Grace Quevedo-Panagsagan, Senior Partner and Managing PartnerPlaton Martinez is a distinguished fullservice law firm that offers a wide array of legal services, including corporate law, arbitration, litigation, taxation and environmental law, with a specialization in labor law. It extends comprehensive, end-to-end legal counsel in all phases of the employment life cycle.
Platon Martinez takes a collaborative approach and ensures that clients benefit from the expansive legal experience of its lawyers, who stay abreast of the latest regulations and developments. Their extensive experience in all aspects of litigation and business transactions allows them to serve the needs of a diverse clientele across industries.
“We have been the go-to firm for many big, multinational companies in the last 28 years for all employment and labor law issues, from registering a company with the Department of Labor and Employment to securing licenses for contractors and advising them on employment contracts,” says Grace QuevedoPanagsagan, senior partner and managing partner.
Platon Martinez is proficient in advising clients on employment issues like disciplinary action and termination. Many also seek consultation on the retirement process, including developing and managing policies. The firm guides them on how to draft and oversee these policies. On a bigger scale, its lawyers sit down with clients in collective bargaining negotiations with labor organizations.
Its ability to develop effective strategies in changing circumstances has been instrumental in helping clients during disruptions. One example was during the COVID-19 outbreak that prompted concerns about telecommuting and work-from-home (WFH) arrangements.
The Telecommuting Act of 2018 governed the WFH arrangement for private employees in the Philippines. By the time it was mandated, Platon Martinez was adept at institutionalizing remote work and handling tasks like collective bargaining agreements and legal submissions online. It also assisted numerous clients registered with the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) when they sought guidance on the consequences of WFH arrangements on their registration commitments with the PEZA.
“We take pride in our ability to quickly adapt and provide end-to-end support to clients,” says Rachelle Aileen Santos, senior partner.
In its role as an advisor, consultant and legal expert, Platon Martinez provides informed guidance on emerging situations, including the potential nationwide increase in the minimum wage. As the company awaits legislative developments regarding the issue, it has dedicated resources to explore alternative compensation structures and facilitate constructive dialogue and strategic planning to ensure continued success for businesses.
We have been the go-to firm for many big, multinational companies in the last 28 years for all employment and labor law issues, from registering a company with the Department of Labor and Employment to securing licenses for contractors and advising them on employment contracts
Multiple instances highlight Platon Martinez’s legal expertise. Under Rodrigo Duterte’s presidency, a labor law regulation requiring compliance with the strict requirements of legitimate job contracting affecting the status of temporary or contractual staff was issued. One of its clients, who predominantly engaged job contractors for their operations in the agricultural sector, faced a challenge in offering regular employment contracts to nearly 3,000 contractual employees.
Platon Martinez stepped in and assisted them in being completely compliant with the law. It further helped the client reassess their hiring practices and workforce policies to reinforce stability and minimize the possibility of legal disputes.
At its core, Platon Martinez believes in preventing labor claims before they become legal disputes. Intervening early in the process allows it to anticipate, avoid and subsequently shield clients from illegal dismissal claims.
“We do everything in our power to prevent issues from escalating into legal problems,” says Arturo Selim, senior partner.
Platon Martinez’s dedication to taking preemptive measures is a testament to its unprecedented industry expertise, positioning it as the go-to partner for all legal matters.
