactions.

Charles is also active in the firm’s Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives. He heads the firm’s Inclusion, Diversity & Equity, and B-Green committees. He is currently a Director of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) Makati Chapter, and currently serves as the Chairperson of its Diversity and Inclusion Committee, and Legal Education Committee.

Charles is recognized as Leading Individual for Capital Markets in 2020 to 2024, and Antitrust and Competition in 2024 by The Legal 500 Asia Pacific. He was also cited as one of the leading competition lawyers by Who’s Who Legal: Southeast Asia 2022 to 2023 – Competition edition, and WWL’s Future Leader for Competition in 2022 to 2023. He was awarded Client Choice Awards for Competition by Lexology 2021 and 2022, and Young Lawyer of the Year by Asian Legal Business Philippine Law Awards 2020. The Asian-MENA In-House Community Counsels cited him as External Counsel of the Year in Asia by in 2019, and he was ranked as a Next Generation Lawyer for Corporate and M&A by Legal 500 Asia Pacific for 2017 and 2018. He was also a 2018 Bench and Bar Awardee of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines’ Leyte Chapter.

Charles studied Law at the UP College of Law (cum laude and class valedictorian) and EU Competition Law at the London School of Economics and Political Science in 2017. He is also a Certified Public Accountant.

Michael Macapagal, partner, Quisumbing Torres

Michael Macapagal is a partner in Quisumbing Torres’ Dispute Resolution Practice Group. He is a member of the Energy, Mining & Infrastructure and the Healthcare & Life Sciences Industry Groups, as well as the Construction, Compliance and Competition focus groups. He has 15 years of legal practice involving arbitration, construction, healthcare disputes, compliance, civil and criminal litigation, labor law, intellectual property law, public private partnerships, project finance and joint venture matters.

Michael has been cited as a Next Generation Partner in Dispute Resolution and in Real Estate and Construction by The Legal 500 Asia Pacific from 2020 to 2024. He has been named as an “In-House Community Commended External Counsel of the Year 2021” at the In-House Community Counsels of the Year Awards 2021. He is also recognized as a leading practitioner by The Legal 500 Private Practice Arbitration Power list – South East Asia 2022. He is also the Deputy Secretary General for Case Administration of the Philippine International Center for Conflict Resolution (PICCR).

Roel Refran, COO, The Philippine Stock Exchange

Roel Refran is the Chief Operating Officer of The Philippine Stock Exchange, Inc. (PSE). Early on in his career, he was an associate at SyCip Salazar Hernandez and Gatmaitan and thereafter joined public service as chief of staff of Sen. Ralph G. Recto who chaired the Senate Ways & Means Committee. He also worked at ACCRALAW before joining PSE.

Roel served as chair of the Capital Markets Development Committee of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI), and he is presently the President and Chairman of the Philippine Fulbright Scholars Association. Roel was a member of the Commercial Law Department of the Philippine Judicial Academy (PHILJA) and he serves as a Professorial Lecturer 1 in the PHILJA Corps of Professors.

Roel has been in the academe for more than two decades. He is a Professor of Law at Ateneo Law School and a Professorial Lecturer at the University of the Philippines Virata School of Business. He designed and teaches a course on Fixed Income Market Analysis and Strategies at the Asian Institute of Management (AIM) where he is Adjunct Faculty.

UP Virata School of Business recognized Roel as a Distinguished Alumni Awardee in 2014.

Michael P. Garcia, partner, Romulo

Michael P. Garcia is a member of the Securities and Taxation Departments.

His practice focuses on taxation, corporate law, estate planning and settlement, and dispute resolution. Mike has extensive tax experience and regularly advises domestic and foreign clients on various tax issues, including the tax implications of various business structures and estate planning options.

He represents clients in appeals against tax assessments and judicial claims for tax refund or tax credit before local trial courts, Court of Tax Appeals, Court of Appeals, and Supreme Court, where some of the cases he handled led to reforms in Philippine taxation law and practice. He also advocates on behalf of clients before the Bureau of Internal Revenue, Securities and Exchange Commission, and the Department of Justice.

Ricardo M. Pilares III, vice-president for legal and corporate governance officer, Metro Pacific Investments Corporation

Mr. Pilares graduated Valedictorian from the Ateneo Law School in 2006 and passed the Philippine Bar examinations in 2007 with the second highest ranking. He also received the Best Thesis Award from the Ateneo Law School. Prior to joining MPIC in 2010, Mr. Pilares worked in two law firms where he handled litigation, corporate and special projects. Mr. Pilares was appointed as MPIC’s Vice President for Legal on 2018. As the Company’s Chief Legal Officer, Mr. Pilares took the lead legal role in various projects of MPIC. His role in MPIC continued to expand when he was appointed as Compliance Officer on 2016, Corporate Governance Officer and Corporate Secretary both on 2021. Mr. Pilares also acts as legal counsel and corporate secretary of MPIC’s various subsidiaries and affiliates.

He is also a member of the faculty of Ateneo Law School, teaching Statutory Construction and Conflict of Laws. In 2019, he published his first legal textbook entitled, “Statutory Construction: Concepts and Cases.”

Carina Sumilong Bayon, chief environmental, social and governance officer Pepsi Cola Products Philippines Inc.

Atty. Bayon is currently the Chief Environmental, Social and Governance Officer of Pepsi-Cola Products Phils. Inc. (PCPPI). She leads the Legal, Compliance and Government Affairs, Human Resources, Corporate Affairs, Regulatory and Labor Departments of PCPPI. She has worked in various executive leadership roles in several multinational corporations in the pharmaceutical, food, beverage and manufacturing industries. She has also led multi-cultural regional and global teams, having been expatriated in Singapore and the USA from 2013 to 2018.

Atty. Bayon is a graduate of the Ateneo College of Law and started her legal career in the firm of Carag, Caballes, Jamora and Somera, and later moved on to join Siguion Reyna, Montecillo and Ongsiako, where she specialized in civil and criminal litigation and labor law.

She is also a Labor Law professor at the Lyceum College of Law and an MCLE Lecturer on food safety. She is a recognized industry leader in the fields of compliance, regulatory, labor and government affairs.

Jill Genio, head of legal, 917Ventures

Jill oversees the in-house legal team of 917Ventures, which performs the following functions for all ventures, seeds, and early-stage spin-offs of the company. These include, among others:

• • Contract review and drafting for all commercial contracts, and contract management;
  • Research and advice on relevant laws and regulations for all ventures from the ideation stage onwards;
  • Intellectual property protection, including maintaining IP such as trademarks;
  • Handling and overseeing dispute resolution;
  • Corporate governance, and drafting and maintaining corporate documents;
  • M&A. Advises on all aspects of 917Ventures’ relevant M&A and joint venture deals, including due diligence, structuring, drafting, negotiation, closing, and execution.

Kristian Nico Calugay Acosta, general counsel and head of legal department, GUESS Group

Kristian Nico Calugay Acosta is the general counsel and head of legal department of the fashion and retail conglomerate GUESS Group of Companies. Throughout the years, Nico has successfully represented his past and present principals before various quasi-judicial agencies, trial courts, the Court of Appeals and the Supreme Court. Because of his solid advocacies on intellectual property awareness and ESG, Nico is often invited as a resource speaker by various government agencies and international organizations. Moreover, several legal publications, such as AsiaLaw, the Asian Legal Business and The Legal 500, has consistently commended him for his exemplary legal works. During his law firm days, Nico has been cited by The Legal 500 as a Next Generation Partner. And on several occasions, he has been included by The Legal 500 GC Powerlist Magazine in its lists of leading in-house lawyers across Southeast Asia and the Philippines. On his day-offs, Nico enjoys working out at the gym and car racing.

Miscen Desiderio-Dime, director for legal and compliance, Philippines, Accenture

Atty. Miscen Desiderio-Dime serves as the Director for Legal Compliance and Regulatory Operations of Accenture Inc. Concurrently, she holds the positions of Corporate Secretary and Philippine Ethics & Compliance Lead within the company.

Admitted to the Philippine Bar in 1997, Miscen then worked as a senior associate in litigation at Ponce Enrile Reyes Manalastas and later became a partner at Puno & Puno Law Office. Transitioning to an in-house role, she joined Banco De Oro Universal Bank’s recovery litigation team, followed by her role as Philippines country counsel lead at Macquarie Offshore Services, before dedicating the past decade to Accenture.

In 2023, Miscen was recognized in the The Legal 500 GC Powerlist Philippines. Her Accenture team secured The Legal 500 Southeast Asia Awards Inhouse Legal Team of 2023 and Miscen earned a spot in The Legal 500 General Counsel Powerlist of South East Asia Teams. She was also honored as the General Counsel of the Year in 2023 at the Asian Legal Business (ALB) Women in Law Awards.

Geossiel A. Cotoco, general counsel and corporate secretary, senior vice-president, UnionDigital

Atty. Geossiel Cotoco is the General Counsel and Corporate Secretary, Senior Vice-President at UnionDigital Bank. Before being transferred to UnionDigital, she was the RegTech, Legal, Policy and Governance Head and First Vice President of UnionBank.

Prior to this, she previously served as the Head of the Documentation and Consultancy Unit of the Legal Division. She was also Deputy General Counsel of the Philippine Stock Exchange, Inc. prior to joining UnionBank. Geossiel obtained her Juris Doctor from Ateneo de Manila University in 2002.

Ferdinand M. Negre, commissioner, The Philippine Competition Commission

Kristine Torres, partner at Gorriceta Africa Cauton & Saavedra

Kristine T. Torres is a Partner of Gorriceta Africa Cauton & Saavedra, and a member of the Corporate and Technology Media and Telecommunications departments of the Firm. She specializes in mergers and acquisitions, corporate and business law, technology, media, and telecommunications, banking, finance, capital markets, securities law, and project finance.

She led a number of complex and significant mergers and acquisitions and capital markets transactions, and regularly advises clients on the entry of foreign investments to the Philippines, cross-border and commercial transactions, joint ventures, corporate structuring, securities offerings, legal and regulatory compliance, tech licensing agreements, equity and debt capital raising transactions, as well as project finance.

Kristine was recognized by the Legal 500 as Next Generation Partner in TMT, and as Recommended Lawyer in Corporate and M&A, Banking and Finance, Projects and Energy, and Capital Markets. She was cited by IFLR1000 as Rising Star Partner in M&A. She was also named as Young Lawyer of the Year at 2023 ALB Philippine Law Awards, and featured as one of Asia’s 40 Under 40 lawyers by the Asian Legal Business.

Cynthia Nuval, corporate legal counsel, Green Energy & Alternative Technologies, Inc.

Cynthia Nuval is an accomplished lawyer and writer, with an illustrious career as a lecturer in the University of the Philippines. Her accreditations include being a highly recognized arbitrator of the Philippine International Center for Conflict Resolution, training from Global Best Practices as a Certified Compliance Officer, and Data Privacy Officer. She was a member of the team which successfully defended the Republic of the Philippines in high-stakes international arbitrations before the ICSID and the ICC, collaborating with the Office of the Solicitor General and the firm of White & Case, alongside the late Supreme Court Senior Associate Justice Florentino P. Feliciano. Locally, she has a long history of public advocacy through serving as in-house counsel for Green Energy & Alternative Technologies, Inc, for which she has dedicated herself to the cause of renewable energy and sustainable development. Internationally, she has ably represented the Philippines before the International Chamber of Commerce.

Jose Martin R. Tensuan, senior partner, Angara Abello Concepcion Regala & Cruz Law

Jose Martin R. Tensuan handles a diverse array of litigation cases involving constitutional, civil, criminal, commercial, contractual, corporate rehabilitation, and insolvency, environmental, family, and zoning, planning & land use issues. He strategizes, structures, and drafts contracts in relation to commercial arrangements for the successful out-of-court dispute resolution of his clients. He is the current monitor of ACCRALAW’s alternative dispute resolution group and has been tasked, among others, to assist in spearheading the growth and development of the arbitration practice of the firm.

Jose has handled disputes before the Construction Industry Arbitration Commission, such as those involving the country’s premier airport terminal, major expressways and other vertical and horizontal developments. He has also handled international and domestic arbitration cases before the Singapore International Arbitration Centre, Hong Kong International Arbitration Centre, and the Philippine Dispute Resolution Center, Inc., where he is a trained arbitrator. Jose has likewise been appointed as an arbitrator to resolve multimillion-dollar domestic and international commercial and construction disputes.

Since 2007, he has participated as both lecturer and panelist in various Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR)-related conferences held in both domestic and international fora. Jose was also identified in The Legal 500 Asia Pacific 2021 Editorial as a recommended lawyer in the practice area of Dispute Resolution, and has co-authored the Philippine chapter on the ‘The Law and Practice in the Philippines’ of the Chambers Global Practice Guide in International Arbitration from 2019 to 2022.

Jose is a member of the International Council for Commercial Arbitration and the ADR Committee of the ASEAN Law Association, and is currently a director and treasurer of the Philippine Institute of Construction Arbitrators and Mediators.

Arnold M. Corporal, senior partner, Angara Abello Concepcion Regala & Cruz Law

Arnold M. Corporal has been practicing law for more than 20 years and is focused on litigation and arbitration of commercial and regulatory disputes involving public utilities and other regulated businesses (such as telecommunications, broadcast and media companies, toll roads, electric and water utilities), banks and other financial institutions, property development, and construction companies.

Arnold’s experience in arbitration includes client representation and assistance before the International Chamber of Commerce – International Court of Arbitration, Singapore International Arbitration Center, Construction Industry Arbitration Commission, the Philippine Dispute Resolution Center, and in various ad-hoc arbitrations.

Arnold was recognized among the “Next Generation Partners,” or younger partners who “take on leadership roles in multiple legal matters,” and was recommended for the practice area of Dispute Resolution by The Legal 500 Asia Pacific for 2021.

Antonio Eduardo S. Nachura, Jr., partner, Angara Abello Concepcion Regala & Cruz Law

Antonio Eduardo Nachura, Jr. specializes in litigation, alternative dispute resolution, administrative law, civil law, criminal law, and corporate law. Apart from regularly appearing before the various prosecutorial offices, trial, and appellate courts, as well as quasi-judicial agencies and regulatory boards, Antonio also handles arbitration cases before the International Chamber of Commerce – International Court of Arbitration (“ICC”), the Philippine Dispute Resolution Center, Inc. (“PDRC”), and the Construction Industry Arbitration Commission.

He has handled significant arbitration cases which included enforcing contractual provisions for breach of warranty in the sale of a company in an arbitration before the ICC, defending a government agency in terminating a contract before an ad-hoc arbitration, and assisting in the enforcement of contractual obligations involving the Special Purpose Vehicle Law before the PDRC. Antonio has also co-authored the Philippine chapter of the Chambers International Arbitration Guide for 2020.

As a professor of Philippine political law, constitutional law, administrative law, law of public officers, election law and law on public corporations, he remains up to date with the recent relevant issuances and jurisprudence.

Antonio was among the examiners appointed by Supreme Court Associate Justice Ramon Paul L. Hernando for the Political and Public International Law core subject for the 2023 Philippine Bar Examinations.

Thomas Andrew T. Yuzon, deputy general counsel, Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas

Thomas Andrew T. Yuzon serves as the head of the litigation group of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, an institution he has been working with for more than 15 years. As part of the Philippines’ central bank, Thomas has handled construction arbitration as well as international and domestic commercial arbitrations, and has litigated cases before judicial courts, quasi-judicial agencies, and administrative bodies.

He has completed seminars and trainings with the International Law Institution at Washington, USA, the United Nations Commission on International Trade Law at New York, USA, the Banque de France (France’s central bank) at Paris, France, and the International Monetary Fund-Singapore Training Institute at Singapore.

Lirene C. Mora, head of global corporate legal affairs, International Container Terminal Service, Inc. (ICTSI)

Lirene is International Container Terminal Services, Inc. (ICTSI)’s Head of Global Corporate Legal Affairs. She is general counsel for the world’ largest independent terminal operator across six continents, operating 32 terminals in 19 countries.

In her 17 years in ICTSI, Lirene held several positions in the Legal Department, including Regional Counsel for Asia Pacific. She has been appointed as a director and key officer in various ICTSI operating and holding companies both in the Philippines and abroad. Lirene is also an officer of ICTSI Foundation, Inc.

She was recognized as the 2019 Woman Lawyer of the Year and a finalist for the 2019 Young Lawyer of the Year by the Asian Legal Business Philippine Law Awards. In 2023, Lirene received recognition from The Legal 500 as she was selected to be part of the inaugural General Counsel Powerlist Philippines. Currently, she is one of the Trustees of the Good Governance Advocates and Practitioners of the Philippines (GGAPP).

Robert Josef De Guzman, head of legal and corporate governance, risk, and compliance (LGRC), Coins.ph

Atty. Robert Josef De Guzman is a legal professional specializing in corporate law, compliance, and regulatory affairs. He is the Head of Legal and Corporate Governance, Risk, and Compliance (LGRC) at Coins.ph, the first ever blockchain-based company in Asia to hold both Virtual Currency and Electronic Money Issuer licenses from a central bank. Atty. De Guzman earned his Juris Doctor degree from San Beda College School of Law, and has Master’s Degree in Law with a focus on commercial law from San Beda University Graduate School of Law. He has also completed his LCC Executive Education program at Harvard Law School. He used to be an adjunct Professor at San Beda University, teaching civil law and commercial law subjects. Recently, he has been recognized in the GC (General Counsel) Power list Philippines 2023 by The Legal 500. His team’s remarkable achievements led to their recognition in the GC Powerlist Southeast Asia Teams 2023 by The Legal 500, affirming their status among the foremost in-house legal departments in the region

Jeremy Wan, government corporate attorney, Office of the Government Corporate Counsel

Takahiro Kenjie Aman, legal counsel, GCash

Kenjie Philippine-licensed lawyer with more than ten (10) years of diverse experience in litigation and conflict resolution on criminal, civil, labor, and administrative cases, advocacy and policymaking, and drafting and reviewing contracts, specializing in competition law, financial technology, election law, and human rights, in the private, public, non-profit, and academic sectors. He speaks Filipino, English, and have a basic understanding of Japanese.

Michael Arthur R. Camiña, city legal officer, The City of Makati

In association with...

ROMULO MABANTA BUENAVENTURA SAYOC & DE LOS ANGELES traces its roots to the law firm of Gibbs McDonough & Ozaeta which began its practice of law in the Philippines in 1902.

For over a century, we have provided guidance and expertise at the highest levels to clients who trust us to find real-world solutions. Our firm handles some of the most significant transactions and cases in the fields of corporate law, mergers and acquisitions, debt and equity capital markets, banking and finance, project development, corporate governance, anti-corruption, dispute resolution, and arbitration.

We offer a full range of services from a talent pool of more than 100 lawyers in three offices, including Hong Kong. Expanding our reach within the Philippines, ROMULO opened its Cebu office in 2012. Each office is staffed with experienced attorneys, all of whom speak English fluently, the majority of whom have received training and graduate degrees from international universities.

We are the sole Philippine member of Lex Mundi, a network of over 160 independent law firms worldwide, with a combined total of more than 23,000 lawyers in all commercially significant jurisdictions throughout the world.

Gorriceta Africa Cauton & Saavedra (“Gorriceta”) is a top-tier full service law firm in the Philippines. Gorriceta is internationally ranked, recognized and multi-awarded for its excellence, innovative approach, and outstanding client service.

Our core practice areas are Capital Markets, Mergers & Acquisitions, Technology Media & Telecommunications, Corporate and Securities Law, Banking and Financial Services, Data Privacy & Cybersecurity, Construction and Real Estate, Transportation Law and Taxation.

Gorriceta prides itself as being the ���Youngest Biggest Firm” in the Philippines, with nearly 50 professionals under a total complement of 80 legal and non-legal staff.

The Firm’s clients include Fortune 500, S&P 500, and NASDAQ 100 companies, and several of the top 1000 companies in the Philippines.

Cruz Marcelo & Tenefrancia is a full-service firm whose counsel is sought by industry leaders and well-respected in-house counsel. Our core partnership values and commitment to excellence translate into our governance principles and are integral to ensuring that we provide our clients with top-notch, cost-effective legal services while emphasizing teamwork, creativity, and responsiveness.

The CMT alternative dispute resolution practice group is composed of dedicated lawyers with impeccable credentials and unmatched proficiency in various technical and highly specialized fields such as information technology, data privacy, mining, and energy, as well as construction and commercial disputes. CMT’s exemplary track record in alternative dispute resolution is recognized in the Philippines and abroad, with its lawyers representing major clients in various ad hoc or institutional tribunals in arbitration and mediation.

Milbank LLP is a leading international law firm providing innovative legal solutions for over 150 years. We are headquartered in New York, with offices around the globe, including Hong Kong where our dedicated team that covers the Philippines is based. This team has extensive experience advising the Philippine government, Philippine domestic and global corporates, investors, and underwriters on some of the country’s most high profile and complex transactions in the corporate, finance and capital markets segments.

Founded in 1972 by Senator Edgardo J Angara, Attys. Manuel G Abello, Teodoro D Regala, Jose C Concepcion and Avelino V Cruz, ACCRALAW is a cohesive multi-disciplinary team of legal professionals with in-depth knowledge of specialized legal fields.  Backed by almost fifty (50) years of experience in Philippine law, the firm has grown to a prestigious service organization of 170 lawyers and 178 non-legal personnel.

A top-tier institutional firm, ACCRALAW is based at the ACCRALAW Tower in the Bonifacio Global City, Metro Manila, and has full-service branches in Cebu City and Davao City – thriving commercial and business centers in the southern islands of the Philippines. The firm is linked to a global network of correspondent lawyers, law firms and Bar associations.

To enhance the delivery of services to clients, the firm has computerized its operations since the early 1980s. It was the first law firm in the Philippines to utilize a widely used, comprehensive and integrated computer system for law offices.

Amicus is an AI-powered chatbot designed to provide comprehensive and efficient legal  research for the Philippine lawyer. The product was made specifically to cover Philippine law and jurisprudence, while cutting down lengthy research time for legal professionals.

Amicus is a product of 917Ventures, telco powerhouse Globe’s venture builder that ideates, accelerates, and launches businesses that uplift Filipino lives, and home to some of the local tech giants like GCash and KonsultaMD.

At Amicus, our mission is to empower legal professionals like you with the tools and resources needed to navigate the intricate world of law.

We understand that legal research can be both demanding and time-consuming, which is why we’ve crafted a platform that effortlessly directs you to the most relevant rulings and cases for your legal inquiries, right at your fingertips.

We invite you to welcome Amicus, Your Intelligent Legal Ally: https://bit.ly/3u0U8hV

Villaraza & Angangco Law (V&A Law) is a full-service law firm that has been at the forefront of the legal industry in the Philippines since its founding in 1980. It is widely recognized as one of the top law firms in the country, with a reputation for excellence, professionalism, and integrity. With over 40 years of experience in the industry, the firm has established itself as a trusted partner of both local and international clients, handling complex legal matters with efficiency and expertise.

V&A Law has several practice areas that cater to the needs of its clients, including corporate and commercial law, litigation, labor and employment, and intellectual property. V&A Law’s team of highly skilled lawyers possess a deep understanding of the Philippine legal system and have a proven track record of delivering excellent results.

V&A Law possess a wealth of experience and expertise making it a go-to-choice for clients seeking top-tier legal services in the Philippines. Its numerous awards and recognitions are a testament to the Firm’s dedication to providing exceptional legal services to its clients.

Founded on the mission and vision of its pillars, Dean Ponciano DM Subido† and Hon Jejomar C Binay, the law firm of Subido Pagente Certeza Mendoza & Binay (SPCMB) provides personalized quality service to its clients and offers prompt legal advice on a cost-effective basis.

SPCMB offers its clients responsive and results-oriented representation and seeks to facilitate its clients’ business interests and strives to resolve controversies at the earliest opportune time. It is a highly focused law office that represents a broad range of individual, private and publicly listed business clients, local and multinational clients. SPCMB’s experienced attorneys devote personal attention to each of their clients’ legal needs and matters and provide consistent high quality and integrity in their work.

Founded in 1912 by one of the leading Chancery lawyers of his time, Wee Swee Teow LLP is one of Singapore’s oldest law firms. The firm’s former luminaries in the past 100 years include the first Asian Chief Justice of Singapore (Wee Chong Jin), a Speaker of the Singapore Parliament (Sir George Oehlers) and two former Presidents of the Law Society (T P B Menon and Giam Chin Toon, S.C.).

Beginning with a strong focus in trust, estate and real estate, the firm has over the years broadened its areas of specialisation. Today it has an established reputation in arbitration and dispute resolution, corporate, real estate, equity and trust. The firm continues to grow its suite of services as it serves the evolving needs of its clients. Wee Swee Teow & Co was converted to a limited liability partnership in 2017, and is now known as Wee Swee Teow LLP.

Established in 1963, Quisumbing Torres has been advising many of the most dynamic and successful business organizations in the Philippines and overseas for more than 50 years. With a team of more than 50 Philippine lawyers, Quisumbing Torres is a full-service, tier one firm, advising clients in the Banking & Finance, Corporate & Commercial, Competition, Dispute Resolution, Employment, Immigration, Intellectual Property, and Tax practice areas.

Quisumbing Torres delivers holistic solutions to interconnected challenges. The firm works collaboratively with their clients, providing the appropriate perspective to inform decision-making while managing risk. The firm assist business leaders in gaining access to untapped opportunities.

Media Partner

The Philippine Daily Inquirer is undeniably the country’s most credible and influential newspaper, with more than one million nationwide readers daily. Not only is it the most read among all sectors and ages, it is also the country’s most trusted source of hardhitting news and countless exposes. Distinguished by award-giving bodies like the Catholic Mass Media Awards, Jaime Ongpin Awards for Investigative Journalism, Anvil Awards and WAN-IFRA Asia Media Awards, it is the Philippines’ most awarded broadsheet with over 500 awards and citations.

With four regional bureaus, over 130 provincial correspondents nationwide and printing presses in Laguna and Manila, Inquirer delivers news to the provinces faster and more effectively than its competitors. Its website, www.inquirer.net, is ranked among the world’s most visited news sites, averaging one million page views a day. For more than 30 years, the Inquirer has been at the forefront of setting the agenda by chronicling everyday events with much ardour and enthusiasm.

These same virtues propelled the Inquirer to greater heights and elevated discussions on pressing issues in the society to a whole new level. With an end in mind to spark change in the society, it ask questions nobody else would ask, which leads to call for action. Through this, Inquirer aims to inspire every Filipino people to become its own leader.

Besides being the country’s leading journalistic voice, the Inquirer is also strongly committed to social responsibility and has taken an active role in various socio-civic programs. Its business savvy and social conscience have been recognized with the Agora Award for Outstanding Marketing Company of the Year in 1998, Anvil Award of Merit for its participation in Tabang Mindanaw and Gold Quill Award of Excellence for Economic, Social and Environmental Development in 2003.

Its meaningful goal of making a difference in the everyday life of Filipinos continues to be the driving force behind its journalistic and corporate initiatives. As the country’s number 1 newspaper, the Philippine Daily Inquirer will remain steadfast in its commitment to bring “Balanced news, fearless views” to readers when and where it matters.

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