Cruz Marcelo & Tenefrancia (CMT) was honored to participate in the Legal 500 GC Summit Philippines 2025, held in Manila. This prestigious gathering brought together over 250 leading general counsel and senior in-house lawyers to discuss key issues and developments shaping the legal landscape in the Philippines and across the region.
CMT Partner Carla S. Pingul was a featured panelist in the session titled “Understanding and Navigating Interim Measures and Execution of Awards” moderated by CMT Partner Jerome D. Canlas. This session explored the critical role of interim measures in safeguarding the integrity of the arbitral process and the complexities involved in enforcing arbitral awards.
In her segment, Ms. Pingul discussed the specific procedural requirements for obtaining interim relief from Philippine courts in aid of arbitration, and how these requirements differ from those in purely domestic litigation. She also addressed the practical considerations for parties seeking interim measures from an arbitral tribunal seated in the Philippines when assets are located both within and outside the country.
The discussion emphasized how interim measures, such as freezing orders and asset preservation orders, serve as the “preventative medicine” of arbitration — preserving the status quo and preventing irreparable harm while arbitration proceedings are ongoing. Ms. Pingul highlighted how securing assets early in the process paves the way for smoother execution once an arbitral award is issued.
Furthermore, Ms. Pingul shared insights on the procedural steps involved in enforcing an arbitral award in the Philippines, including timelines and associated costs. She also addressed the challenges in tracing and recovering assets for the purpose of enforcement — a crucial step in ensuring that a favorable award translates into tangible results.
Mr. Jerome D. Canlas, who led the panel as moderator. Mr. Canlas is a highly respected authority in arbitration and dispute resolution, with a deep understanding of the procedural and strategic complexities involved in both domestic and international arbitration cases.
In his opening remarks, Mr. Canlas underscored the growing significance of interim measures in protecting the integrity of the arbitral process. He emphasized that interim relief, such as asset preservation orders and injunctions, plays a critical role in preventing irreparable harm and ensuring the enforceability of arbitral awards. Drawing from his extensive experience, Mr. Canlas highlighted the differences between seeking interim measures from arbitral tribunals and national courts, explaining how strategic decisions made at this stage could affect the final outcome of arbitration proceedings.
Mr. Canlas also navigated the panel through a detailed discussion on the execution of arbitral awards, focusing on the procedural nuances and enforcement challenges in the Philippine context. He noted that while the Philippines is a signatory to the New York Convention, practical issues such as asset tracing and resistance from losing parties remain key hurdles to successful enforcement. He shared insights on how parties can leverage both domestic and international legal frameworks to overcome these obstacles and secure favorable outcomes for their clients.
With his expertise in complex commercial disputes and investment arbitration, Mr. Canlas provided valuable strategic guidance on how businesses can safeguard their interests through arbitration. His ability to distill complex legal concepts into actionable strategies was well received by the audience of over 250 general counsel and legal professionals.
Mr. Canlas’s leadership and depth of knowledge further reinforced CMT’s position as a leading firm in arbitration and dispute resolution in the Philippines. His contributions to the Legal 500 GC Summit not only highlighted his personal expertise but also showcased CMT’s broader commitment to excellence in international dispute resolution.
He and Ms. Pingul were joined by Mr. Francis Julius Romeo del Valle, Government Corporate Attorney at the Office of the Government Corporate Counsel (OGCC), and Ms. Ali Loraine V. Manrique, Chief of the Legal Division at the Office for Alternative Dispute Resolution (OADR).
The Legal 500 GC Summit Philippines 2025 reinforced CMT’s standing as a leader in international arbitration and dispute resolution. The firm remains committed to supporting clients in navigating the complexities of arbitration, from securing interim relief to ensuring the effective enforcement of awards.
For more information on CMT’s arbitration and dispute resolution practice, please visit www.cruzmarcelo.com
