Head of Legal Department for the number one oil and gas company based in Thailand and operating in the Philippines. Navigated a complex regulatory framework to provide expert guidance on a broad spectrum of legal matters, with a primary focus on employee relations, along with communications, corporate governance, regulatory compliance, energy policies, environmental regulations, and day-to-day operations.• Managed employee relations cases, providing legal support and strategic guidance to ensure compliance with labor laws and maintaining positive workplace dynamics.• Spearheaded internal and external communications, crafting strategic messages and developing comprehensive corporate communication plans to enhance brand reputation and foster positive stakeholder relationships.• Implemented robust legal compliance programs tailored to the oil and gas industry challenges, fostering a culture of integrity and accountability.• Facilitates comprehensive patent portfolio management, including patent filings, docket management, clearance searches, and collaborates closely with external counsel to ensure intellectual property compliance and adherence to regulatory standards.• Recognized as Top 10 Manager (2018, 2019) for digitizing legal records and implementing a request processing system.• Awarded Best Manager (2017) for streamlining the approvals process and creating custom templates to enhance efficiencies.• Spearheaded the development and implementation of a corporate communications plan, aligning messaging with strategic objectives and fostering positive stakeholder relationships to enhance brand reputation.• Partnered with internal stakeholders to assess legal risks, developing robust strategies to mitigate potential liabilities.• Drafted, reviewed, and negotiated favorable terms for intricate contracts and agreements.• Resolved complex legal disputes through strategic negotiations, minimizing disruption to business operations.

Handled diverse cases, including labor disputes, criminal matters, intellectual property issues, civil litigation, immigration law, and government procurement. Conducted in-depth research and drafted comprehensive legal documents, including pleadings and legal opinions. Advocated for clients in court proceedings and before judicial and quasi-judicial bodies.• Spearheaded/contributed to projects related to government procurement and public-private partnership agreements.• Innovated Swiss Challenge (SCM) for procurement within local governments, protecting client interests as original proponents of projects and promoting transparency and fairness throughout bidding process.

Served as legal advisor and representative for all subsidiary/sister companies, including Starland Properties, Sunverde Hotels & Resorts, Sunrise Holiday Concepts, AERO Equipt Aviation, Enrique Olonan & Associates, and Solid Future Foundation; counseled officers, board members, and board chairperson in meetings, negotiations, and corporate actions. • Led all internal and external communications initiatives, creating strategic messaging and comprehensive corporate communication plans that elevated brand reputation and built strong, positive relationships with stakeholders.• Streamlined legal department by implementing systematic process for document endorsement, inventory, turnover, and filing. Integrated paralegals from different areas into department structure to enhance communication and facilitate efficient handling of legal matters.• Led revision of employment contracts and code of discipline, creating procedures for HR regarding employee discipline/termination. Created comprehensive flowchart outlining labor processes, applicable laws, and remedies.• Negotiated and defended subsidiary against attempted pre-termination of lease agreement by government entity, thereby safeguarding company interests and contractual obligations.• Managed various legal matters, including labor disputes, civil litigations, and criminal cases, while overseeing external legal counsel. Reviewed, drafted, and negotiated legal contracts/documents and corporate communications.

Drafted decisions, resolutions, and actions for petitions/appeals concerning violations of government audit regulations, focusing on government procurement, intelligence funds, and allowances/benefits of corporate government agencies. Reviewed and revised draft decisions prepared by action officers in Claims and Adjudication Office (corporate division), ensuring accuracy and compliance with legal standards.• Boosted monthly case resolutions +55% by transitioning document management from hard copies to digital format, increasing accessibility and productivity.• Reduced case backlog 98% (from 700 to 14) by introducing and optimizing case monitoring system that enhanced accountability/productivity. Distinguished as first department to end year with the least backlogged cases at 14 with the second place at 500+.• Nominated for the Philippine Civil Service Commission’s Program on Awards and Incentives for Service Excellence (PRAISE) for 2015 for outstanding performance, exemplary service, and dedication awarded to all government employees all over the Philippines.• Conducted audits/assessments of government agencies, including Central Bank of the Philippines, Development Bank of the Philippines, Philippine Charities Sweepstakes Office, Philippine Amusement & Gaming Corporation, Social Security System, Home Development Mutual Fund, Government Service Insurance System, Land Railway Transit Authority, and National Power Corporation.

Key Functions: Ensures that the City Council complied with government rules and regulations in its expenditures for operations.Assist the Majority Floor Leader in the research and drafting of resolutions and ordinances particularly for the Committee on Rules and on Laws. Assisted the City Council in the deliberation of resolutions and ordinances by providing relevant research, data, and legal documents. Ensures that the proposed resolutions and ordinances of city councilors do not contravene or violate any laws and regulations of the government. Highlights:Researched and assisted in the drafting of the following ordinances of Quezon City:1. Ordinance Creating The Quezon City Government Department Of Tourism 2. Ordinance on The Quezon City Investment Code 3. Ordinance Creating The Quezon City Heritage Council 4. Ordinance Preventing Acts Of Bullying Committed Among Students In Quezon City5. Internal Rules of the City Council

Key Functions: Assist the Congressman in the research and drafting of bills and resolutions including communication, letters, and other documents for other Offices. Represent the Congressman in meetings with various government agencies and other private stakeholders. Assist the Congressman on the committee hearings particularly concerning appropriations. Rendered free legal services to the constituents of the district. Highlights: Researched and assisted on the drafting of Republic Act No. 10343 [An Act Renewing The Franchise Granted To Philippine Global Communications, Inc. (Formerly RCA Communications, Inc.) For Another Twenty-Five (25) Years]