Cruz Marcelo & Tenefrancia (CMT) is pleased to share its recognition in the Legal 500 Asia-Pacific 2026 guide, where the Firm received top rankings across multiple key practice areas and notable individual mentions for its lawyers. These accolades reflect CMT’s sustained excellence, deep bench strength, and strong client service in a wide range of legal disciplines.
Top-Tier Practice Area Rankings
CMT has been ranked in the following practice areas in the Philippines:
• Tier 1 – Dispute Resolution
• Tier 1 – Intellectual Property
• Tier 1 – Projects and Energy
• Tier 1 – Real Estate and Construction
These leading-tier rankings recognize the Firm’s proficiency in high-stakes litigation and arbitration, intellectual property protection and enforcement, complex project and energy matters, as well as real estate and construction transactions and disputes.
Additional Recognized Practice Areas
In addition to its top-tier rankings, CMT was also acknowledged in other key areas:
• Tier 2 – Corporate and M&A
• Tier 3 – Labour and Employment
Together, these rankings underscore CMT’s broad capabilities across corporate, commercial, regulatory, and workforce-related legal needs.
Individual Lawyer Recognition
The Legal 500 Asia-Pacific 2026 guide also highlights the depth and quality of CMT’s legal professionals, including partners and key practitioners who have been recognized for their contributions and expertise.
• Manuel L. Manaligod – Leading Partner, Projects and Energy
• Susan D. Villanueva – Hall of Fame, Intellectual Property
• Patricia A. O. Bunye – Leading Partner, Projects and Energy and Intellectual Property
• Rodel A. Cruz – Leading Partner, Dispute Resolution
• Aida Araceli G. Roxas-Rivera – Hall of Fame, Corporate and M&A
• Miguel U. Silos – Leading Partner, Dispute Resolution
• Divina Gracia E. Pedron – Leading Partner, Intellectual Property
• Pancho G. Umali – Leading Partner, Projects and Energy
• Rowanie A. Nakan – Leading Partner, Intellectual Property
• Francis L. Fragante – Next Generation Partner, Projects and Energy
• Carlo B. Valerio – Leading Associate, Intellectual Property
These individual mentions highlight the strength of CMT’s legal team and their role in advising clients on complex legal matters across industries.
About These Rankings
The Legal 500 rankings are based on extensive independent research, including client and peer feedback, detailed firm submissions, and assessment of recent noteworthy work. The guide’s methodology evaluates technical legal ability, professional conduct, client service, depth of team, and market reputation. CMT’s recognition across multiple practice areas and individual mentions reflects its strong market positioning and commitment to delivering practical, strategic legal solutions.
CMT thanks its clients, partners, and peers for their continued support and confidence. The Firm remains committed to providing high-quality legal counsel that aligns with evolving business needs and global standards.
Read CMT’s full Legal 500 Asia-Pacific 2026 profile: https://www.legal500.com/summary/firms/34300-cruz-marcelo-tenefrancia/34775-manila-philippines?guide=asia-pacific/2026-edition&token=f7957a9f8ccd99de03af5091fd8672e6
