OUR LAWYERS
Carlos G. Baniqued
cgbaniqued@baniquedlaw.com
Mr. Baniqued co-founded the firm in 1996. He is currently the firm's Of Counsel. Mr. Baniqued has been consistently cited through the years as one of the leading corporate and commercial lawyers in the Asia-Pacific Region, particularly in the field of Taxation, based on an extensive survey conducted among corporate in-house counsels and other legal professionals by the Chamber and Partners and by the Asia Law & Practice (A Euromoney Institutional Investor PLC Company).
EDUCATION
- University of Pennsylvania, LL.M. (With Concentration in Tax), 1985
- University of the Philippines, LL.B., 1981
- San Beda College, A.B. (Political Science), 1977
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
- Former Partner and Head of Tax Practice Group, Romulo Mabanta Buenaventura Sayoc & De los Angeles, Makati City, Philippines
- Former Consultant, Kaplan Russin Vecchi Eytan & Collins, San Francisco, CA
- Professor of Taxation, Ateneo de Manila University College of Law
- Professorial Lecturer, University of the Philippines College of Law
- Frequent Lecturer in Taxation, Mandatory Continuing Legal Education
AFFILIATIONS
- Former President, Tax Management Association of the Philippines
- Former Vice-President, Asia Oceania Tax Consultants Association
- Former President, Wharton-Penn Alumni Association (Philippines)
- Former President, Rotary Club of Makati Metro, R.I. District 3810
- Member, American Bar Association
- Member, Makati Business Club
- Member, Management Association of the Philippines
NOTABLE REPRESENTATION
- Represented the world’s second largest tobacco group in oral argument before the Supreme Court to challenge discriminatory provisions of the Philippine tobacco excise tax law, which eventually led Congress to repeal the said provisions to level the playing field.
- Represented an association of petroleum dealers in oral argument before the Supreme Court to challenge the constitutionality of some provisions of the Expanded Value-Added Tax Law.
- Represented before the Supreme Court a large mining company in a case involving sale of gold to the Central Bank, which prompted Congress to later amend the National Internal Revenue Code to treat such sale as subject to zero percent value-added tax.
- Represented before the Supreme Court a large mining company in a case involving exemption of its tailings dam from real property tax, which led Congress to later amend the real property tax laws to exempt machineries, equipment and infrastructures used for pollution control and environmental protection.
- Challenged before the Supreme Court, on behalf of the largest retailer of pharmaceutical products, an issuance by the Bureau of Internal Revenue that treated the 20% senior citizen discount as a mere deduction from gross income instead of a tax credit.
- Advised the largest land transport company in the Philippines and its shareholders on various tax planning issues and corporate reorganization.
- Represented the country’s four largest tollways operators in challenging the retroactive application by the Bureau of Internal Revenue of the value-added tax on tollways.
- Testified in Washington D.C., U.S.A. as an expert witness in an international arbitration case relating to taxation of foreign corporations in the Philippines.
- Assisted several high net worth individuals and families in their estate planning
- Advised and represented several business conglomerates in disputed assessment, refund/tax credit claims and other matters arising under the National Internal Revenue Code and other tax laws of the Philippines
- Advised several large domestic and foreign corporations on tax and commercial law issues relating to mergers and acquisitions, determination of best tax and legal structure for their investments in the Philippines, and pre-IPO tax planning
Terence Conrad H. Bello
thbello@baniquedlaw.com
Mr. Bello joined B&B in 1999 and became a partner in 2006. He is currently a senior partner of the firm. Mr. Bello was admitted to the Philippine Bar in 1998. He obtained the 17th highest ranking in the 1993 CPA Licensure Examinations. Chambers and Partners, in its 2019 edition, states that Mr. Bello “is known by sources for his work on tax disputes and for his teaching of tax at law university … [and] advises a range of local and international clients.”
EDUCATION
- Georgetown University Law Center, LL.M.-Tax, 2004
- Ateneo de Manila University, J.D., 1997, Scholastic Second Honors, Silver Medal
- De La Salle University, B.S.C., Major in Accounting, 1992
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
- Former Associate, Tax Practice Group, Quisumbing Torres (affiliated office of Baker & McKenzie)
- Co-Dean and Vising Professor in Taxation, Ateneo de Zamboanga School of Law
- Professor in Taxation, Ateneo College of Law
- Faculty Head, Tax Department, Ateneo College of Law
- Professor in Taxation, University of Makati School of Law
- Frequent Taxation Lecturer, Mandatory Continuing Legal Education
AFFILIATIONS
- Former President, Tax Management Association of the Philippines
- Former Vice-Chair, Tax Committee, Inter-Pacific Bar Association
- Member, American Bar Association
- Member, American Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines
NOTABLE REPRESENTATION
- Obtained favorable tax ruling confirming that a major oil and gas consortium operating a US$4.5 billion deep water gas-to-power project remains exempt from value-added tax.
- Advised two leading foreign banks in challenging tax deficiency assessments issued by the Bureau of Internal Revenue aggregating Php 12 billion.
- Structured acquisition via joint stock purchase of a Fortune 100 company’s trademarks in a deal valued at Php 12 billion.
- Successfully litigated a tax case on behalf of a major UK-based conglomerate, obtaining in the process a precedent setting decision to the effect that capital losses from stock transactions may be offset currently (as opposed to year-end) against capital gains from other stock transactions within the same taxable year. Successfully litigated a tax case on behalf of a leading petroleum company and obtained a precedent setting decision relating to M&As to the effect that no separate stamp tax is payable on the transfer by the absorbed corporation of its assets to the surviving corporation pursuant to the merger, which Congress later adopted by way of an amendment to the National Internal Revenue Code.
- Advised one of the world’s largest beverage manufacturers in the sale of its Philippine unit in a deal valued at $1.35 billion
- Represented an international shipping company in a disputed assessment involving the issue of whether demurrage and detention fees received by international shipping carriers are exempt from regular corporate income tax and/or the 2.5% Gross Philippine Billings Tax.
Emma Malou U. Lim
eulim@baniquedlaw.com
Ms. Lim joined Baniqued & Baniqued (now Baniqued & Bello) in 2011. She is currently a senior partner of the firm. Ms. Lim was admitted to the Philippine Bar in 2011.
EDUCATION
- De La Salle University and Far Eastern University Institute of Law, J.D., 2010, First Honors, Gold Medal
- De La Salle University and Far Eastern University Institute of Law, M.B.A., 2010, Second Honors, Silver Medal
- De La Salle University, B.S. in Accountancy, 2002, With Distinction
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
- Former Senior Associate in the Assurance and Business Advisory Services Group of Joaquin Cunanan & Co. (now Isla Lipana & Co., a member firm of PricewaterhouseCoopers)
- Certified Public Accountant since 2003
AFFILIATIONS
- Member, Integrated Bar of the Philippines
- Member, Tax Management Association of the Philippines
- Member, Makati Business Club
- Member, European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines
NOTABLE REPRESENTATION
- Represented a major NGO before the Supreme Court on the tax implication of the Poverty Eradication and Alleviation Certificate (PEACe) Bonds
- Acted as counsel for a major oil and gas company on the validity of tax credit certificates issued by the Bureau of Customs
- Acted as counsel for and represented various clients before the Court of Tax Appeals in cases involving national internal revenue tax assessments and collection
- Successfully obtained refunds of unutilized value-added tax attributable to zero-rated sales for a mining corporation and various business process outsourcing or shared service companies amounting to over Php 500 Million
- Advised two of the largest cement companies in the Philippines in the sale and purchase of assets in connection with the global merger thereof
- Represented countless clients in diverse industries in planning for and managing tax audits and audit issues
- Developed tax efficient structures for corporate acquisitions, dispositions, spin-offs and reorganizations for Fortune 500 corporations and other large taxpayers
- Provided estate planning advice to various high net worth individuals and families
Mark Roland C. Domingo
mcdomingo@baniquedlaw.com
Mr. Domingo joined Baniqued & Bello in 2018. He is a CPA-Lawyer and is currently a Senior Associate Lawyer of the firm. He became a Certified Public Accountant in 2012 and was admitted to the Philippine Bar in 2018.
EDUCATION
- Ateneo de Manila University, J.D., 2017, Corporate and Business Law Track, Scholastic Second Honors, Silver Medal
- University of Santo Tomas, Bachelor of Science in Accountancy, 2012
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
- Internal auditor in St. James Funeral Parlor (now Stairway Funeral Parlor), San Jose City, Nueva Ecija (2011-2014)
AFFILIATIONS
- Member, Integrated Bar of the Philippines
- Member, Philippine Institute of Certified Public Accountants
NOTABLE REPRESENTATIONS
• Acted as counsel for various multinational companies before the Court of Tax Appeals and Supreme Court in cases involving internal revenue tax assessments, claims for excise tax refunds, and claims for input value-added tax refunds.
• Successfully obtained refunds of unutilized input value-added tax attributable to zero-rated sales for various taxable periods for a business process outsourcing/shared service company and a mining corporation in both administrative and judicial levels.
• Represented a client before the Bureau of Internal Revenue involving a deficiency internal revenue tax assessment case and effectively reduced the assessed amount from Php 263 million to Php 9 million.
• Secured various certificates of availment (compromise settlement) for corporate clients in both administrative and judicial levels.
• Secured a favorable decision in a case involving reissuance of lost owner's duplicate copy of transfer certificate of title.
• Headed the implementation of a merger and acquisition transaction before the Bureau of Internal Revenue, Registry of Deeds and local government unit.
• Represented one of the largest packaging corporations in the country before the local government unit involving local transfer taxes pursuant to a merger.
• Processed and obtained various certificates of tax exemption and certificates
authorizing registration from the Bureau of Internal Revenue.
• Represented various clients in effectively reducing both internal revenue tax and local tax assessments through applications for tax amnesty and local tax amnesty.
• Performed duties of a corporate secretary for numerous clients of the firm, and
performed corporate services, including but not limited to: contract reviews, filing of various applications with the Securities and Exchange Commission, and submission of reportorial requirements.
• Provided tax advisories and opinions on various tax related concerns, corporate
matters, and labor issues, among others.
Carla Patrice S. Cucueco
cscucueco@baniquedlaw.com
Ms. Cucueco joined B&B in 2019. She is currently an associate of the firm. She was admitted to the Philippine Bar in 2019, and finished her LL.M. specializing in International Business Law in Madrid, Spain in 2022.
EDUCATION
IE University, LL.M. International Business Law, 2022
University of the Philippines, J.D., 2018
University of the Philippines, B.A. Communication Research, 2014, magna cum laude
AFFILIATIONS
Member, Integrated Bar of the Philippines
Member, Tulong sa Kapwa Kapatid Foundation
Excelsis V. Antolin
Ms. Antolin joined Baniqued & Bello in 2006 and became a partner in 2014. She is currently the Firm's Special Counsel. Ms. Antolin was admitted to the Philippine Bar in 2002.
EDUCATION
- Ateneo de Manila University, J.D., 2001
- University of the Philippines - Diliman, B.S. Business Economics, 1992, Cum Laude
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
- Part-time Professor, University of Makati School of Law
- In-house counsel for a leading engineering and construction firm with extensive experience in civil works
- Independent Director, LUDB Bank, Inc (A Rural Bank)
- Part-time Instructor in Taxation, Ateneo de Manila University JG School of Management
- Part-time Instructor in Taxation, University of Santo Tomas - College of Commerce
- Former Associate, Alampay Gatchalian Mawis & Alampay (Litigation)
AFFILIATIONS
- Member, Integrated Bar of the Philippines - RSM Chapter
NOTABLE REPRESENTATION
- Counsel for major oil gas company in its judicial refund of excise tax on petroleum products sold to international air carriers
- Counsel for a major oil and gas company on its judicial refund of excise tax on importation of alkylate
- Counsel for a major airline company on its judicial refund of excise tax on supplies for in-flight consumption
- Counsel for the largest Filipino fast-food chain on the illegality of tourism tax imposed by the Province of Rizal
Marielle L. Mercado
Ms. Mercado joined B&B in 2022. She is currently an associate of the firm. She was admitted to the Philippine Bar in 2019
EDUCATION
- University of the Philippines, J.D., 2018
- Ateneo de Manila University, AB Communication, 2013
AFFILIATIONS
- Member, Integrated Bar of the Philippines
Kryztelle Pearl V. Gabay
kvgabay@baniquedlaw.com
Ms. Gabay joined B&B in 2020. She is currently an associate of the firm. She was admitted to the Philippine Bar in 2022. She is included in the List of Successful Examinees with Exemplary Performance in the 2020/2021 Bar Examinations. Ms. Gabay became a Certified Public Accountant in 2013.
EDUCATION
University of the Philippines, J.D., 2020
University of the Philippines, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and Accountancy, 2013
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Lecturer, University of the Philippines Virata School of Business
AFFILIATIONS
Member, Integrated Bar of the Philippines
Member, Philippine Institute of Certified Public Accountants
Lynn Margarita O. Palis
lopalis@baniquedlaw.com
Ms. Palis joined B&B in 2023. She is currently an associate of the firm. She was admitted to the Philippine Bar in 2017.
EDUCATION
Masters in Business Administration - Juris Doctor in Law, Joint Consortium of De La Salle University Graduate School of Business and Far Eastern University Institute of Law, 2011
Bachelor of Arts, Major in Political Science, Ateneo de Manila University, 2005
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Former Tax Supervisor, R.G. Manabat & Co (KPMG in the Philippines)
AFFILIATIONS
Member, Integrated Bar of the Philippines
Jenica B. Eva
jbeva@baniquedlaw.com
Ms. Eva joined Baniqued & Bello in 2023. She is a CPA-Lawyer and is currently an associate of the firm. She was admitted to the Philippine Bar in 2023 and became a Certified Public Accountant in 2016.
EDUCATION
University of Makati, J.D., 2022
Bicol University, Bachelor of Science in Accountancy, 2016
AFFILIATION
Member, Integrated Bar of the Philippines
Al Christian Q. Medalla
aqmedalla@baniquedlaw.com
Mr. Medalla joined Baniqued and Bello in 2023. He is a CPA-Lawyer and is currently an associate of the firm. He became a Certified Public Accountant in 2017 and was admitted to the Philippine Bar in 2023.
EDUCATION
University of the Philippines, J.D. 2023
University of the Philippines Tacloban College, Bachelor of Science in Accountancy, 2017
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Former Tax Associate, SyCip, Gorres, Velayo & Co. (SGV)
AFFILIATION
Member, Integrated Bar of the Philippines
Member, Philippine Institute of Certified Public Accountants
Iana Patricia Dula T. Nicolas
itnicolas@baniquedlaw.com
Ms. Nicolas joined Baniqued & Bello in 2023. She is currently an associate of the firm. She was admitted to the Philippine Bar in 2023.
EDUCATION
University of Santo Tomas, J.D. 2023
Chiang Kai Shek College, Bachelor of Science in Accountancy - Bridging Program, 2018
University of Santo Tomas, Bachelor of Science in Management Accounting, 2017
AFFILIATION
Member, Integrated Bar of the Philippines
Mary Elyssa Jo L. Lindo
mllindo@baniquedlaw.com
Ms. Lindo joined Baniqued and Bello in 2024. She is a CPA-Lawyer and is currently an associate of the firm. She became a Certified Public Accountant in 2017 and was admitted to the Philippine Bar in 2023.
EDUCATION
University of the Philippines, J.D. 2023
De La Salle University, Bachelor of Science in Accountancy, 2017
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Former Tax Associate, SyCip, Gorres, Velayo & Co. (SGV)
AFFILIATION
Member, Integrated Bar of the Philippines
Member, Philippine Institute of Certified Public Accountants
CONNECT with US
Address:
8/F Jollibee Centre, San Miguel Avenue 1605 Pasig City, Philippines
Telephone:
(632) 8633-9418
Fax:
(632) 8633-1911
Email:
mail@baniquedlaw.com