22 | Acquisition International December 2025 The Best of the Best in the Philippines’ Taxation Scene n experienced and trusted law firm aiming to be the leading tax, commercial, and intellectual property law firm in the Philippines, SLM is proud to call many of the top 500 companies and various multinational corporations its clients. More than just providing solid legal services to these organisations, the team strive to deliver a true, trusted counsel for them, a commitment that has resulted in SLM’s reputation as one the country’s foremost law firms, particularly when it comes to tax advisory and planning services. Delivered by a handful of top-tier tax lawyers known for their effortless combination of technical prowess, global reach, and detailed knowledge of any issues that may arise from transactions, controversies, or more general business operations (including government workings), these services are taken up by a wealth of organisations. The same is true of all its tax-related services, including the planning of refund cases, corporate transactions, reorganisations, tax treaty issues, and even transfer pricing solutions. So prolific is the firm in the field of tax that it is also a member of TAXAND, a global network comprising more than 3,000 of the world’s leading tax advisors from across 50 countries. This membership gives the team here access to this shared knowledge, meaning they can collaborate with their fellow professionals to deliver advice that is always practical – regardless of whether it is requested on a local or an international scale. On the back of this leverage, SLM has handled countless tax cases over the years – it now handles the most cases at the Court of Tax Appeals – with the total amount adding up to billions of pesos. Much of the credit for this has to go to Serafin Salvador himself, who, prior to propelling this firm to be one of the leading commercial law firms in the region, headed up the tax division of what is the Philippines’ largest professional services firm. The knowledge he possesses as a result of this makes him a highly sought after lawyer. Having lent his peerless knowledge and expertise to SMEs and multinationals alike, helping them to effectively navigate the rapid changes and overcome the complex issues inherent in this highly competitive market, this founding and managing partner has been celebrated right across the Philippines for his work. Examples include previous appointments as President of the Tax Management Association of the Philippines and as a bar examiner. This feeds into what is one of this leading tax planning lawyer’s passions: training and educating the next generation of industry professionals on the intricacies of taxation. As for how he does this, Serafin has taught at some of the top law schools in the country, such as the UP College of Law, the Ateneo Law School, the University of Manila College of Law, and even the Philippine Women’s University College of Liberal Arts – as well as giving lectures and seminars for institutions and other such bodies across this nation. Finally, it is also worth noting the articles that SLM’s principal has written for prestigious publications including the CCH Journal of Asia-Pacific Taxation, the SGV Tax Division’s ‘Tax Files’ column within the pages of the Philippine Daily Inquirer, and also several local publications. This has only furthered the reach of this taxation expert, bolstering the contributions he has made to the field of taxation law in the Philippines. With Serafin upholding the mission and vision of his eponymous firm, including providing excellent client services and fostering the highest standards of ethics and professionalism across a familial, nurturing, and inclusive workplace, his recognition as the Leading Tax Planning Lawyer of the Year 2025 – Philippines was an obvious choice. This is not to take away from the effort behind this accolade, which is built on decades of hard work and education, all in the name of mastering what is an everevolving craft. Further details on the full scope of services delivered by Salvador Llanillo & Bernado can be found at its website, the web address for which is linked down below. Contact: Serafin Salvador Company: Salvador Llanillo & Bernado Web Address: https://salvadorlaw.com/ For 22 years now, Salvador Llanillo & Bernado (SLM) has delivered a legal service built on trust and strengthened by integrity to corporations across the Philippines. Specialising in the areas of taxation, commercial law, intellectual property law, labour and litigation, as well as immigration law, the firm is powered by the collective experience of its team, headed up by Serafin Salvador. With this founding and managing partner being named the Leading Tax Planning Lawyer of the Year 2025 – Philippines, we take a look at the expertise powering the firm below. A
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