A distinguished partner at Cruz Marcelo & Tenefrancia Rogelio, Jr. Torres has been a stalwart in the Philippine legal landscape for nearly two decades. His extensive experience encompasses dispute prevention and resolution, labor and employment law, banking and energy litigation, and corporate practice. With a keen expertise in assisting corporations with collective bargaining issues and advising human resource departments on labor standards and dismissal-related proceedings, Rogelio has established himself as a trusted advisor and advocate.
At Cruz Marcelo & Tenefrancia, Rogelio holds pivotal roles, serving as a member of the Management Committee and the Deputy Partner-in-Charge for Non-Legal Personnel, where he oversees the Human Resource Department. His leadership extends beyond the firm, as evidenced by his appointment as an Investigating Commissioner for the Commission on Bar Discipline since 2019, a role in which he was honored as one of the Outstanding Commissioners in 2022.
Rogelio’s practice areas are diverse and comprehensive. They include corporate reorganizations, corporate governance and regulation, real estate transactions, trial advocacy and corporate litigation, banking litigation, corporate rehabilitation, appellate practice, arbitration, and labor litigation. His multifaceted expertise makes him an invaluable asset to his clients, offering strategic insights and robust legal solutions across a wide array of legal challenges.
Educationally, Rogelio is a proud alumnus of the Ateneo de Manila University, where he earned his Juris Doctor degree from the School of Law in 2005 and his Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from the Loyola Schools in 2000. His academic background laid a solid foundation for his legal career, which began with his admission to the Philippine Bar in 2006.
Rogelio continues to contribute significantly to the legal profession through his practice and public service. His role as a legal advisor, educator, and leader underscores his commitment to excellence and his enduring impact on the legal community in the Philippines.
Legal Expertise at CMT
Rogelio’s role at CMT involves providing effective representation before appropriate forums and offering practical legal advice to existing clients to avoid and resolve disputes, as well as to mitigate the effects of ongoing litigation. He manages major risks for clients, including litigation and public relations strategies, and is also responsible for business development to expand CMT’s client roster and increase its business value.
As the Partner-in-Charge of Non-Legal Personnel, Rogelio has enhanced existing systems and significantly improved coordination with other departments to enhance CMT’s workplace environment. He has mentored the Human Resources Department members, ensuring their professional growth.
- Recent Legal Achievements
Criminal Case Dismissal: Successfully caused the dismissal of a criminal case involving almost half a billion Pesos without the need for trial.
Civil Case Summary Judgment: Secured a summary judgment in a civil case involving hundreds of millions of Pesos.
Supreme Court Victory: Obtained a final and favorable judgment from the Philippine Supreme Court affirming the conviction of a bank officer for banking law violations.
Rogelio regularly engages with human resource managers and general counsel of corporations in various sectors, assisting in labor-related concerns and representing clients before the Philippine Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE). He advises investigating committees and prepares reports and recommendations, which are often accepted by management.
Recent Labor-Related Achievements:
- NLRC Decision Reversal: Secured a reversal of an unfavorable decision by the National Labor Relations Commission (NLRC), saving the client millions of Pesos through a motion for reconsideration.
- Retrenchment Program Implementation: Assisted a multinational company in implementing its retrenchment program, preparing waivers and quitclaims, resulting in significant savings.
- Disciplinary Proceedings: Assisted a multinational company in disciplinary proceedings involving a senior officer, preparing necessary notices and decisions, avoiding litigation.
As a member of CMT’s Management Committee, Rogelio identifies business opportunities that add significant value to the firm, both monetarily and reputationally. He manages operations and processes, suggesting improvements as needed.
- Additional Roles
Deputy Partner-in-Charge of Non-Legal Personnel: Coordinates and supervises CMT’s human resources department, implementing policies affecting non-legal personnel, including disciplinary and administrative proceedings. His improvements in HR processes have significantly enhanced operations and streamlined coordination with other departments, resulting in faster and more efficient processes for CMT.
Rogelio has been evaluated by the Senior Partners of CMT and recognized as a reliable leader within the organization.
Synergy of Seasoned Professionals and Decades of Expertise
Cruz Marcelo & Tenefrancia is a dynamic legal organization, celebrating ten years of excellence and drawing on over 40 years of collective experience. Rogelio shares that the firm is more than just a legal entity; it is a synergy of seasoned professionals with decades of expertise. Recognized as leaders in the field, their recent awards highlight their skills in dispute resolution, arbitration, intellectual property, corporate practice, and labor and employment law.
The firm has 30 partners, 45 associates, and 9 talented newcomers, representing a comprehensive, full-service approach. Their reputation goes beyond client satisfaction, as they are also respected by their peers. Fellow professionals often seek their legal counsel, solidifying Cruz Marcelo & Tenefrancia’s strong position in the legal market.
Valuing Diverse Perspectives and Ideas
Rogelio’s leadership is a symphony of inclusivity and active participation, where every idea, no matter how novel, is given its due consideration. He believes in the magic that diverse perspectives bring, and under his guidance, the firm becomes a vibrant tapestry woven with threads of innovation and experience. Empowering team members, from the most seasoned partner to the newest associate, he ensures that even the freshest voices are heard.
This approach is deeply personal for Rogelio. He remembers his early days, when senior partners encouraged him to speak up and share his thoughts. This support shaped his belief in the power of ideas and the importance of nurturing them. Now, he champions this ethos, fostering an environment where creativity thrives and innovation is a collective endeavor.
Rogelio sees improvement not just as an option but as a shared responsibility. He inspires his team to continuously refine their systems and practices, knowing that each small enhancement contributes to the greater success of the organization. Under his leadership, Cruz Marcelo & Tenefrancia is not just a firm; it is a dynamic entity constantly evolving, driven by the collective commitment to excellence.
Aiming to Become a Formidable Global Player
Rogelio envisions a future where Cruz Marcelo & Tenefrancia seamlessly blends cutting-edge legal services with a broader societal impact. While continuing to excel in their core legal offerings, the firm aims to explore emerging fields, adapting to technological advancements and global standards. Their vision is to become a formidable global player, competing with distinction on the international stage.
Simultaneously, they strive to deepen their societal impact by actively engaging with underserved communities and ensuring access to legal services for the less fortunate. Beyond seeking professional recognition, they aspire to lead in pro bono endeavors, embodying a holistic commitment to excellence, compassion, and the transformative power of the legal profession. Rogelio asserts that their goal is to shape a just and equitable society, demonstrating how the law can be a force for good.
