Hero Background
Accepting New Cases

Armed with
Skill and Heart.

Providing clear, strategic counsel to individuals and businesses. Focused on protecting rights, managing risk, and achieving results in the Philippines and abroad.

Request Counsel Our Practice
Expertise

Practice Areas

Litigation

Litigation

Criminal defense, civil disputes, and labor relations cases.

Corporate

Corporate

Entity formation, compliance, and mergers & acquisitions.

Immigration

Immigration

Visa processing, SRRV, and international relocation.

Firm Profile

Built for complex matters,
grounded in trust.

We are a Philippine-based law firm providing clear, strategic counsel to individuals and businesses. Our approach is practical and thorough—focused on protecting rights, managing risk, and achieving results.

Whether you need representation in disputes, support for corporate growth, or guidance on immigration matters, we combine careful preparation with responsive client service at every step.

2025
Established
10+
Legal Experts
Meeting Collaboration
Comprehensive

Areas of Practice

Litigation & Dispute Resolution

Criminal Law

Strategic prosecution and defense for criminal cases, ensuring due process.

Family Law

Sensitive handling of Annulments, Recognition of Foreign Divorce, Custody, and Property Relations.

Labor Law

Dispute resolution between employers and employees, CBA negotiations.

Corporate Services

Document Drafting & Review

Precision drafting of contracts, deeds, certificates, and regulatory compliance documents.

Corporate Development

Advising on Mergers, Acquisitions, and long-term expansion strategies.

Immigration

Philippine Visa Processing

Expert handling of SRRV, AEP, 13(a) Non-Quota Immigrant, and 9(g) visas.

Davies & Associates (NY) Partnership

Exclusive

Strategic partnership for U.S. L-1 and E-2 visa structuring, registration, and compliance.

Analysis September 16, 2025

The Philippines’ AI Rulebook: Laws, Guidelines & What’s Next

BA
By BAAND Law Research

"Artificial Intelligence is no longer a futuristic concept — it is embedded in our everyday lives. This article provides a baseline for building lawful AI systems."

The regulatory landscape for Artificial Intelligence in the Philippines is rapidly evolving. For organizations, innovators, and compliance teams, understanding the intersection of existing laws and emerging guidelines is critical.

Data Privacy & The DPA

The core privacy law that applies to AI right now is the Data Privacy Act of 2012 (RA 10173). NPC Advisory 2024-04 reminds controllers to ensure accuracy, fairness, transparency, and purpose limitation when processing data through AI workflows.

Key Obligations for PICs

  • Ensure lawful basis for processing personal data.
  • Uphold transparency and data subject rights.
  • Conduct a Privacy Impact Assessment (PIA).

E-Commerce & Consumer Protection

AI-enabled platforms face heightened obligations under the Internet Transactions Act of 2023 (RA 11967). Chatbots and recommendation engines must be fair, accurate, and explainable to avoid deceptive practices.

Read Full Analysis
Leadership

Our Partners

Distinguished legal professionals leading the firm with expertise and integrity.

Melchor Jaemond Aranas

Managing Partner

Specializing in business and corporate law, driving the firm's strategic direction with a focus on sustainable growth.

Ayla Alim-Baldueza

Co-Managing Partner

Handles administrative matters and specializes in administrative law and complex regulatory frameworks.

Eric Dela Cruz

Partner • Immigration

Specialist in regulated financial services, corporate governance, and AI-enabled legal operations.

Jeremiah Belgica

Partner • Litigation

Former Director-General of the Anti-Red Tape Authority, bringing government insight to private practice.

Jedrek Ng

Partner • Litigation

Former Assistant City Prosecutor of Manila, offering robust representation in criminal and civil courts.

Associates

The dedicated team supporting our practice.

Ed Vinson Quintin

Senior Associate

Mera Lyka Timan

Senior Associate

Aileen Bobadilla

Corp & Tax • CPA

Precius Aiah Anies

IP Law

Ma. Patricia Atayde

Corporate

Arthur Melindo

Litigation

Contact

Get in Touch

Have a legal inquiry? Our team is ready to provide the strategic guidance you need.

Email eric.delacruz@rocketmail.com
Office E-1209 Tektite Tower East, Ortigas Center,
Pasig City, Philippines