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News & Events
Cesar P. Manalaysay Won ALB's Managing Partner of the Year Award
We are immensely proud to announce that SRMO General Partner, Atty. Cesar P. Manalaysay, has been named Managing Partner of the Year at the prestigious ALB Philippine Law Awards 2025 by Asian Legal Business!
This honor is a testament to his exceptional leadership and unwavering commitment to excellence. Atty. Manalaysay’s consistent recognition as a legal icon and one of the Top 100 Lawyers of the Philippines truly speaks volumes about his impact on the legal profession.
SRMO is profoundly proud of this achievement! Congratulations, CPM!
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.
ALB PHILIPPINE LAW AWARD 2025 FINALIST
Siguion Reyna Montecillo & Ongsiako (SRMO) and its lawyers are deeply honored to have been shortlisted as finalists for several awards at the ALB Philippine Law Awards 2025. This recognition highlights SRMO’s legal excellence and its unwavering commitment to its clients.
SRMO General Partners recognized as Legal Icons by Asia Business Law Journal for eight consecutive years and legal icons in the Philippines
This prestigious recognition is a testament to the exceptional leadership, profound legal expertise, and unwavering dedication of Atty. Villonco and Atty. Manalaysay. Their inclusion in this elite list highlights their significant contributions to the Philippine legal profession, cementing their reputation as true titans and luminaries. As legal icons, they exemplify the highest standards of professional excellence.
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.
Corporate INTL Who’s Who Adviser Handbook 2025
SRMO is proud to announce that Managing Partner Atty. Cesar P. Manalaysay and Corporate Law Senior Partner Atty. Elita Joy P. Quicho have been recognized in the prestigious Corporate INTL Who’s Who Adviser Handbook 2025
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.
SRMO is proud to announce that its intellectual property law partners Atty. Jonalyn G. Porquez-Sampiano and Atty. Eilyn E. Medina-Garcia have been conferred the title of Junior Arbitrators by the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines Bureau of Legal Affairs. The recognition came after Attys. Porquez-Sampiano and Medina-Garcia successfully underwent the rigorous Advanced IP Arbitration Training Course conducted by the IP Legal Academy in June 2024. Congratulations, JGP and EEM!
Global Law Expert honors Atty. Daryll Matthew T. Santos as a Leading Litigation Lawyer in the Philippines
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.
SRMO Honored as Top Labor and Employment Law Firm in the Philippines
SRMO was recognized by Asian Legal Business (ALB) as the Labor and Employment Law Firm of the Year at the 9th Annual Philippine Law Awards 2024. Held at the Makati Shangri-la on November 14, 2024, this prestigious award highlights SRMO's unwavering commitment to delivering exceptional legal counsel and advocacy in labor and employment law. SRMO’s success is attributed to its team of competent and seasoned lawyers who possess a deep understanding of the Philippine labor and employment laws. SRMO lawyers are committed to providing practical and innovative legal solutions to address the complex labor issues and challenges faced by their clients.
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 partner Raegan L. Capuno honored as ALB Asia 40 Under 40
Raegan L. Capuno, a distinguished partner at SRMO, has been recognized by the Asian Legal Business (ALB) as one of Asia’s top legal talents under the age of 40 for 2024. With a specialization in taxation, corporate law, and litigation, Raegan’s contributions to the legal field have been instrumental in driving positive outcomes for clients.
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 General Partners recognized as Legal Icons by Asia Business Law Journal
Siguion Reyna, Montecillo & Ongsiako (SRMO) is proud to announce that its esteemed attorneys, Atty. Rolando Mario G. Villonco and Atty. Cesar P. Manalaysay, have once again been recognized as among the Top 100 Philippine Lawyers in 2024 by the Asia Business Law Journal and have been elevated to the prestigious status of Legal Icons. Their distinguished careers and significant impact on the legal landscape have garnered them this prestigious recognition. We at SRMO are honored to have their expertise and guidance as leaders of our firm as it continues its legacy as a leading law firm in the Philippines.
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”.
Siguion Reyna, Montecillo & Ongsiako Proudly Announces Atty. Lopa's Recognition by Global Law Experts
Siguion Reyna, Montecillo & Ongsiako (SRMO) is a leading law firm in the Philippines with a long-standing reputation for excellence in legal services. Our firm's Employment Litigation practice is renowned for its expertise and dedication to providing exceptional representation to clients across a wide range of industries. We are delighted to announce that Atty. Lopa has been recognized by Global Law Experts as the exclusive Employment Litigation Law representative in the Philippines. This prestigious recognition underscores Atty. Lopa's legal expertise and dedication to achieving outstanding results for her clients.
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. LICHAUCO II AMONG ALB ASIA SUPER 50 DISPUTES LAWYERS 2024
German Q. Lichauco II, a senior partner at Siguion Reyna Montecillo & Ongsiako Law Office (SRMO) in the Philippines, specialises in litigation, construction, and commercial arbitration. With over 30 years of legal experience, he has handled a diverse range of cases, including high-profile litigation and complex arbitration matters. Atty. Lichauco’s expertise extends to corporate governance, business torts, and contractual controversies. In the past year, Atty. Lichauco has continued to play a pivotal role at SRMO and has also served as the former corporate secretary for various prominent entities, including Hereaus Electronic Materials Philippines, Casa Cebuana, Cebu Figueroa Estate Corporation, and others.
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.