Tax
Quisumbing Torres fields a seasoned team, which regularly assists clients who are entering the local market, by designing and implementing their tax structures. It is also adept at advising on regulatory issues. The group is recommended for its work on cases before the various government agencies, local government units and the courts involving national taxes, local taxes and customs duties. In addition, the excellent team works closely with Baker McKenzie LLP, and tax specialists worldwide to deliver tax and customs planning advice. The senior key members of the department are Ronald Bernas and Kristine Anne Mercado-Tamayo. The practice is also recommended for its work on a myriad of other complex matters such as transfer pricing, indirect taxation and wealth management. Maria Ana Camila Jacinto-Lagustan was promoted to the partnership in July 2022.
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Extremely timely responses. The tax team is always ready to support and take the time to understand the client's business and practical needs. Their legal advice is always practical and takes into consideration operational needs and business concerns.'
'They are our go-to firm for customs tax advisory matters and are able to pool together the right team and resources to support our company.'
'They are extremely collaborative and were open and willing to work with other third party service providers to ensure seamless solution-oriented advice was given to us.'
'They have a strong understanding of the industry and relevant government players and leveraged that understanding to provide solutions to the company.’
‘Kristine Anne Mercado-Tamayo is an extremely reliable and collaborative partner. We enjoy working with her. Her advice is easy to understand both by in-house attorneys and the business partners.'
'Kristine is able to communicate directly with the business partners while ensuring that the in-house legal team understands the transaction. This is particularly important where local language and translation is needed. She takes the time to understand the transaction and concerns, and is very responsive. ’
Key clients
- Alphabet (Google Inc.)
- Universal Entertainment Corporation
- APG Asset Management
- Allianz
Work highlights
- Assists a Fortune 500 company in (i) discussing with the Philippine Bureau of Customs to allow resumption of shipments (ii) preventing the suspension/ cancellation of the company's importer accreditation/ registration and (iii) protesting the alleged deficiency duties and taxes.
- Successfully handled the audit investigation of the Philippine branch of a Singapore-based wholly-owned subsidiary of a semiconductor company listed in NASDAQ involving taxable year 2019.
- Successfully represented an American management consulting firm before the Court of Tax Appeals in connection with its claim for refund of Excess Creditable Withholding Tax from 2009 to 2016.
Lawyers
Practice head
The lawyer(s) leading their teams.
Ronald Bernas, Kristine Anne Mercado-Tamayo