Overview
Toby is the Managing Partner of the Firm and a member of its Executive Committee. He also serves as the head of the Labor and Immigration Practice Groups. With over 25 years of experience in labor law, human resources, organizational development, and employment practices, he has developed a comprehensive and in-depth understanding of these fields. His practice focuses on the review and development of company policies, manuals, and regulations, collective bargaining negotiations, labor audits, and providing corporate guidance to clients. Toby has a proven track record in managing complex labor disputes, including unfair labor practices, strike cases, labor standard complaints, and employee money claims. In addition to his legal practice, Toby is a sought-after speaker and trainer, regularly leading seminars on leadership development, labor relations, effective collective bargaining agreement negotiations, and the optimization of business operations. Toby’s expertise extends beyond labor law, encompassing litigation and dispute resolution, as well as matters related to immigration, intellectual property, special projects, election law, and real estate transactions. He holds key governance roles, serving as a member of the Board of Directors, Corporate Secretary, Resident Agent, and officer for numerous corporations.
Representative Work
- Successfully led the planning, organization, and execution of the acquisition of a major network in the Philippines. The project involved reviewing employment policies and contracts, evaluating pending legal cases, assessing the effectiveness of employee compensation and benefits, and restructuring the organization to optimize efficiency and reduce costs. Key responsibilities also included successfully defending the client against claims from former officers and employees, resulting in savings of PhP3 billion
- Successfully defended a major Philippine manufacturing company against a claim of alleged labor-only contracting at a time when Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Department Order No. 174 was being strictly implemented
- Effectively secured a reversal on appeal of a finding of alleged labor-only contracting against one of the country’s largest developer, producer, and distributor of agricultural products
- Successfully managed the discontinuation of operations for a news network and facilitated the seamless transition of its employees, ensuring the protection of both management and employee interests without any legal disputes
- Efficiently managed an illegal strike by outsourced employees who occupied the premises of a manufacturing company within an economic zone. Through effective dispute resolution and mitigation of legal risks, successfully addressed the underlying issues, enabling the client to regain control of its property and resume operations
- Successfully represented and defended an IT company in a complex legal case involving allegations of illegal dismissal filed by multiple former employees. Through strategic legal arguments and diligent case preparation, managed to secure a favorable outcome, leading to the dismissal of all claims. As a result, the company avoided significant financial liabilities, ultimately saving approximately PhP100 million in potential settlement costs, legal fees, and reputational damage
Educational Attainment
Ateneo de Manila University, 1999
Juris Doctor
University of the Philippines, 1992
Bachelor of Arts in History
Admitted to the Philippine Bar in 2000
