Sarmiento Loriega Law Office

24/08/2026

Sarmiento Loriega Law Office warmly congratulates our Partners who have been named Finalists in the individual categories of the 2026 ALB Philippine Law Firm Awards.

We are proud to celebrate this well-deserved recognition of their excellence, leadership, and dedication to the profession.

Beyond the Practice!

24/08/2026

We are deeply honored and grateful to be named a Finalist in 15 major Practice Areas in the Philippines at the 2026 Asian Legal Business Philippine Law Firm Awards.

Since the Firm was established in 2020, we have been blessed with the trust and support of our clients and peers. We thank them sincerely for believing in us and for the recognition they have generously extended to our work.

We are equally grateful to our Partners, lawyers, and the entire SL Law family, whose dedication, excellence, and shared commitment have made these achievements possible.

Above all, we give thanks to our MP, God, from whom all these blessings flow. We remain mindful that the work we do ultimately serves a purpose greater than ourselves — including the indigenous cultural communities we work with and, more broadly, the Filipino people.

With gratitude, humility, and renewed resolve, we move forward.

Per angusta, ad augusta.

Beyond the Practice!

21/08/2026

We are deeply humbled and grateful to share that Sarmiento Loriega Law Office (SL Law) has been named a Finalist in 15 major categories at the 2026 ALB Philippine Law Awards:

1. Antitrust and Competition Law Firm of the Year
2. Energy and Resources Law Firm of the Year
3. Intellectual Property Law Firm of the Year
4. Litigation Law Firm of the Year
5. Arbitration Law Firm of the Year
6. Matrimonial and Family Law Firm of the Year
7. Deal Firm of the Year
8. Projects and Infrastructure Law Firm of the Year
9. Construction and Real Estate Law Firm of the Year
10. Regulatory and Compliance Law Firm of the Year
11. Banking and Financial Services Law Firm of the Year
12. Fintech Law Firm of the Year
13. Technology, Media and Telecommunications Law Firm of the Year
14. Tax and Trusts Law Firm of the Year
15. Transportation and Logistics Law Firm of the Year

We are equally proud to celebrate the individual recognitions received by our Partners who are Finalists in the following categories:

1. Dealmaker of the Year- Julito Sarmiento
2. Data Privacy and Protection Lawyer of the Year — Ricky Cantre, Jr.
3. Dispute Resolution Lawyer of the Year — Jose A. Linsangan
4. Managing Partner of the Year — Maria Elizabeth Peralta Loriega
5. Young Lawyer of the Year — Marie Jourgen Endaluz
6. Woman Lawyer of the Year — Maria Elizabeth Peralta Loriega

Being recognized across 15 law firm categories is a meaningful milestone for us. More than the number itself, it reflects the continuing growth and expansion of SL Law, the breadth of the work entrusted to us, and the dedication of our entire team.

Above all, we thank God for His grace, guidance, and abundant blessings. We are sincerely grateful to our clients for their continuing trust; to our peers and colleagues in the profession; to the stakeholders and beneficiaries of the many projects we are privileged to support; and to everyone who stands with us in our advocacies.

These recognitions belong to the entire SL Law Family and inspire us to continue serving with excellence, integrity, purpose, and gratitude.

Per angusta, ad augusta!

Beyond the Practice!

18/08/2026

FEATURE | Structuring AI Data Centre Investments in the Philippines

The rapid rise of artificial intelligence is transforming global demand for digital infrastructure. Hyperscale and high-performance data centres—capable of supporting AI computing, cloud services, and large-scale data processing—are becoming increasingly critical to the digital economy.

The Philippines is positioning itself to participate in this growth. With AI and data science identified as priority investment areas under the 2026 Strategic Investment Priority Plan, qualified projects may potentially access fiscal and non-fiscal incentives.

From an investment structuring perspective, an important point is that the operation of an AI data centre is generally not a nationality-restricted activity. A Philippine company established to develop and operate a data centre may therefore, in principle, be wholly foreign-owned.

The more significant nationality issues arise from the assets and resources supporting the project—particularly land ownership and the appropriation of water from natural sources, which remain subject to constitutional and statutory restrictions.

This does not prevent substantial foreign investment. Rather, it makes thoughtful structuring essential.

Among the structures that investors may consider are:

1. Philippine majority-owned integrated company
A single Philippine corporation satisfying the applicable nationality requirements may own the land, hold the necessary water rights or permits, and operate the data centre. Foreign investors may participate up to the permitted level, supported by carefully structured governance and minority protection rights consistent with Philippine law.

2. Foreign-owned OpCo with a Philippine majority-owned PropCo
A more flexible alternative separates the unrestricted operating business from nationality-restricted assets. A wholly or substantially foreign-owned OpCo may develop and operate the AI data centre, while a qualified Philippine PropCo owns the land and leases it to the operating company. Water rights and related infrastructure may likewise be structured through appropriately qualified entities.

The OpCo-PropCo model can offer greater flexibility in foreign ownership, project financing, risk allocation, real estate monetisation, and eventual exit strategies. Depending on the project and regulatory requirements, the real estate component may also potentially be positioned for future REIT participation or other capital-recycling structures.

The key takeaway: Philippine nationality restrictions need not be a barrier to major AI infrastructure investment. With the right legal and commercial architecture, investors can achieve meaningful foreign participation while complying with constitutional, corporate, property, water, tax, and regulatory requirements.

At Sarmiento Loriega Law Office (SL Law), we continue to examine the legal structures that can support the next generation of technology, infrastructure, and foreign investment in the Philippines.

Read the full analysis by Maria Elizabeth Peralta-Loriega, Co-Managing Partner and Co-Founding Partner of SL Law.

The rapid growth of artificial intelligence has accelerated global demand for digital infrastructure, particularly hyperscale...

16/06/2026

Our latest article on ESG due diligence in Philippine mining, energy, and M&A transactions is now published in Asia Business Law Journal.

As ESG considerations increasingly influence investment decisions, financing, and transaction structuring, due diligence has evolved beyond a review of regulatory compliance. Investors and acquirers are expected to assess environmental, social, and governance risks that may affect valuation, deal certainty, and long-term value creation.

In the Philippines’ mining and energy sectors, ESG due diligence requires a careful evaluation of permitting, environmental liabilities, community relations, indigenous peoples’ rights, governance frameworks, and sustainability commitments. These issues are becoming critical factors in both domestic and cross-border transactions.

In this article, we discuss the key ESG considerations that investors, sponsors, and transaction parties should address when evaluating opportunities in these sectors, and how robust ESG due diligence can help identify risks and unlock value.

We are pleased to contribute to the growing conversation on responsible investment and sustainable business practices in the Philippines.

Read the full article here:
https://lnkd.in/dks74iNQ



https://law.asia/philippines-esg-due-diligence-mining-energy-ma/

In mining and energy M&A in the Philippines, environmental, social and governance due diligence (ESG DD) affects valuation and closing.

10/06/2026

We are proud to announce that Sarmiento Loriega Law Office has been recognized among the Philippines’ leading law firms in both the Chambers Global and Chambers Asia Pacific rankings.

This distinction reflects the Firm’s unwavering commitment to excellence, the outstanding work of its lawyers, and, above all, the trust and confidence of its clients. For a young firm, earning recognition in both prestigious rankings is a significant milestone and a powerful affirmation of the strength of its people and practice.

We share this achievement with the entire SL Law team—our Partners, associates, and professional staff—whose dedication, hard work, and pursuit of excellence continue to drive the Firm forward. Here’s to reaching even greater heights in the years ahead. ⚖️🏆🎉

20/05/2026

Sarmiento Loriega Law Office is looking for Junior Associates to join our growing team.

We welcome young lawyers who are driven not only by excellence in the practice of law, but also by a deeper sense of purpose and service.

At Sarmiento Loriega Law Office, junior associates are given meaningful opportunities to work on complex and high-impact matters across various fields of practice. More importantly, they become part of a professional environment that values mentorship, integrity, collaboration, and growth.

Beyond the Practice, our lawyers are encouraged to contribute to initiatives and projects of national significance — engaging with matters that shape industries, institutions, and communities.

We are looking for candidates who:
• Possess strong analytical, research, and writing skills
• Demonstrate professionalism, initiative, and intellectual curiosity
• Thrive in a collaborative and fast-paced environment
• Aspire to grow as both practitioners and nation-builders

Interested applicants may send their CV, transcript of records, and a brief cover letter to [email protected].

Join us in building a practice anchored on excellence, purpose, and meaningful impact.

20/05/2026

Sarmiento Loriega Law Office is looking for Underbar Associates to join our growing team.

We welcome aspiring lawyers who are driven not only by excellence in the practice of law, but also by a deeper sense of purpose and service.

At Sarmiento Loriega Law Office, underbar associates are given meaningful opportunities to work closely with partners and senior lawyers on complex and high-impact matters across various fields of practice. The role offers valuable exposure to litigation, corporate and commercial work, regulatory matters, dispute resolution, and strategic projects.

Beyond the Practice, our team members are encouraged to contribute to initiatives and projects of national significance — engaging with matters that shape industries, institutions, and communities.

We are looking for candidates who:
• Possess strong analytical, research, and writing skills
• Demonstrate professionalism, initiative, and intellectual curiosity
• Thrive in a collaborative and fast-paced environment
• Aspire to grow as both future lawyers and nation-builders

Interested applicants may send their CV, transcript of records, and a brief cover letter to [email protected].

Join us in building a practice anchored on excellence, purpose, and meaningful impact.

08/05/2026

Our Dean Bryan San Juan, MJur. (Oxon), J.D. (UP) , Co-Head of our Energy and Power Utilities Practice recently appeared as resource person before the Senate of the Republic of the Philippines on an energy-related matter, on behalf of a client. He was joined by our Energy Litigation Partners Jose Linsangan and Cristina Bello, and our Senior Associate, Emil Samaniego.

Dean San Juan presented the client’s position on a proposed measure that, in its current form, risks contravening key provisions of the Electric Power Industry Reform Act (EPIRA). He highlighted the potential consequences of the bill, including the creation of stranded contract costs and the unnecessary duplication of facilities within the same franchise area. These outcomes, in turn, may translate into higher electricity prices for consumers—both through the pass-on of stranded costs and increased capital expenditures arising from duplicative infrastructure. Dean San Juan also seized the opportunity to clarify to the Senate TWG the recent ruling of the Philippine Supreme Court en banc in ILECO 1, 2 and 3 v. Executive Secretary Bersamin (2025) and its implications to the bill.

To promote fair and orderly competition, Dean San Juan emphasized that any such policy direction must be preceded by appropriate amendments to the EPIRA framework.

We are grateful for the opportunity to support the Senate Technical Working Group by contributing our legal perspectives to discussions on issues of national importance in the energy sector, particularly within the distribution utilities space.

Beyond the Practice.

29/04/2026

We continue to invest in the future of our practice.

Our Co-Managing Partner and Co-Founding Partner, Ma Elizabeth Peralta-Loriega, delivered today an internal lecture on Structured Finance, Cryptocurrency, and Tokenization for the Firm’s associates supporting our growing Financial Technology, AI, and Emerging Technology Practice.

As these areas rapidly reshape the financial and regulatory landscape, it is critical that our lawyers develop not only a strong doctrinal foundation, but also a working understanding of the technologies and market structures that drive them. This initiative reflects our commitment to staying ahead of legal developments in digital assets, decentralized finance, and innovative financing structures.

More importantly, it underscores a core principle of the Firm: that learning is continuous, collaborative, and essential to excellent client service. By equipping our team with deeper technical and commercial insight, we strengthen our ability to advise on complex, next-generation transactions with confidence and precision.

Beyond the Practice.