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News & Events
Serving the Community!
As part of our ongoing 125th Anniversary celebrations, SRMO had partnered with the Integrated Bar of the Philippines-Makati Chapter and the local government of Makati City for a legal caravan held last May 16, 2026, at Maximo Estrella Elementary School in Brgy. Carmona, Makati City. Under the Unified Legal Assistance Services or ULAS, SRMO lawyers and staff volunteered their time to provide free legal consultations, advice, and assistance to residents in need.
Cheers to 125 years of lawyering for the nation, and to many more years of giving back!
SRMO Attends the SIAC Manila Conference 2026
SRMO Senior Partner Michael Felipe A. Mercado, along with Associate Lawyers Carlos Nicole J. Recto and Pamela Rae R. Madrigal, attended the SIAC Manila Conference 2026 held last May 20, 2026, at the Makati Shangri-La, Makati City.
This year’s conference brought together leading practitioners to explore evolving priorities and effective strategies in international arbitration amidst an increasingly complex global economic and business landscape.
SRMO’s participation underscores the firm’s continuous commitment to procedural efficiency and staying ahead in global dispute resolution practices.
#SRMO #Arbitration #PhilippineLawFirm #125YearsOfLegalExcellence
From the Courtroom to the Cruise!
In line with SRMO’s 125th Anniversary, SRMO lawyers momentarily traded legal briefs for sea breezes and courtrooms for the coast! SRMO lawyers took a well-deserved break from the grind of client meetings and legal work to sail the stunning Adriatic Sea. From marvelling at ancient architecture to immersing in its vibrant culture, SRMO soaked up every bit of inspiration Italy, Montenegro, and Croatia have to offer. This milestone celebration reminded us that our greatest strength is the people behind the practice. All aboard, SRMO!
125 Years of Service, On and Off the Shore
As part of our 125th anniversary celebration, our Non-Legal Staff took to the coast of Brgy. Natipuan, Nasugbu, Batangas for a Coastal Clean-Up Drive! Beyond legal excellence, the SRMO legacy is defined by our dedication to the communities and the environment we share.
In Focus: SRMO Construction Arbitration Team SRMO Lawyers joins SCLP
As part of its general dispute resolution practice, Siguion Reyna Montecillo and Ongsiako (SRMO) provides specialized representation in construction arbitration. SRMO has represented clients in the Construction Industry Arbitration Commission (CIAC) in disputes involving, among others, termination of construction contract, claims for extension of time, delays, variation costs, payments/progress billings, quality of works, liquidated damages, completion costs, and other claims, with commercial values ranging from Php125 million to Php3 billion.
Stepping Up for Our Modern-Day Heroes
April 10, 2026 marks a historic milestone as Siguion Reyna, Montecillo & Ongsiako (SRMO) officially signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) with the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW). This partnership is the first of its kind, dedicated to expanding the reach of legal aid for our brave Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs).
Through this collaboration, SRMO is committed to providing timely legal assistance, rights protection, and institutional support.
Present during the signing were DMW Undersecretary Bernardo P. Olalia and Assistant Secretary Jerome Alcantara, and SRMO’s Atty. Michael Felipe A. Mercado, Deputy Managing Partner, and Atty. Pamela Denise D. Hilario, Associate.
SRMO is honored to lend its legal expertise to the DMW’s mission and to stand as a pillar of support for the Filipino global community.
Together, we are making excellent legal service more accessible, one OFW at a time.
#SRMOLaw #DMW #LegalAid #ModernDayHeroes #125YearsOfLegalExcellence
Smart Tax Planning: Understanding Business and Individual Taxation
Atty. Carlos Nicole J. Recto became the resource person in the Specialized and Professionals Quarterly Fellowship for professionals and business owners where he facilitated an insightful session about business and individual taxation last February 26, 2026.
Atty. Recto discussed income tax rates for individuals and corporations, fringe benefits, dealings with the BIR, and practical tips and solutions to common tax issues.
#SRMOLaw #TaxLaw #PhilippineLawFirm #125YearsofLegalExcellence
SRMO in the community, Supporting the Makati Legal Aid Clinic
At SRMO, we believe that legal excellence is most meaningful when it serves the community.
With this vision, our Senior Partners Michael Felipe A. Mercado, Elita Joy P. Quicho, and Augusto Leon A. Macatangay, joined by Associate Julius Ernest P. Berame volunteered and participated in the Free Legal Assistance and Makati Legal Aid Clinic last March 28, 2026.
This noble activity, initiated by IBP Makati and the City Government of Makati, aimed to provide residents of Brgy. Guadalupe Nuevo and Pinagkaisahan with the legal support they deserve such free legal advice and notarial services.
#SRMOLaw #SRMOGivesBack #LegalAid #125YearsOfLegalExcellence
SRMO Advises on a Landmark Bond Issuance for Toyota’s Financial Services Arm in the Philippines
SRMO acted as Issuer’s Counsel in connection with the issuance and listing by Toyota Financial Services Philippines (TFSPH) of its ₱5-billion Fixed Rate Bonds (Series A and B) on the Philippine Dealing & Exchange Corp. (PDEx). The issuance, the first under TFSPH’s ₱20-billion Bond Programme, marks a significant milestone as the company expands its funding channels and strengthens Toyota’s financial services presence in the Philippines.
Siguion Reyna Montecillo & Ongsiako Presented the 2025 M&A Outlook at the 2025 Asian Legal Business (ALB) In-House Legal Summit and Took Home the Managing Partner of the Year at the ALB Philippine Law Awards
The 2025 ALB In-House Legal Summit and Philippine Law Awards both held on 8 October 2025 at Shangri-La The Fort, Manila, gathered the country’s leading law firms and in-house counsel for a day of insight, and networking, and recognition of excellence in the legal profession. The day started with the ALB In-House Legal Summit which featured engaging panel discussions on emerging trends shaping the Philippine legal landscape and culminated with the prestigious Philippine Law Awards ceremony which honored the outstanding achievements of firms and individuals across a wide range of practice areas.
SRMO Litigation and Arbitration Team Enhances Expertise at SCLP Construction Law Seminar
SRMO Litigation and Arbitration Team recently attended the Society of Construction Law of the Philippines (SCLP) National Convention on Friday, October 10, 2025. The full-day seminar, titled “𝘔𝘢𝘯𝘢𝘨𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘙𝘪𝘴𝘬𝘴 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘓𝘪𝘢𝘣𝘪𝘭𝘪𝘵𝘪𝘦𝘴 𝘪𝘯 𝘗𝘩𝘪𝘭𝘪𝘱𝘱𝘪𝘯𝘦 𝘊𝘰𝘯𝘴𝘵𝘳𝘶𝘤𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘗𝘳𝘰𝘫𝘦𝘤𝘵𝘴,” provided critical insights into navigating the complex legal landscape of the construction industry.
SRMO Tax Department participated in the TMAP 2025 Tax Forum
SRMO Tax Department participated in the TMAP 2025 Tax Forum held on September 25, 2025, at the Grand Hyatt Manila, hosted by the Tax Management Association of the Philippines (TMAP). Held under the compelling theme, "The Evolving Landscape of Philippine Taxation: Reform Challenges and the Road Ahead," the forum brought together key government officials, legal experts, and leading practitioners for a day of critical discussions on the latest developments in Philippine taxation.
SRMO lawyer Laine Marie J. Bringuelo proudly served as a Proctor for the 2025 Philippine Bar Examinations, held on September 7, 10, and 14, 2025.
Chaired by Supreme Court Associate Justice Amy Lazaro-Javier, the 2025 Bar Exams welcomed 11,437 candidates – the highest number of first-day takers in history – across 14 local testing centers. The bar exam is widely considered the toughest licensure test in the country.
The 2025 Bar Exams covered six (6) core subjects: Political and Public International Law (15%); Commercial and Taxation Laws (20%); Civil Law (20%); Labor Law and Social Legislation (10%); Criminal Law (10%); and Remedial Law, Legal and Judicial Ethics with Practical Exercises (25%). The Supreme Court also included the Strategic Plan for Judicial Innovations 2022-2027, or SPJI, in the coverage of the Bar Exams. The results are tentatively scheduled for release in the first or second week of January 2026.
Kudos, LJB, for your vital role in ensuring the integrity and smooth conduct of the bar exams!
SRMO bolsters its arbitration practice with the induction of Atty. Broderick C. Arcilla, Litigation and Dispute Resolution Partner, and Atty. Maria Luisa J. Sebastian, Associate Lawyer, as regular members and trained arbitrators of the Philippine Dispute Resolution Center (PDRC). This key milestone took place during the PDRC’s annual membership meeting on July 21, 2025. SRMO is deeply committed to continuously improving its arbitration and mediation services, particularly within the specialized fields of construction, insurance, securities, and intellectual property. A big congratulations to Atty. Arcilla and Atty. Sebastian on this remarkable achievement!
20th National Convention of Lawyers
SRMO is incredibly proud of its Senior Partner, Atty. Antonio C. Pido, President of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines, for spearheading the 20th National Convention of Lawyers. Held in Cebu City from January 30th to February 1st, 2025, the convention's theme was “From Milestones to Horizons: Strengthening the Future of the Legal Profession.”
SRMO Attends the 2024 APAA Conference
SRMO, a leading law firm in the Philippines, actively participated in the 76th Council Meeting of the Asian Patent Attorneys Association (2024 APAA Conference) held at the Conrad Hotel, Pasay City, from November 18 to 21, 2024.
Global Law Expert honors Atty. Daryll Matthew T. Santos as a Leading Litigation Lawyer in the Philippines
Atty. Santos handles all types of litigation involving civil and criminal cases, special proceedings before the regular courts, administrative cases before various government agencies, as well as appellate proceedings before the Court of Appeals and the Supreme Court. He also handles white-collar and business-related crimes, Settlement of Estate cases and Environmental/Mining cases, to name a few. His clients include multinational corporations, firms in the energy sector, local and international banks, manufacturing and mining companies, business processing offices (BPO), as well as property development companies, among others.
Atty. Gregorio R. Bilog IV at the Development Academy of the Philippine’s Inaugural CBILLS Conference: “Reshaping the Future of Public Policy for Innovative Governance”
10 October 2024 - Atty. Gregorio R. Bilog IV, Co-Founder and Chief Legal & Partnerships Officer of Anycase.ai Technologies, Inc., and a Partner at the Siguion Reyna Montecillo & Ongsiako Law Offices, made a significant contribution as a resource speaker at the Development Academy of the Philippines’ inaugural Capability Building on Innovative Leadership for Legislative Staff (CBILLS) Conference.
Elevating Legal Expertise: SRMO lawyers’ Post-graduate Legal Education
SRMO is proud of its lawyers’ commitment to continuous improvement, as evidenced by their pursuit of post-law degrees. This dedication enhances their technical skills, knowledge, and professional networks, enabling SRMO to provide exceptional legal services.
Global Law Experts features SRMO Partner Atty. Victorio H. Macasaet, Jr.
SRMO corporate and commercial law partner Atty. Victorio H. Macasaet, Jr. Currently, Mr. Macasaet mainly handles foreign investments specifically, registration of corporations and inward remittances, advising on compliance with nationality restrictions and laws (including criminal laws), organizational and corporate structures, investment incentives, joint-venture agreements, and other related matters, involving a myriad of industries (such as food processing, computer-related, automotive parts and chemical manufacturing, telecommunications, energy, land development, financing, consulting, security, non-profit organizations, language school, animation etc.).
SRMO attends National Conference on Construction Arbitration
The Society of Construction Law Philippines (SCLP) held its National Conference at the Grand Hyatt Hotel on October 17, 2024 with the theme: “Global Trends in Construction Law and Contracts. SRMO was represented in the National Conference by partners actively engaged in construction arbitration, namely: Attys. Michael Felipe A. Mercado, Broderick C. Arcilla, Eileen E. Medina-Garcia and Mariana R. Lopa. The National Conference covered the following topics: Building Information Modelling (BIM) and Building Codes; Collaborative Contracting versus Typical EPC; Dispute Avoidance and Adjudication; and Foreign Contractors in Philippines Government Projects and Fair and Equitable Treatment in Philippine Bilateral Investment Treaties. SCLP is an organization composed of construction law practitioners, lawyers, engineers, academics and industry professionals. Its aim is to promote for the public benefit, education, study and research in the field of construction law.
SRMO: Nurturing Legal Minds and Shaping the Future of Philippine Law
Siguion Reyna Montecillo and Ongsiako (SRMO) continues to solidify its reputation as a premier law firm in the Philippines, not only for its exceptional legal services but also for its significant contributions to legal education. Several of its esteemed lawyers have been actively involved in teaching various law subjects at prestigious public and private law schools, shaping the minds of future legal professionals.
SRMO Participates in Forum on International Arbitration and PDRC Annual Membership Meeting
The Philippine Dispute Resolution Center, Inc. (PDRC) held two events on 28 August 2024. The first event was a forum on international arbitration with Dr. Hab. Marcin Piotr Czepelak, Secretary General of Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA), as speaker. In the afternoon, the PDRCI held its Annual General Membership Meeting and blessing of the new PDRC Chambers. Atty. Michael Felipe A. Mercado, Deputy Head of Litigation and Deputy Managing Partner of Siguion Reyna Montecillo Ongsiako Law Offices, attended the events. During the forum, the PCA and the PDRC signed a cooperation agreement to promote resolution of international disputes through arbitration and other alternative dispute resolution (ADR) methods in the Philippines and the Southeast Asian region.
National Association of Labor Arbiters, Inc. 2024 Convention: Exploring AI's Role in Labor Justice
On 19 September 2024, the National Association of Labor Arbiters, Inc. (“NALAI”) of the Philippines held the first of three days of its 2024 annual convention with the theme “Strengthening Labor Justice in the World of Artificial Intelligence.” The convention was held at Bai Hotel, Cebu, Philippines. The event, which gathered Labor Arbiters from across Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao, provided an important platform to discuss the evolving challenges and opportunities presented by artificial intelligence in labor arbitration and the legal practice. One of the convention's main events for its first day was the presentation of Atty. Gregorio R. Bilog IV – Partner at Siguion Reyna Montecillo & Ongsiako Law Offices and Co-Founder of Anycase.ai Technologies, Inc. Atty. Bilog was invited as a resource speaker to discuss the topic “AI Tools in Aid of Decision Writing and Legal Research”.
SRMO attends TMAP’s first International Tax Summit
The Tax Management Association of the Philippines (TMAP) held its first International Tax Summit (ITS) last August 29, 2024 at the Makati Shangri-La Hotel. Attys. Raegan L. Capuno and Carlos Nicole J. Recto took part in the event representing SRMO. TMAP is the premier organization of tax practitioners in the Philippines.
SIGUION REYNA, MONTECILLO & ONGSIAKO Partners to Speak at ALB Philippine In-House Legal Summit on ESG and Due Diligence
Manila, Philippines – 4 September 2024 – SIGUION REYNA, MONTECILLO & ONGSIAKO (SRMO) is proud to announce that partners Attys. Leo Macatangay and Mariana Lopa have been invited as speakers at the upcoming ALB Philippine In-House Legal Summit. Organized by Asian Legal Business, the summit will take place on Wednesday, October 9th, 2024 in Manila.
SRMO supports the SEC’s eSECnature Campaign and the Third Wave of Digital Initiatives
By: Atty. Jocelyn R. Esguerra-Dee
The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) officially launched its Sustainable Enterprise Collaboration Network (eSECnature) Campaign on 15 July 2024, and the third wave of its digital initiatives on 17 July 2024. Our Attys. Jocelyn R. Esguerra-Dee and Raymond Lim participated in the event, representing the Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) and SRMO.
SRMO’s Atty. Alma D. Fernandez-Mallonga, Atty. Christopher P. Capul and Atty. Broderick C. Arcilla in the news.
Although SRMO is a full service law firm that focusses on business law like tax, labor, commercial domestic and international arbitration, corporate restructuring, intellectual property and trademarks, there are occasions when SRMO is called upon to litigate non-business related crimes, as shown in news reports and articles below where SRMO litigation lawyers, Atty. Alma D. Fernandez-Mallonga, Atty. Christopher P. Capul and Atty. Broderick C. Arcilla, successfully prosecuted the case of a popular television personality client.
President Marcos, Jr. names Atty. German Q. Lichauco II Independent Director of Maharlika Fund Board
Atty. German Q. Lichauco II, a Senior Partner of Siguion Reyna Montecillo and Ongsiako Law Office (“SRMO”), was sworn in by President Marcos as Independent Director of the Maharlika Investment Corporation (“MIC”).
This article is only for informational and educational purposes. It is not intended as a legal advice or opinion.
SRMO Congratulates New IBP President Antonio C. Pido
Siguion Reyna Montecillo and Ongsiako Law Offices (“SRMO”) lauds the election of its Senior Partner Atty. Antonio C. Pido as President of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines (“IBP”). The IBP is the only official organization of all Philippines Lawyers established by the State in accordance with Republic Act No. 6397 and the constitutional mandate of the Supreme Court to promulgate rules concerning the integrated bar. This article is only for informational and educational purposes. It is not intended as a legal advice or opinion.