DEPARTMENT PROFILE

Cruz Marcelo & Tenefrancia

Projects, Infrastructure & Energy

2 ranked lawyers

Band 3

Philippines

Asia-Pacific 2022 View ranking table

chambers review

department information

Ranked Lawyers

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What the team is known for

Cruz Marcelo & Tenefrancia provides a comprehensive service in the Philippines across the mining and natural resources sectors, handling issues such as joint ventures, M&A and operating agreements. Also offers expertise in mining disputes, permitting and operating agreements. Active advising on corporate and environmental compliance issues relating to power project development. Also advises on transportation projects in the Philippines. Advises a range of clients such as Red Core Geothermal and Asian Development Bank.

Strengths

An interviewee indicates that "Cruz Marcelo & Tenefrancia's strength lies in the depth of mining law knowledge and relationships with the government to confirm understanding of the mining law and any changes."

Another source says that "they have an excellent grasp of current mining guidelines," as well as "an outstanding quality of service."

Work highlights

Cruz Marcelo & Tenefrancia advised Sagittarius Mines on a range of matters relating to the Tampakan Copper-Gold Project, including environmental law issues in the Philippines.

Notable practitioners

Pancho Umali is involved in a wide range of practices including mining resources and energy, as well as advising on renewable energy projects. A client confirms that he "has rendered exemplary service."

Patricia Bunye remains highly regarded for her years of expertise in mining matters. She handles regulatory as well as commercial issues for a number of high-profile mining companies. A source says that "she is very steadfast in her leadership and doesn't get fazed by issues."

Department Information

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Overview

The firm is recognized for its conscientious, proactive, and highly skilled mining and energy team.

In our mining practice, we provide counsel to leading mining and exploration companies on a broad range of matters, including compliance with nationality and capitalization requirements, obtaining government approvals, licenses and registrations required for the commencement of mining activities, preparing and reviewing applications for mineral agreements and exploration permits, and drafting, negotiating and reviewing contracts pertinent to the mining industry.

In our energy practice, we advise investors, private equity funds, lenders, contractors and suppliers on the appropriate transaction and governance structures of mergers and acquisitions, including development, financing, operation, sale and distribution projects in the power and energy sector. Our lawyers have represented various clients in successfully obtaining required government accreditation and permits and also routinely negotiate, draft and review agreements and contracts necessary to implement complex transactions in this field.

With a sustainable environment in mind, our lawyers have rendered advice on investments and laws governing renewable sources of energy, including hydro, wind, geothermal, solar and biofuels.

The team has been consistently commended for offering concise, relevant and insightful advice born from a precise understanding of the needs of foreign companies doing business in the Philippines.