Following the implementation of the Electric Power Industry Reform Act of 2001, the Philippine energy industry continues with the long and tedious process of total restructuring amidst a rising demand for power generation and transmission. It also presses the urgency of identifying and acquiring local or alternative fuel resources, and of developing a responsive and dynamic regulatory framework to support this unimpeded growth.

Against this backdrop of challenges and uncertainty, PJS Law saw a stage that was set for the emergence of an authentic and highly specialized energy practice in the country.

Cited by Chambers Asia-Pacific for its 'comprehensive understanding of the Philippine energy industry,' our team provides solid and strategic advise on projects and initiatives that involve the upstream and downstream petroleum sectors, the power industry, and the emerging renewable energy market.

Backed by years of experience partnering with a broad and diverse range of both local and international clients — from government agencies to new players in the private sector – we have gained a reputation for unparalleled proficiency in dealing with the numerous legal, regulatory and commercial issues that arise alongside efforts in reorganization and reform.

Recognizing the firm's pivotal role in securing the long-term viability of the country's energy industry, PJS Law has been consistently named by international ranking publications as the most preferred external counsel for energy and natural resources in the Philippines.

Experience

• The firm acted as legal consultants to the Power Sector Assets and Liabilities Management Corporation from November 2001 to January 2003, in relation to the privatization of the government-owned National Power Corporation, which was estimated to generate between USD 4 to 6-Billion in proceeds for the Philippine government. The engagement was particularly focused on the review of the NPC’s 35 power purchase agreements with independent power producers and on providing assistance in its negotiations with various IPPs, including the contract amendments and financing of the 200MW Mindanao Coal-Fired Thermal Power Plant Project.
• As counsel to Bronzeoak Philippines, we helped push forward its pioneering projects in renewable energy, co-generation technology, and bioethanol. The company's groundbreaking initiatives have now expanded to include a 22MW solar power plant — the first large-scale solar power plant in the Philippines.
• We assisted Soleq — a project company of Equis Pte. Ltd of Singapore and holder/operator of the biggest solar power portfolio in the Philippines – in its corporate structuring, as well as in M&A assistance, regulatory advice and contract drafting.
• As legal counsel to the Philippine Electricity Market Corporation, the public-private partnership corporation established for the operation of the Philippine Wholesale Electricity Spot Market, we assisted client in obtaining all legal, institutional and regulatory requirements for the commercial launch of the WESM in 2006. Such process included the organization of committees, drafting and preparation of administrative issuances, facilitating participant readiness, and filing and assistance in regulatory processes.
• We represent various energy companies in relation to the operation and development of their power plants. Our services include: providing assistance in their various applications for the approval of power supply contracts with the Energy Regulatory Commission; drafting and review of operational contracts (such as Power Supply Agreement, Replacement Power, Ancillary Services Procurement Agreement, Transmission Services, Metering and Connection Agreement); representation before various government agencies and private entities including the Department of Energy, the National Transmission Corporation, National Power Corporation, the Power Sector Assets and Liabilities Management Corporation, the Energy Regulatory Commission, and the Philippine Electricity Market Corporation. We also assist in resolving various disputes related to the construction and operation of power generation facilities, as well as provide representation before the courts and other administrative agencies and quasi-judicial bodies.