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This profile reflects asialaw research. The “(asialaw)” label indicates the source of this content.

Del Rosario & Del Rosario (asialaw)

Philippines (asialaw)

2025_asialaw Recommended Firm.png
Quick facts
Contact

Ruben T. Del Rosario

Number of lawyers

30

Number of partners

10

Languages

English, Filipino, Spanish

Key practice areas
Labour and employment (asialaw)
Dispute resolution (asialaw)
Shipping (asialaw)
Firm overview

The Philippine maritime industry is a dynamic and ever-growing business in which DelRosarioLaw has played, and continues to play, a major part. The firm acts for multinational shipping clients on controversies involving labour, personal injury, vessel arrest, collisions, salvage, oil pollution, damage/loss of cargoes, bunker claims, charter party/bill of lading disputes, protection & indemnity (P&I)/hull & machinery (H&M) and freight demurrage & defence (FD&D) work, ship finance, sale and purchase documentation, registrations, management and crewing.

Co-managing partner, Ruben T Del Rosario, former charter president of the Philippine Maritime Voluntary Arbitrators’ Association, is regularly invited to speak at national and international fora on issues related to amendments to the standard terms and conditions of the POEA contract and other matters relating to Filipino crew claims.

DelRosarioLaw’s labour practice acts on a full range of matters involving Filipino seafarers’ claims and industrial relations disputes. With Filipinos making up over 25% of all seafarers worldwide, labour claims and suits for death, disability, illness, illegal dismissal and other related claims make up a large part of our practice.

DelRosarioLaw represents, among others, the International Group of P&I Clubs, as well as insurance companies and cruise lines.

In response to the growing needs of the clients, Del Rosario Pandiphil, the firm’s paralegal affiliate, handles all seafarers’ medical claims. Del Rosario Pandiphil is also now the Philippine network partner of the Through Transport Club, the largest club for ship, terminal, and depot operators, container lessors, and freight forwarders, and is a member of, and insured with, the ITIC Club.

The firm continues to evolve

The firm’s corporate practice has grown substantially in recent years to accommodate increased business and the outsourcing activities of its clients in the Philippines. These business activities include direct foreign investments, company formations such as RO/ROHQ, mergers and acquisitions, joint ventures and general corporate work.

The firm’s tax and immigration practices have likewise grown to support the growing corporate clientele, to ensure their compliance with the ever developing local regulatory environment.

Major international law firms regularly refer cases to DelRosarioLaw, trusting them to ably handle their representation in the Philippines. The litigation and dispute resolution practice of the firm continually expands to various fields of law to cope with the ever expanding business concerns of its clients.

In recent years there has been a large increase in matters pertaining to intellectual property. The firm’s IP clients include international giants Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and Sony.

Co-managing partner Arturo T del Rosario Jr, besides specialising in maritime law, also holds the position of president of the International Property Association of the Philippines and spearheads DelRosarioLaw‘s work covering trademark and patent applications and disputes.

Practice areas & sector specialisations
  • Labour & personal injury
  • Litigation and dispute resolution
  • Corporate and commercial
  • Shipping and admiralty
  • Intellectual property
  • Cargo claims and charter party
  • Transport
  • Insurance and reinsurance
  • Arbitration and ADR
  • Immigration
Address:
DelRosarioLaw Centre, 14th Floor
21st Drive Corner 20th Drive
Manila Bonifacio Global City, Taguig, Metro
Philippines
Tel:+63 2 5317 7888 / +63 2 8810 1791 Fax:+63 2 5317 7890 Email:Contact Us Web Address:http://www.delrosariolaw.com/
2025 Edition
Industry Sector: Shipping (asialaw)
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Labour and employment (asialaw)
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20 firms ranked
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15 practice areas
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Overview

Shipping boutique Del Rosario & Del Rosario is regularly sought out by international protection and indemnity (P&I) clubs as well as insurance companies and cruise lines. The firm has expertise in all aspects of shipping matters including labour, personal injury, vessel arrest, collisions, salvage, oil pollution, damage of cargoes, bunker claims, protection and indemnity, and ship finance. Its well-regarded IP group has also been engaged by global giants such as Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and Sony. Recently, the firm has been expanding to handle matters of corporate and M&A, labour and employment, dispute resolution, and more. Key partners include Ruben Del Rosario, Arturo Del Rosario Jr, Charles Jay Dela Cruz, Joseph Manolo Rebano and Herbert Tria.

Linked Reviews
Labour and employment (asialaw)

Work highlights 

Advising a shipowner and manager regarding four Filipino seafarers arrested in Brazil for international drug trafficking after authorities discovered one ton of cocaine at Port of Itapoa. The case presents complex jurisdictional challenges involving Brazilian criminal proceedings and Philippine administrative requirements for employer obligations. It involved working alongside Brazilian counsel to coordinate defence while managing diplomatic and regulatory compliance with Philippine authorities. 

Representing Döhle Seafront Crewing and vessel insurers in a sensitive death benefits claim following the North Sea collision between cargo vessel Solong and tanker Stena Immaculate. The case involves complex jurisdictional and evidentiary challenges regarding Filipino crew member Mark Angelo Pernia's death, while balancing widow benefits claims amid ongoing UK criminal proceedings against the vessel's master. 

Shipping (asialaw)

Work highlights 

Representing SMC Shipping and Lighterage Corp and its insurer in a $120 million environmental claim arising from barge Katapatan 2's coal spill near the Masinloc and Oyon Bay Protected Landscape and Seascape. The case involves complex negotiations with multiple stakeholders following the discharge of 11,000 metric tons of coal during Typhoon Kristine, affecting a protected marine sanctuary. Successfully managing client exposure through strategic intervention and stakeholder engagement with local officials, environmental authorities and affected communities. 

Key clients 

Filipino Association for Mariners Employment, Hi-Energy Marine Services, SMC Shipping and Lighterage Corp 

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