V. Arcellana Patrick

Patrick is a Senior Associate at Puyat Jacinto and Santos (PJS) Law.

He is an active member of the Energy practice group. Patrick has extensive experience on commercial transactions and mergers and acquisitions that covers various industries with focus on the energy sector.

He received his Juris Doctor degree from the Ateneo de Manila University School of Law, with a track in International Law and Development in 2017 and was admitted to the Philippine Bar the following year. He obtained his Bachelor of Science degree from the Ateneo de Manila University in 2013.

Experience

• Leading renewable energy company: Counsel to one of Philippines’ leading renewable energy companies in its proposed participation in the Green Energy Auction – 2 being conducted by the Department of Energy in respect of the capacity requirements for ground-mounted solar and onshore wind projects. PJS assisted client in the review of and providing comments to the Terms of Reference and other auction documents, including attendance at the Pre-Bid Conference; preparation of its submissions to the DOE for the auction proper and post-auction documents; and provide advice on various matters arising from Philippine law in relation to the qualification of the projects for and participation of client in the auction.

• Japanese renewable energy company: Part of the team acting as counsel to a leading Japanese renewable energy company, in relation to its proposed investments in several Philippine renewable energy companies, particularly in the solar and mini hydro projects.

• Singapore-based RE microgrid developer: Legal and regulatory advisor to client on legal, tax and regulatory framework governing investments and project development in off-grid and microgrid power systems in the Philippines.

• Wholly-owned subsidiary of a leading power generation company: Part of the team that acted as counsel to client in its participation in a privatization bid for a legacy hydroelectric power plant assets undertaken by the Power Sectors Assets & Liabilities Management Corporation.

• Subsidiaries of Philippine conglomerate: Part of the team acting as primary external counsel to an energy company for land due diligence and project development assistance for renewable energy projects. Work includes providing strategic advice to address issues pertaining to land use conversion, tenurial instruments for use of public land, tenurial instruments for specially classified lands and dealings with unregistered land.

• Confidential client: Part of the team acting as legal adviser for a foreign company engaged in engineering, design, and consultancy services for energy systems in its investment in various renewable energy projects in the Philippines. Continuing work includes due diligence advice, assistance in transaction negotiations and documentation, and regulatory advice.

• Confidential client: Acts as legal counsel to a foreign renewable energy company in the implementation of its solar rooftop projects in the Philippines. Continuing work includes regulatory advice and assistance as well as contract review.

• Confidential client: Acts as legal counsel to a local energy company in its participation in the retail supply electricity industry in the Philippines, including regulatory advice and assistance in its application for a retail electricity license with the ERC.

• Confidential client: Part of the team acting as counsel to a project company engaged in renewable energy in the drafting and execution of its Shareholders’ and Investments Agreement. Continuing work includes assisting the client in the preparation and filing of Power Supply Agreements and Point-to-Point applications with the Energy Regulatory Commission.

• Wholly-owned subsidiary of a Philippine conglomerate: Part of the team acting as counsel to a subsidiary of a Philippine conglomerate in its various applications with the ERC. Work includes preparation of applications for the approval of its ownership, construction and operation of the dedicated point-to-point transmission grid connection facilities for the projects; represent client during proceedings with the ERC; and, review and provide analysis of issuances, documents and information relating to the electric power industry.

• Various: Part of the team who acted as legal adviser to domestic and international companies involved in Philippine acquisitions and/or seeking investments in various renewable energy projects in the Philippines. Work includes providing assistance in the due diligence process, structuring investments and analysis of regulatory and market issues, as well as general advice in legal-commercial matters (drafting and negotiation of power supply agreements, EPC contracts, fuel supply agreements, land purchase/lease agreements; corporate documents and agreements for share purchase or acquisition, shareholders’ agreements). The process also includes coordination with international counsels/advisors and preparation of reports, memoranda of law and other client requirements.

• Confidential client: Part of the team acting as counsel to a foreign telecommunications company in implementing their operations in the Philippines. Work includes regulatory advice and assistance, assistance in setting up of its Philippine subsidiary, and application with various government agencies for its key operational licenses, including the Department of Information and Communications Technology and the National Telecommunications Commission.

Activities and Affiliations

Memberships

• Philippine Institute of Arbitrators

• Hirayang Kabataan

Prior and Present Employment

• Senior Associate, PJS Law, 2021-present

• Associate, PJS Law, 2020-2021

• Associate, Santos Parungao Aquino and Santos Law Office, 2018-2019