Joselito M. Bautista
Joselito “Lito” M. Bautista is a Partner and the current Monitor of the Firm’s Corporate and Special Projects Department. With nearly 25 years of experience, Lito is recognized as a leading expert in mergers and acquisitions, banking, financial technology, real estate, and foreign investments. He holds directorships and acts as corporate secretary for several Philippine companies, and has served as a legal advisor for various multinational companies and foreign subsidiaries, particularly foreign banks, manufacturing companies, and business process outsourcing firms.
Lito has earned consistent distinction in his areas of expertise, being recognized as a Highly Regarded lawyer by IFLR1000 (2022–2025) and as a Recommended Lawyer by The Legal 500 Asia Pacific (2020–2021). He contributes to international legal publications, including the Global Legal Insights Fintech 2024/2025 reports, and has co-authored business guides for the Carolina Academic Press and the Center for International Legal Studies.
Lito is an active member of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines (Bulacan Chapter), the Philippine Bar Association, and the Berkeley Club of the Philippines. Holding a Juris Doctor degree from Ateneo de Manila University and a Master of Laws degree from the University of California, Berkeley (with specializations in Law and Technology and Business Law), he shares his expertise as a guest lecturer on Commercial Law and Corporation Law and Basic Securities at the Bulacan State University. He also served as a lecturer on Obligations and Contracts and the Law on Business Organizations at the Mapua Institute of Technology (E.T. Yuchengco School of Business).
Outside his professional commitments, Lito engages himself in various multi-sport activities, having completed several triathlon races and a number of world major marathons. He also enjoys playing basketball and a round of golf from time to time.