Ann Clarice "Kia" G. Opinion

Ann Clarice G. Opinion

Associate

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    • Commercial Arbitration

    • Construction Arbitration

    • Criminal Prosecution and Defense

    • Employment Disputes

  • Associate, Florete Law Office, Iloilo City, Philippines (2024 - present)

    Experienced in commercial arbitration, litigation, legal drafting, and negotiation, with a strong background in legal research and courtroom advocacy. Provides comprehensive legal support backed by business and marketing insight. Currently acting as advocate in a CIAC construction arbitration case and serving as counsel in criminal, civil, and labor cases—including estafa, qualified theft, RA 9262, RA 7610, annulment, and employment disputes.

    Assistant Supervising Specialist, PPP Office - Iloilo City, Iloilo City (2024 - present)

    PhilippinesWe manage the full cycle of PPP projects for the Iloilo City Government—from project selection and procurement to contract management. This includes key sectors like markets, terminals, waste management, housing, and water supply. We coordinate with stakeholders to ensure legal compliance and smooth implementation, and we assist in preparing essential contracts and agreements.

    Legal Intern, International Committee of the Red Cross Manila, Philippines 2021 (8-week program)

    Interviewed Judge O-Gon Kwon of the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia (ICTY) for the Asia Pacific Journal of International Humanitarian Law. Conducted a legal survey on existing IHL-related laws for inclusion in an international organization’s database. Co-led a special initiative exploring how International Humanitarian Law can be integrated into commercial sectors, with a focus on conflict-affected areas in the Philippines.

    Marketing & Business Leadership (2013 – 2021)

    • Former Account Director, Unilever

    • Project Director, Visa Philippines

    • Senior Account Manager, PepsiCo

    • Member, Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) 

    • Trained File Counsel, Philippine Dispute Resolution Center, Inc.(PDRCI)

    • Trained Arbitrator, Philippine Dispute Resolution Center, Inc. (PDRCI)

    • Member, Philippine Institute of Arbitrators (PIArb)

    • Member, Young International Council for Commercial Arbitration (Young ICCA)

    • Coach & Competitor, VIS International Commercial Arbitration Moot Competition

    • Career Service Professional, Philippine Civil Service Commission

  • Juris Doctor, Ateneo Law School (2018 – 2022, Honors Graduate)

    • Graduate of the International Law and Development Track

    • Graduate Thesis: Protecting the Pearl of the Orient: A Legal Analysis of the Consequences of the South China Sea Arbitration Award in Consideration of the President's Inherent Powers Over Foreign Affairs and State Obligations Arising from International and Domestic Law

    B.S. Management, Ateneo de Manila University (Major in Communications Technology Management, Minor in Literature, 2013, Graduated Honourable Mention)

  • Admitted to the Philippine Bar (May 2023)

Atty. Ann Clarice “Kia” Opinion is an experienced lawyer with a strong background in commercial arbitration, litigation, and contract negotiation. With training in both law and business, she provides practical legal solutions for individuals and companies.

Her practice includes alternative dispute resolution (ADR), commercial litigation, and policy advisory. She has worked on construction arbitration cases before the Construction Industry Arbitration Commission (CIAC) and handled criminal, civil, and labor cases, including fraud (estafa), qualified theft, and family law matters.

She has also been involved in public-private partnership (PPP) projects in Iloilo City, assisting in regulatory compliance and contract negotiations for major developments, such as public markets, terminals, housing, and infrastructure. She has trained with the Philippine Dispute Resolution Center, the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators, and the Singapore International Arbitration Centre (SIAC) to further strengthen her expertise in arbitration.

Before becoming a lawyer, Atty. Opinion built a career in marketing and project management, working with major brands like Visa, PepsiCo, and Unilever. Her business experience allows her to offer practical legal advice to companies dealing with disputes and transactions.

She earned her Juris Doctor from Ateneo Law School, where she competed as an oralist in the VIS International Commercial Arbitration Moot Court Competition and the John H. Jackson Moot Court. She also holds a Bachelor of Science in Management from Ateneo de Manila University, graduating with honors.

Atty. Opinion is a member of the Philippine Institute of Arbitrators (PIArb), the Philippine Dispute Resolution Center (PDRC), and the Young International Council for Commercial Arbitration (Young ICCA).