V&A Law

V&A are Finalists at the ALB SE Asia Law Awards 2024

We are thrilled to announce that Villaraza & Angangco has been named as a finalist for the Asian Legal Business Southeast Asia Law Awards 2024 for the following categories: • Labour and Employment Firm of the Year • Regional Litigation Law Firm of the Year • M&A Deal of the Year for the Acquisition of Coca-Cola Beverages Philippines • Project Finance Deal of the Year for DITO Telecommunity Corp Financing V&A Senior Partner, Augusto A. San Pedro, Jr. has also been recognized as a finalist for the Dispute Resolution Lawyer of the ...

Villaraza & Angangco is honored to be included as a finalist for the Philippines Law Firm of the Year Award at the Chambers Asia-Pacific Awards 2024. The results will be announced during the ceremony, which will be held at the W Hotel in Hong Kong on May 29, 2024. The Chambers Asia-Pacific Awards recognize law firms' achievements with work and client services. ...

Last March 19, Villaraza & Angangco V&A Law joined forces with PwC Philippines to hold a seminar on mergers and acquisitions with the title, “Accelerating Growth through M&A: Leveraging M&A Opportunities,” at V&A Law Center’s Rainmaker’s Lounge. Hosted by V&A senior associate, Carlos Augustine G. Roman, the seminar started off with an opening remarks speech from V&A Managing Partner, Atty. Sylvette Y. Tankiang. V&A Partners Kristin Charisse C. Siao and Mandy Therese M. Anderson were among the esteemed speakers of this se...

During the “Balancing Act: AI & Climate” event hosted by Villaraza & Angangco and organized by the Start2 Group and the German Embassy, V&A Managing Partner Sylvette Tankiang highlighted the pivotal role of collaboration between the various sectors and industries in bringing forth innovative solutions for a sustainable future. While acknowledging the potential of Artificial Intelligence AI to revolutionize climate efforts, Sylvette stressed the importance of its ethical and sustainable use. She also highlighted the unique role that lawyers will play as the i...

Last February 27, Villaraza & Angangco hosted the forum “Balancing Act: AI and Climate,” which was organized by the Start2 Group in partnership with the German Embassy. The event, which was held at V&A’s Rainmaker’s Lounge, was conducted as part of the celebration of 70 years of diplomatic ties between the Philippines and Germany. V&A Managing Partner, Sylvette Tankiang, delivered the welcome remarks for the event. German Ambassador to the Philippines, Dr. Andreas Michael Pfaffernoschke also graced the event. The event convened key individual...

Villaraza & Angangco Law’s Ma. Sophia Editha Cruz-Abrenica was interviewed by AsiaIP on Intellectual Property “IP” Strategy for businesses and start-ups. In the article “ What’s your IP strategy? ”, Asia IP writer Espie Angelica De Leon gathered insights from top intellectual property lawyers from various countries in Asia, such as Thailand, Vietnam, China and the Philippines regarding formulation and development of IP strategies for businesses and start-ups. Atty. Cruz-Abrenica identifies who should formulate the IP strategy during the or...

Villaraza and Angangco Law’s Rashel Ann C. Pomoy will speak at the Legal 500’s GC Summit Philippines 2024. Rashel will tackle the most pressing employment concerns surrounding mental health in the workplace including discriminatory practices, reasonable accommodation, confidentiality, and dismissal from service. Catch Rashel’s in-depth discussion on 22 February 2024, from 11:05 to 11:35 a.m, at the Grand Hyatt Manila. See further details of the event here: https:/ /www.legal500.com/events/gc-summit-philippines-2024/ ...

Villaraza and Angangco Law’s Rashel Ann C. Pomoy dissects the legal landscape of mental health in the workplace in a recent podcast episode of Chambers Expert Focus. In the episode, Rashel discusses the rights and obligations of employers under the existing laws and regulations concerning mental health including the Mental Health Act, the Magna Carta for Persons with Disability, and the Guidelines for the Implementation of Mental Health Workplace Policies and Programs for the Private Sector issued by the Department of Labor and Employment. Rashel likewise tackles signif...

“Villaraza and Angangco Law “V&A Law” ’s Arbitration Practice Group proudly contributed to the Philippine section of the third 3rd edition of In-Depth: Construction Disputes published by the Law Business Research. In the guide, Attys. Raquel Wealth A. Taguian, Dianne Marie V. Roa-Oarde, Antonio Rafael B. Ongkeko, Jr., Theodore Joseph M. Jumamil, James Michael A. Uaminal, and Ivy M. Bernardo of the Arbitration Practice Group provided an overview of the legal regime governing construction disputes in the Philippines, including issues on variation...

Villaraza & Angangco Law’s Rashel Ann C. Pomoy will speak at The Legal 500’s GC Summit Philippines 2024 regarding the duty of care of employers in relation to the mental health of their employees. The said event will be held on 22 February 2024 at the Grand Hyatt Manila in Taguig City. GC Summit Philippines will engage the most esteemed in-house counsel from the country’s most prolific companies, and leading legal practitioners to discuss their changing roles as in-house leaders as well as the challenges, issues, and opportunities they are set to face in 2024 an...

Villaraza and Angangco is a finalist in the IFLR Asia-Pacific Awards 2024 for the following categories: National Law Firm of the Year Philippines and Project Finance Deal of the Year for the Dito Telecommunity Project Development and Financing Agreement. The IFLR Awards celebrate and recognize outstanding cross-border transactions, and the teams and lawyers behind them. The winners will be announced at the gala awards ceremony at The St. Regis Hong Kong on March 20, 2024. View the full list of finalists for the IFLR Asia-Pacific Awards 2024 . ...

We are pleased to announce that the lawyers of Villaraza and Angangco were recognized and have been ranked as leading lawyers in The Legal 500 Asia-Pacific 2024 Rankings. Managing Partner, Sylvette Y. Tankiang has been recognized in the Hall of Fame for the Capital Markets Practice Area. She is also listed in the elite "Leading Individuals" group for the Tax practice area and a recommended lawyer for practice areas Antitrust and Competition, Corporate and M&A, Projects and Energy, Real Estate & Construction, Banking and Finance, Capital Markets, and TMT alongside Senior ...

We are pleased to announce that Villaraza and Angangco has received top tier rankings in The Legal 500 Asia-Pacific law firm rankings for 2024. V&A Law has been ranked Top Tier in the following practice areas: Corporate and M&A, Dispute Resolution, Intellectual Property, Real Estate and Construction, Projects and Energy, and Tax. The following practice areas, on the other hand, are ranked Tier 2: Antitrust and Competition, Banking and Finance, Capital Markets, Immigration, Labor and Employment, and TMT. The Legal 500 is an annual publication that ser...

Villaraza & Angangco Law V&A Law proudly announces that it is now a member firm of L&E Global, an alliance of employers’ counsel worldwide. L&E Global is the leading team for cross-border labor and employment law services covering more than 80 countries across the globe. L&E Global’s top-tier members, now including V&A Law, are committed to offering clients with the most comprehensive legal services to a wide range of labor matters. L&E Global works closely with corporate, legal, and human resources departments, as well as premier ex...

Villaraza & Angangco "V&A Law" is pleased to announce the promotion of three 3 of its Associates to Senior Associates. Congratulations to the Firm's Theodore Joseph M. Jumamil of the Litigation and Dispute Resolution Department; Edward King L. Chua of the Intellectual Property Department; and Maria Francesca S. Vergara of the Corporate and Commercial Law Department for having been promoted from Associates to Senior Associates effective 01 January 2024. The promotions recognize their outstanding contributions and unparalleled commitment ...

Congratulations to V&A Law Partners for being recognized under the following categories in the Chambers Asia-Pacific Guide for 2024: Band 1 • Bienvenido I. Somera, Jr. Intellectual Property Band 2 • Augusto A. San Pedro, Jr. Dispute Resolution • Franchette M. Acosta Corporate/M&A Band 3 • Sylvette Y. Tankiang Corporate/M&A and Tax • Alejandro Alfonso E. Navarro Employment • Katrina V. Doble Intellectual Property Band 4 • Alejandr...

V&A Law has been recognized under the following categories in the Chambers Asia-Pacific Guide for 2024: • Band 2 – Corporate/M&A, Dispute Resolution, Employment, Intellectual Property • Band 3 –Tax • Band 4 – Projects, Infrastructure & Energy • Spotlight – Corporate/M&A: Real Estate The Chambers Asia-Pacific guide and rankings provide the most independent, in-depth insights and reliable recommendations on the best law firms and lawyers across the legal markets in Asia-Pacific. ...

V&A proudly embraced its commitment to environmental stewardship by organizing a Tree Planting Event as part of its ongoing Corporate Social Responsibility CSR initiatives. The tree planting event was a resounding success, with participants joining hands to transform a designated area at the La Mesa Watershed into a thriving green space. The initiative aligned with V&A Law's dedication to sustainability, climate action, and fostering positive community engagement. The event witnessed an inspiring collaboration between V&A’s partners, associates...

Congratulations to V&A Law for bagging Finance Deal of the Year at the 2023 Asian Legal Business Philippine Law Awards for its work on the DITO Telecommunity Project Development and Financing Agreement. Villaraza & Angangco, together with Shearman & Stearling, acted as the counsel for DITO for the said 3.9-Billion-Dollar financing transaction. The said transaction is dubbed to be as the largest project finance deal in the Philippines and as of date, the only project finance deal in the Philippines for a nationwide greenfield telecommunications project. The ...

Congratulations to V&A Law Senior Partner, Sylvette Y. Tankiang, for being recognized as Managing Partner of the Year at the 2023 Asian Legal Business Philippine Law Awards. Atty. Tankiang is V&A Law’s first female Managing Partner. She was appointed as Managing Partner of V&A Law at the start of 2023. The ALB Philippine Law Awards recognize the outstanding performance of private practitioners and in-house teams in the Philippines. The awarding ceremony was held last 30 November 2023 at Makati Shangri-La. ...

V&A Law took home five awards at the recently-concluded 2023 Asian Legal Business Philippine Law Awards. Among the accolades received by V&A are “Construction and Real Estate Law Firm of the Year”, “Projects and Infrastructure Law Firm of the Year”, and “Antitrust and Competition Law Firm of the Year”. This is the second time in a row that V&A Law was awarded by ALB as the Antitrust and Competition Law Firm of the Year, having received the same award last year. The ALB Philippine Law Awards recognize the outstanding performance ...

After a year of excellent work, the V&A Litigation Monitoring Group LMG took a well-deserved break by traveling to the Heart of Europe, the beautiful city of Prague in the Czech Republic, as well as Vienna, the City of Music, in Austria. The trip was also in recognition of the admirable performance and hard work of the LMG associates in the recently concluded LMG Moot Court Series, where the associates honed their trial skills by competing against each other, with the guidance of the LMG Partners, who also served as the judges for the exercise. The trip to Prague and Vi...

Congratulations to V&A Law Senior Partners Raoul R. Angangco, Sylvette Y. Tankiang, Bienvenido I. Somera, Jr., Alejandro Alfonso E. Navarro, Augusto A. San Pedro, Jr., and Franchette M. Acosta for being included in The A-List: The Philippines’ Top 100 Lawyers. Asia Business Law Journal’s A-List features the top 100 best practicing lawyers in the Philippines for 2023. The A-List is based on extensive research conducted and nominations received from in-house counsel in the Philippines and elsewhere, as well as Philippine-focused partners in international law fir...

Congratulations to V&A Law Partner Rashel Ann Pomoy for being recognized in Asian Legal Business’ Asia 40 Under 40 List for 2023. ALB Asia’s annual 40 Under 40 list profiles the most accomplished lawyers in Asia under 40 years of age. The top 40 lawyers were selected from over 600 nominations submitted following a rigorous process based on quality of work, recommendations from clients and colleagues, and a potential for future growth. Rashel is a Partner at the Firm and the Deputy Head of its Labor and Employment Practice Group. She made history ...

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On 4 October 2023, Villaraza and Angangco Law “V&A Law” Partner Rashel Ann Pomoy and Associate Caleb L. Lauredo served as speakers for Mondaq’s webinar entitled “Introduction to Philippine Labour and Employment Laws.” During the webinar, Pomoy provided an overview of labor and employment laws in the Philippines, which play an important role in protecting the rights and interests of workers. The discussion also served to impart basic knowledge of labor laws for any employer or companies who are intending to have presence in the Philippines m...

Congratulations to V&A Law Senior Partners Sylvette Y. Tankiang, Bienvenido I. Somera, Jr., and Alejandro Alfonso E. Navarro, Augusto A. San Pedro, Jr., for being recognized as Distinguished Practitioners by asiaLaw. asialaw identifies outstanding private practice legal professionals in 14 practice areas and 14 industry sectors across 23 jurisdictions. The publication is the result of an extensive research process that includes law firm submissions, interviews and surveys with house counsel and private practitioners, and independent research from its Asia-based editorial ...

asialaw produces rankings of the leading regional and domestic law firms in the Asia region, covering 28 sectors and practice areas in 23 jurisdictions. View asialaw’s 2023 rankings here: https://www.asialaw.com/Firm/villaraza-angangco-philippines/Profile/1356#rankings ...

Villaraza & Angangco’s V&A Law Intellectual Property Department has been recognized as a top-tier firm for trademarks in the 2023 edition of IP STARS by Managing IP. Senior Partner and Department Head Bienvenido Somera, Jr. is recognized as a Trade Mark Star, while Junior Partners Antonio Miguel C. Lu and Mark Leo P. Bejemino are recognized as Rising Stars. IP STARS is a leading specialist guide for identifying top law firms and practitioners around the world in different IP practice areas. Learn more about the 2023 edition of IP STARS h...

Villaraza and Angangco Law “V&A Law” invites everyone to attend the webinar entitled, “Introduction to Philippine Labour and Employment Laws”, to be held on 4 October 2023 at 4:00 PM Philippine time /8:00 AM UTC, hosted by Mondaq. V&A Law Partner Rashel Ann Pomoy and Associate Caleb L. Lauredo are set to be the speakers at the event. The webinar will educate a worldwide audience on basic labour and employment laws in the Philippines. As speakers, Pomoy and Laurdeo will also discuss the advantages of doing work in the Philippines, in the empl...

Villaraza & Angangco Law’s Ma. Sophia Editha Cruz-Abrenica gave a webinar entitled “ Patenting Fundamentals: Intellectual Property Protection of Research Output ” on 08 September 2023. The webinar was part of a series of webinars focused on Nanotechnology hosted by Nanohubs, under the auspices of the Department of Science and Technnology-Philippine Council for Industry, Energy and Emerging Technology Research and Development DOST-PCIEERD . The theme of the webinar series was “ Empowering Young Filipino Researchers for an Emerging technology Ready Philipp...

Congratulations to Villaraza & Angangco Senior Partners Alejandro Alfonso Navarro, Augusto San Pedro Jr., and Thea Daep for being recognized in the Legal500’s Southeast Asia Arbitration Powerlist for 2023. Showcasing the top lawyers practicing arbitration and commercial disputes in the Asia-Pacific region, the Legal500’s Southeast Asia Arbitration Powerlist reflects the practitioners that are deemed “the gold standard” by businesses. The recognized lawyers were chosen through a thorough research process conducted by the Legal500 team ...

V&A Law has been shortlisted as Philippine Law Firm of the Year in the sixth annual Asialaw Awards. The 2023 Asialaw Awards will be held on 26 September 2023 at the Marina Bay Sands, Singapore. Asialaw annually recognizes excellence among law firms across 23 jurisdictions in Asia, honoring outstanding achievement in 28 practice areas and industry sectors. Winners of the Asialaw Awards are selected based on the demonstrated innovation, complexity, and impact of matters being handled. View the full shortlist here: http://spr.ly/6019PeNX3 ...

Villaraza and Angangco’s Labor and Employment Practice Group is thrilled to announce the launch of its revamped website content. Committed to providing top-notch legal services, its list of practice areas is now updated. View the updated content here: https://www.thefirmva.com/ourpractice.do?category_id=17532 Get to know the accomplished lawyers behind the team, as well as their backgrounds, areas of expertise and accomplishments: Alejandro Alfonso Navarro - https://www.thefirmva.com/partners.do?item_id=1024263445 Rashel Ann Pomoy - https://www...

Villaraza & Angangco “V&A Law” contributes to the Philippine Chapter of the Legal 500 Technology, Media and Telecommunications law “TMT” Comparative Guide for 2023. Written by Sylvette Y. Tankiang, Franchette M. Acosta, Ma. Carla P. Mapalo, and Raymond John S. Cheng of V&A Law’s Corporate and Commercial Law Department, the Philippine Chapter of the TMT Comparative Guide is a country-specific Q&A that gives an overview of the TMT laws and regulations applicable in the Philippines. The TMT Comparative Guide offers ...

Congratulations to V&A Law Partners Sylvette Y. Tankiang, Franchette M. Acosta and Richard Henrick I. Beltran for the honor of being included in IFLR1000’s Leading Lawyers for 2023. V&A Law Managing Partner Sylvette Y. Tankiang and Co-Managing Partner Franchette M. Acosta were recognized as “Highly Regarded” in the practice areas of Banking and Mergers & Acquisitions. V&A Partner Richard Henrick I. Beltran was recognized as a “Rising Star Partner” in the practice area of Banking and Finance. IFLR1000 ra...

We are pleased to announce that V&A Law has been recognized in the IFLR1000 2023 Firm Rankings. V&A Law has been ranked in the following categories: Mergers and Acquisitions M&A – Tier 2 Restructuring and Insolvency – Tier 2 Banking – Tier 3 Project Development – Tier 3 Project Finance – Tier 3 Capital Markets: Debt – Notable Firm Capital Markets: Equity – Notable Firm IFLR1000 ranks close to 5000 law firms and more than 21,000 lawyers across 12 practice are...

We are pleased to announce that 2 out of the 10 lawyers in Business Today’s Top 10 Philippines Corporate/M&A Lawyers Influencing Business Landscape in 2023 are from V&A Law. V&A Law Managing Partner Sylvette Y. Tankiang was recognized for advising an international client base on M&A transactions and for being experienced in corporate transactions, joint ventures, and contract structuring. V&A Law Co-Managing Partner Franchette M. Acosta was recognized for excelling in foreign direct investments, joint ventures and M&A transactio...

Villaraza and Angangco Law “V&A Law” and the European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines co-hosted on 20 July 2023 the Luncheon Meeting with Department of Labor and Employment “DOLE” Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma, held at Dusit Thani, Manila. V&A Law Partner and Labor and Emploment Practice Group Deputy Head Rashel Ann Pomoy served as host and panelist for the event. In his keynote speech, Secretary Laguesma discussed the DOLE’s future plans to improve the employment landscape in the Philippines and enhance human capital developme...

Villaraza & Angangco Law “V&A Law” is partnering with the European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines in hosting a luncheon meeting with Department of Labor and Employment Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma “DOLE Secretary Laguesma” , happening on 20 July 2023, 12:00 - 2:00 PM GMT+8 , at Dusit Thani Manila. V&A Law Partner and Deputy Head of its Labor and Employment Practice Group, Rashel Ann Pomoy, will serve as host and moderator of the event. Join us as DOLE Secretary Laguesma delves into the priorities and plans of the Department to ...

Villaraza and Angangco Law “V&A Law” was represented by its Partner Rashel Ann Pomoy as a Panel Speaker at the inaugural Asia Pacific Employment Summit held at Marina One, Singapore on 6 July 2023. Rashel, who also acts as the Firm’s Labor and Employment Practice Group Deputy Head, spoke at the breakout session, “Tomorrow’s pay and benefits”, where she, along with INDUSLAW’s Avik Biswas and TE Connectivity’s Ai Leen Tan, explored the benefit plans and compensation packages that employers are offering to meet their employ...

IAM Patent 1000 has once again recognized Villaraza & Angangco’s V&A Law Intellectual Property Department as a Silver-Tier Firm in the Philippines for 2023. It noted that V&A Law “offers the best of both worlds – a compelling combination of in-depth legal knowledge and strong technical acumen.” Department Head Bienvenido Somera, Jr. and Co-Head Katrina Doble, together with Sophie Cruz-Abrenica and Mark Leo Bejemino, are likewise recognized as Recommended Individuals in the IAM Patent 1000. Over the years, IAM Patent 1000 has...

Villaraza & Angangco “V&A Law” is pleased to announce the promotion of Atty. Leon Maria Angel P. Caguioa of the Litigation and Dispute Resolution Department to Partner, effective 01 July 2023. Atty. Caguioa’s practice covers a wide variety of disputes, ranging from criminal prosecution and defense, civil cases including family and estate matters, graft and corruption, as well as suits against the government. Atty. Caguioa was a key contributor to the Firm’s victory in the Court of Appeals in the first ever case against the Phili...

Villaraza & Angangco “V&A Law” is pleased to announce the promotion of Atty. Mandy Therese M. Anderson of the Corporate and Commercial Law Department to Partner, effective 01 July 2023. Mandy specializes in national, local and international taxation, foreign investments, corporate and commercial law, corporate restructuring, financial technology, mergers and acquisition and media and telecommunications. Being a certified public accountant with nine years of experience in the field of taxation, she routinely provides various tax services for clients in ba...

Villaraza & Angangco “V&A Law” is pleased to announce the promotion of Atty. Mark Benjamin C. Yam of the Corporate and Commercial Law Department to Partner, effective 01 July 2023. Atty. Yam specializes in the fields of anti-trust and competition, corporate governance, mergers and acquisitions, e-commerce, special projects, government procurement and immigration. He has also been involved in major mergers and acquisitions in various fields including telecommunications, information technology, real estate, logistics and construction. Atty. Y...

Villaraza & Angangco “V&A” is pleased to announce the promotion of Atty. Raquel Wealth A. Taguian of the Litigation & Dispute Resolution Department to Senior Partner. Atty. Taguian is currently serving as V&A’s Head of Litigation & Dispute Resolution Department and is also a part of its Arbitration Practice Group. With 20 years of litigation experience, Atty. Taguian has obtained expertise in international commercial arbitration and construction arbitration, intra-corporate disputes, corporate rehabilitation, civil and criminal litigation...

Villaraza & Angangco is pleased to announce the promotion of Atty. Fritzzie Lyn Español of the Litigation & Dispute Resolution Department to Senior Partner. Atty. Español specializes in complex commercial and criminal litigation, corporate rehabilitation and insolvency, commercial arbitration, tax litigation, intra-corporate disputes, banking, anti-money laundering, and estate proceedings. Atty. Español is also a part of V&A’s Arbitration Practice Group and is a Philippine Dispute Resolution Center, Inc. Trained Arbitrator. Atty. ...

Villaraza & Angangco is pleased to announce the promotion of Atty. Ruth Nichole R. Ureta of the Litigation & Dispute Resolution Department to Senior Partner. Atty. Ruth Nichole R. Ureta’s fields of expertise include Arbitration, Commercial and Criminal Litigation, including Litigation on Procurement Contracts and Intra-Corporate Disputes. Atty. Ureta is also a part of V&A’s Arbitration Practice Group. During her 15 years of legal practice, Atty. Ureta has successfully litigated numerous intra-corporate disputes and prosecuted high-stakes ...

Villaraza & Angangco is pleased to announce the promotion of Atty. Joseph Anthony P. Lopez of the Litigation & Dispute Resolution Department to Senior Partner. Atty. Lopez was recognized as one of Asia’s “40 Under 40” for 2019 by the Asian Legal Business. In 2020 to present, he was named a “Next Generation Partner” in Dispute Resolution by the Legal 500 Asia-Pacific and “Future Star” by Benchmark Litigation Asia-Pacific in the fields of Dispute Resolution, Commercial & Transactions and Government & Regulatory. He was ...

Villaraza and Angangco Law is delighted to host the prestigious Legal 500 GC Powerlist Philippines 2023 to be held on 06 July 2023 Thursday at the Rainmakers’ Lounge of the V&A Law Center. This distinguished event celebrates the outstanding achievements of in-house counsels across industries, recognizing their remarkable contributions to the legal landscape. Together with the Legal 500, we shall honor visionary leaders who have demonstrated unwavering dedication and made profound impact on their respective organizations. #Legal500 #GCpowerlist #Philippines2023 #V&...

Congratulations to Villaraza & Angangco “V&A Law” for being recognized by Asian Legal Business “ALB” as Employer of Choice for 2023. This is the sixth time that V&A Law has been recognized by ALB as Employer of Choice, having also won the award in 2017, 2018, 2020, 2021 and 2022. ALB spotlights law firms that are regarded by their employees as “not only places where they work but also where they find engagement and fulfilment.” View the full list of winners here: https://www.legalbusinessonline.c...

Villaraza & Angangco Law V&A Law was recognized by Manage HR as one of the Top 10 Employment Law Firms in the Asia Pacific Region in 2023. Manage HR is a print and digital magazine offering HR business and technology insights, high quality, timely, and informative news concerning HR issues, insightful opinion and best practices advice from their peers facing similar situations. According to Manage HR, V&A Law “provides legal solutions that consider a firm's business and legal aspects. This holistic approach has driven it to support some o...

“The ALB Asia IP Rankings 2023 provide a comprehensive guide to the best law firms for IP in the region, highlighting the firms that are leading the way in providing top-quality legal services to business operating in the Asia-Pacific. These firms are at the forefront of driving innovation and investment, helping their clients to protect their IP Assets and stay ahead of the competition.” – Ranajit Dam, Managing Editor, Asian Legal Business, Thomson Reuters, Asian Legal Business May 2023 Asian Edition The complete ranking can be found in the May 20...

Villaraza and Angangco Law “V&A Law” Partner Rashel Ann C. Pomoy was recognized as one of 40 experts from 24 countries across the globe to answer International Employment Lawyer “IEL” ’s second annual Tomorrow’s Leaders thought-leadership survey. The experts were selected by IEL based on their involvement in high-profile or innovative disputes, projects, or deals during their first decade of practice. They are expected to be at the forefront of tomorrow’s employment and labour law challenges. In her survey answers...

V&A Law Partner Kristin Charisse C. Siao and Senior Associate Carlo Augustine A. Roman are contributors to the February 2023 issue of the In-House Community Magazine. Their article entitled “Investment Opportunities in the Philippines 2023 ” discusses the impact of landscape-changing legislative and regulatory reforms on certain Philippine sectors and industries, and how the latter will benefit from foreign direct investments into the Philippines in 2023 and beyond. Access the article here: https://www.inhousecommunity.com/article/house-communi...

We are pleased to announce that V&A Law was among the Philippine law firms recognized as “Most Responsive Domestic Law Firm” in the In-House Community’s Firms of the Year Awards for 2022. The awardees were selected by the In-House Community based on the survey responses of in-house counsel coming from a multitude of jurisdictions across the globe. The awardees made an impact on the respondents through the quality of work provided as well as their responsiveness to the respondents’ needs, establishing themselves as “a valued extension of the i...

We are pleased to announce that V&A Law was recognized as “Firm of the Year” in the In-House Community’s Firms of the Year Awards for 2022 under the following practice areas: Alternative Investment Funds including Private Equity Banking and Finance Capital Markets Corporate and M&A Intellectual Property Litigation and Dispute Resolution Technology, Media, Telecommunications The awardees were selected by the In-House Community based on the survey responses of in-house counsel coming from a multitude ...

V&A Law has been shortlisted as Philippines Law Firm of the Year in the Chambers Asia Pacific and Greater China Region Awards for 2023. The Chambers Asia Pacific and Greater China Region Awards recognize and honor the work of national and international law firms across the region, based on the research for the recent edition of the Chambers Asia Pacific Guide and Chambers Greater China Region Guide. The Chambers Asia Pacific and Greater China Region Awards will take place on 04 May 2023 at Marina Bay Sands, Singapore. View the full shortlist he...

V&A Law represented by its IP Associate, Edward King L. Chua joins fellow ASEAN intellectual property practitioners at the ASEAN Intellectual Property Association Annual General Meeting & Conference from 17-18 March 2023 at Hanoi, Vietnam Atty. Chua’s practice consists of trademark and patent prosecution and litigation. He has a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry with Material Science and Engineering and previously worked as a Patent Examiner for the Philippine Intellectual Property Office where he gained relevant experience in prosecuting and maintain...

In celebration of international Women’s Day 2023, Villaraza and Angangco “V&A Law” ’s Rashel Ann Pomoy and Roy Santos Necesario write an article for the International Law Office entitled “Philippine Labour Laws and Policies Affecting Status of Women in Workplaces.” Published in Lexology on 8 March 2023, the piece provides an overview on the present legislations in the Philippines that address issues confronting women in the workplace and allow them to fully participate in the labor market. According to the article, the institutional ...

Mentor. Leader. Pillar. Trailblazer. Game Changer. Luminary. Rainmaker. Superstar. Woman. V&A Law recognizes and celebrates the redefined roles of women in the legal profession this International Women's Day. This year, the Firm smashes the proverbial glass ceiling and proudly welcomes a new era of a women-led Firm with Sylvette Y. Tankiang and Franchette M. Acosta at the helm as Co-Managing Partners and an overall roster of fifteen outstanding female partners. Be bold, dream big, and conquer your fears. Happy International Women's Day! ...

Villaraza & Angangco bags “ PH Copyright Firm of the Year” in the Asia IP 2022 Awards for its handling of the Ingat Kayo Marketing Campaign for Nissan Philippines Inc. Partners Katrina V. Doble and Danielle Francesca T. C. San Pedro handled the review and assessment of Nissan's various agreements with local talents for the use of the "Ingat Kayo" song and recording in connection with Nissan’s marketing campaign. Advice was also provided r...

V&A Law has been shortlisted as Firm of the Year for the Philippines in the 2023 Legal 500 Southeast Asia Awards. The Legal 500 Southeast Asia Awards recognizes leading firms, lawyers/barristers and in-house counsels who have contributed to the regional and global markets. The winners will be selected based on market-leading independent research carried out by a team of researchers who have in-depth knowledge of the jurisdictions and practice areas. The Legal 500 Southeast Asia Awards will take place on 11 May 2023 at Pan Pacific Singapore, 7 Raffles Bouleva...

V&A Law Senior Partner Augusto A. San Pedro, Jr. has been shortlisted as “Lawyer of the Year” for Litigation in the 2023 Legal 500 Southeast Asia Awards. The Legal 500 Southeast Asia Awards recognizes leading firms, lawyers/barristers and in-house counsels who have contributed to the regional and global markets. The winners will be selected based on market-leading independent research carried out by a team of researchers who have in-depth knowledge of the jurisdictions and practice areas. The Legal 500 Southeast Asia Awards will take place on 1...

Villaraza & Angangco’s V&A Law Intellectual Property Department is once again recognized as a Silver-Tier Firm in the Philippines by the World Trademark Review WTR 1000 for 2023. Department Head, Bienvenido I. Somera together with Katrina V. Doble and Ma. Sophia Editha Cruz-Abrenica are Recommended Individuals in the WTR Rankings. Recognizing the top trademark professionals in key jurisdictions around the globe, the WTR 1000 Rankings focuses exclusively on trademark practice and has firmly established itself as the definitive ‘go-to’ resource...

Villaraza and Angangco Law “V&A Law” is one of the sponsors of International Employment Lawyer “IEL” ’s first Asia-Pacific Employment Summit in Maxwell Chambers, Singapore. The event, which will be held on 6 July 2023, will gather in-house lawyers from across the Asia-Pacific region to discuss the latest employment-related trends and opportunities facing multinational employers. Participants will hear from leading private practice lawyers and labor law specialists on how to overcome various market challenges in the region. In...

The Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines IPOPHL issued on 10 January 2023, IPOPHL Memorandum Circular No. 2023-001 or the Rules and Regulations on Trademarks, Service Marks, Trade Names and Marked or Stamped Containers of 2023 Replacing the Revised Trademark Regulations of 2017 , otherwise known as the Trademark Regulations of 2023. The new Rules, which took effect on 14 February 2023 , put into effect the IPOPHL’s standing objective of modernizing and realigning its rules and procedures for trademark registration with the Office’s zero-contact...

Villaraza and Angangco “V&A Law” Partner Ma. Carla P. Mapalo is a contributor to the ESG & Deal Making chapter of IR Global’s “A Global Guide for In-House Counsel: Doing Business in a Rapidly Changing World.” In the ESG & Deal Making chapter, Ma. Carla P. Mapalo discusses how post-COVID operational changes have affected the M&A due diligence process, and how the M&A process is constantly changing to facilitate different ways of doing business and closing deals. Tackling a variety of topics from IP protections...

We are pleased to announce that Villaraza & Angangco “V&A Law” Partners and Associates have been recognized under the following categories in The Legal 500 Asia-Pacific 2023 Rankings: Hall of Fame Sylvette Y. Tankiang – Capital Markets Leading Individuals Sylvette Y. Tankiang – Tax Bienvenido I. Somera, Jr. – Intellectual Property Alejandro Alfonse E. Navarro – Dispute Resolution Augusto A. San Pedro, Jr. – Dispute Resolution Thea T. Daep &nda...

Villaraza & Angangco “V&A Law” has been ranked as a Top Tier Firm in the Legal 500 2023 Asia-Pacific Rankings. V&A Law has been recognized under the following practice areas: Top Tier Corporate and M&A Dispute Resolution Intellectual Property Projects and Energy Real Estate and Construction Tax Tier 2 Antitrust and Competition Banking and Finance Capital Markets Immigration Labour and Employment Technology, Medi...

V&A Law has been recognized under the following practice areas by Chambers and Partners in its 2023 Asia Pacific Guide: • Band 1 – Corporate/M&A: Real Estate • Band 2 – Corporate/M&A, Dispute Resolution, Intellectual Property • Band 3 – Employment, Tax The Chambers and Partners Asia-Pacific guide and rankings provide an independent, in-depth insights and reliable recommendations on the best law firms and lawyers across the legal markets in Asia-Pacific. View V&A Law’s practice and lawyer rankings in th...

Villaraza & Angangco is pleased to announce the appointment of Sylvette Y. Tankiang as Managing Partner, effective 01 January 2023. Sylvette is V&A Law’s first female Managing Partner since its establishment in 1980. Prior to being appointed as Managing Partner, Sylvette served as V&A’s Chief Financial Officer, Head of Taxation Department and Head of Corporate & Commercial Law Department. Sylvette’s areas of legal expertise include taxation, mergers and acquisitions, banking and finance, securities, real estate, min...

Villaraza & Angangco is pleased to announce the appointment of Franchette M. Acosta as Co-Managing Partner, effective 01 January 2023. Franchette is currently also serving as V&A’s Head of Corporate & Commercial Law Department. Franchette is recognized as a leading lawyer by various legal publications such as Chambers & Partners, the Legal500 and IFLR1000. She was also recognized by the Asia Business Law Journal as one of the Philippines’ Top 100 Lawyers, and by the In-House Community as a Commended External Counsel. Franchette&rsquo...

We are pleased to announce that the following Partners of Villaraza & Angangco were ranked by Chambers and Partners in its 2023 Asia-Pacific Guide: Band 1 • Bienvenido I. Somera, Jr. Intellectual Property Band 2 • Augusto A. San Pedro, Jr. Dispute Resolution • Franchette M. Acosta Corporate/M&A Band 3 • Sylvette Y. Tankiang Corporate/M&A and Tax • Alejandro Alfonso E. Navarro Employment Band 4 • Alejandro ...

Villaraza & Angangco "V&A Law" is pleased to announce the promotion of Atty. Mark Leo P. Bejemino of the Intellectual Property Department to Partner, effective 01 January 2023. Atty. Bejemino obtained his Juris Doctor degree from the University of the Philippines and was awarded the Dean's Medal for Academic Excellence and the Salvador T. Carlota Prize for Best Paper in Administrative Law and the Law on Public Officers. He placed fourth in the 2014 Philippine Bar Examinations and has a degree in Applied Physics from the University of the Philippines, ...

Villaraza & Angangco "V&A Law" is pleased to announce the promotion of Atty. Danielle Francesca T.C. San Pedro of the Intellectual Property Department to Partner, effective 01 January 2023. Atty. San Pedro’s practice focuses on trademark prosecution and litigation. She assists in maintaining the extensive trademark portfolio of the Firm’s local and foreign IP clients. She also handles non-traditional and multi-disciplinary matters involving novel issues such as IP commercialization, licensing and franchising; copyright and broadcast rights vis...

Villaraza & Angangco "V&A Law" is pleased to announce the promotion of Atty. Ira Mari J. Sembrano of the Corporate and Commercial Law Department to Senior Associate, effective 01 January 2023. Congratulations on the well-deserved promotion! ...

Villaraza & Angangco held its much awaited annual Christmas celebration at the Rainmakers Lounge, which was attended by the Firm’s Partners, Associates and Non-Legal Staff. This year’s celebration was made memorable and exceptional with the presence of our distinguished guest of honor, Former Senior Associate Justice of the Supreme Court Antonio T. Carpio, one of the Founding Partners of the Firm in 1980. The Firm’s Co-Managing Partner, Augusto A. San Pedro, Jr., announced the Best Junior Associates and Best Senior Associates, as well as th...

Congratulations to V&A Law for being recognized as Antitrust and Competition Law Firm of the Year and Technology, Media and Telecommunications “TMT” Law Firm of the Year in the Asian Legal Business “ALB” Philippine Law Awards for 2022. Now on its 7th year, the prestigious ALB Philippine Law Awards recognizes the outstanding performance of private practitioners and in-house teams in the Philippines. The awards night was held on 25 November 2022 at the Peninsula Manila. ...

The Lawyer Network is an online platform that aims to focus on practice area expertise in the jurisdiction by bringing the best of each sector and location to the client. The platform is a collection of 600+ of the world’s leading lawyers and experts in over 90 jurisdictions globally. The recognized lawyers are chosen through a thorough a vetting process including background checks, taking into consideration their practice history, case studies, client testimonials, awards, references, and rankings. https://www.thelawyer-network.com/memberprofile.aspx?m=...

Foreign citizens or foreign-owned entities may engage in the exploration, development, and utilization “EDU” of the country’s renewable energy “RE” resources such as solar, wind, biomass, ocean, or tidal energy following the amendment of Section 19 of the Implementing Rules and Regulations “IRR” of the RE Act of 2008. Previously, the IRR of the RE Act limited participation in the EDU of RE resources to Philippine citizens, or corporations or associations at least sixty percent 60% of whose capital is owned by Filipinos. This was based...

V&A Law has been shortlisted as a finalist in 16 categories in the Asian Legal Business Philippine Law Awards for 2022. V&A Law has consistently been nominated in multiple categories in the Asian Legal Business Philippine Law Awards since its inception in 2016. V&A Law has previously won in the following categories: Litigation Law Firm of the Year; Technology, Media and Telecommunications Law Firm of the Year; Banking and Financial Services Law Firm of the Year; Labor and Employment Law Firm of the Year; Projects, Energy and Infrastructure Law Firm of the Year; Deal...

On 15 October 2022, The Firm's Litigation Management Group went on a well-deserved Firm trip in Turkey. The group visited of Istanbul, which at present encompasses the fabled historical city of Constantinople, the region of Cappadocia, and the ancient city of Ephesus. This trip granted The Firm's lawyers an opportunity for rest and recreation, as well as giving them an opportunity to explore the wonders of the ancient world. The Firm's Litigation Management Group has a proven track record of successfully representing clients in their most challenging legal issues, complex mult...

The lawyers of the Villaraza and Angangco Corporate and Commercial Law Department took a seven-day private tour in the historic places of Italy, specifically in cities of Bologna, Florence, Siena, and Venice, and the towns of Montancino Montepulciano, and San Gimigniano. The Firm stayed in one of the famous wine estates in the country, the Villa Medicea di Liliano owned by the Medici family. The Medici family was one of the most powerful and influential groups in Florence, Italy, finding their success in the business of commerce and banking. Throughout the trip, the Firm participated...

Congratulations to V&A Law Partner Kristin Charisse C. Siao for being recognized in Asian Legal Business’ Asia 40 Under 40 List for 2022. ALB Asia’s annual 40 Under 40 list profiles the most accomplished lawyers in Asia under 40 years of age. The top 40 lawyers were selected from over 500 nominations submitted following a rigorous process based on quality of work, recommendations from clients and colleagues, and a potential for future growth. Kristin is a Corporate and M&A Partner with a convergence of expertise in Tax and Competition Laws that uniquely po...

Congratulations to V&A Law Senior Partners Raoul R. Angangco , Sylvette Y. Tankiang , Bienvenido I. Somera, Jr. , Alejandro Alfonso E. Navarro , Augusto A. San Pedro, Jr., and Franchette M. Acosta for being included in The A-List: The Philippines’ Top 100 Lawyers. Asia Business Law Journal’s A-List features the top 100 best practicing lawyers in the Philippines for 2022. The A-List is based on extensive research conducted and nominations received from in-house counsel in the Philippines and elsewhere, as well as Philippine-focused partners in international law...

V&A Law has been ranked by asialaw under 9 practice areas and 6 industry sectors. asialaw produces rankings of the leading regional and domestic law firms in the Asia region, covering 28 sectors and practice areas in 23 jurisdictions. View asialaw’s 2023 rankings here: https://www.asialaw.com/Firm/villaraza-angangco/Profile/1356#rankings ...

Congratulations to V&A Law Senior Partners Sylvette Y. Tankiang and Franchette M. Acosta for the honor of being included in IFLR1000’s Leading Lawyers for 2022. Sylvette and Franchette were recognized as “Highly Regarded” in the practice areas of Banking and Mergers & Acquisitions. In recognizing “Highly Regarded” lawyers, IFLR1000 takes into consideration practitioners who are “highly regarded by their peers, possess a strong transactional record and consistently receive positive client feedback.” View the full list of IF...

Congratulations to V&A Law for being recognized by Asian Legal Business as a Tier 1 law firm in the Asian Legal Business M&A Rankings for 2022. ALB annually chooses the leading law firms for M&A work in the region, with ranked law firms standing out in their respective jurisdictions for the quality of work, size and profile of deals, as well as clients. Law firms in the Tier 1 category are identified as the strongest M&A firms in each jurisdiction. View the Asia M&A Rankings for 2022 here: https://www.legalbusinessonline.com/sites/default/files/e-maga...

V&A Law has been ranked in the following categories: Mergers and Acquisitions M&A – Tier 2 Restructuring and Insolvency – Tier 2 Banking – Tier 3 Project Development – Tier 3 Project Finance – Tier 3 Capital Markets: Debt – Notable Firm Capital Markets: Equity – Notable Firm IFLR1000 publishes more than 750 practice area law firm rankings across more than 235 jurisdictions globally. It focuses on ranking law firms on the basis of financial and corporate transactional work. View the ful...

Villaraza & Angangco has been shortlisted for the distinction of Philippines Law Firm of the Year by Asialaw alongside other notable law firms in the Philippines and across Asia. V&A Law is up against the following: ACCRALAW; Gatmaytan Yap Patacsil Gutierrez & Protacio C&G Law ; Martinez Vergara Gonzalez & Serrano MVGS ; Romulo Mabanta Buenaventura Sayoc & de los Angeles; and SyCip Salazar Hernandez & Gatmaitan. V&A Law is likewise shortlisted for Asian Dispute Resolution Firm of the Year award. Asialaw is the only le...

Villaraza & Angangco's litigation department has been shortlisted for the distinction of Asian Dispute Resolution Firm of the Year by Asialaw alongside other notable law firms across Asia. V&A Law is the only Philippine Firm to have been shortlisted for this high distinction, and is up against the following: Davinder Singh Chambers Singapore ; Kim & Chang Korea ; Lee & Ko Korea ; Lim Chee Wee Partnership Malaysia ; Rajah & Tann Singapore ; Shearn Delamore & Co Malaysia ; and Zho...

Congratulations to Villaraza & Angangco Partners Alejandro Alfonso E. Navarro , Augusto A. San Pedro, Jr., Thea T. Daep , and Joseph Anthony P. Lopez for being recognized in the Legal500’s Southeast Asia Arbitration Powerlist for 2022. Showcasing 150 lawyers practicing arbitration and commercial disputes in the Asia-Pacific region, the Legal500’s Southeast Asia Arbitration Powerlist reflects the practitioners that are deemed “the gold standard” by businesses. The recognized lawyers are chosen through a thorough research process conducted by th...

Congratulations to Villaraza & Angangco Partners Bienvenido I. Somera, Jr., Sophie Cruz-Abrenica, and Katrina V. Doble of the Firm's Intellectual Property Department for the honor of having been named as among the Philippines' IP Experts for 2022 by Asia IP. The Firm Partners serve as the guiding pillar in continuously establishing V&A Law as a top-tier intellectual property law firm in the Philippines and abroad. This is the third consecutive year that V&A Law Senior Partner Somera and Partner Doble have been recognized in the list having be...

Villaraza & Angangco "V&A Law" is pleased to announce the promotion of four of its Associates to Senior Associates. Congratulations to the Firm's Jerome Brian T. Marcelo and Jose Gabriel Antonio T. Sollano of the Litigation and Dispute Resolution Department; and Winona Maraiah M. Fajardo and Fritz Julius V. Casama of the Corporate and Commercial Law Department for having been promoted from Associates to Senior Associates effective 01 July 2022. The promotions recognize their outstanding contributions and unparalleled commitment in serving clients, ...

Villaraza & Angangco "V&A Law" is pleased to announce the promotion of Atty. Via Monina C. Valdepeñas of the Firm's Litigation and Dispute Resolution Department to Partner, effective 01 July 2022. Atty. Valdepeñas has more than seven years of experience in litigation and dispute resolution. Her practice includes civil, criminal, and commercial litigation, corporate rehabilitation and insolvency, intra-corporate disputes, construction arbitration, labor and employment, and anti-graft and corruption. She has extensive litigation experience before...

Villaraza & Angangco "V&A Law" is pleased to announce the promotion of Atty. Ma. Carla P. Mapalo of the Firm's Corporate and Commercial Law Department to Partner, effective 01 July 2022. Atty. Mapalo has more than seven years of experience in corporate and commercial law specializing in foreign investments, corporate restructuring, and mergers and acquisitions of companies engaged in various industries, such as telecommunications, real estate and construction, power and energy, banking and finance, mass media, and logistics. She also advises clients on antit...

Two 2 of The Firm's Partners are among the nine 9 Philippine women lawyers who have earned a spot on Benchmark Litigation Asia-Pacific’s Top 100 Women in Litigation 2022. Congratulations to Villaraza & Angangco Senior Partner Thea T. Daep and Partner Katrina V. Doble for the honor of having been named as among Asia-Pacific’s Top 100 Women in Litigation for 2022 by Benchmark Litigation. Proving to be a formidable name in Litigation and Dispute Resolution, Thea specializes in corporate restructuring, reorganization and insolvency where she hand...

Congratulations to Villaraza & Angangco "V&A Law" for the honor of garnering the Firm of the Year and Lawyer of the Year Awards at the recently released Benchmark Litigation Asia-Pacific Awards 2022. V&A Law was named as Firm of the Year for Philippines while V&A Law Senior Partners Alejandro Alfonso E. Navarro and Augusto A. San Pedro, Jr. were recognized as Winner and Runner-up, respectively, for Lawyer of the Year for Philippines. Following its proud tradition of excellence in successfully handling the most significant and complex ca...

Villaraza & Angangco "V&A Law" in partnership with VRSE Asia Holdings and RHT Professional Academy invites you to the Philippines Employment Law Masterclass 2022 to be held virtually on 29 July 2022, from 10am to 5pm. With the theme: "Strengthening HR's Legal Competencies and Compliance in Managing Workforce in Philippines," the masterclass will be joined by V&A Law Partner Rashel Ann Pomoy who will act as trainer and legal expert to provide lawyers, human resource professionals, executives, and employers guidance on key legal and compl...

V&A lawyers provided free legal services at the IBP Makati Chapter Legal Aid Clinic last 18 May 2022 at the Makati City Hall. Present were Atty. Joseph Anthony P. Lopez, IBP Chapter Treasurer and Chairperson of the Ways and Means Committee, Atty. Mark Leo P. Bejemino, Deputy Chairperson, committee members and newly minted lawyers of the Firm. ...

We are pleased to announce that Villaraza & Angangco “V&A Law” has been recognized once again as Asian Legal Business Employer of Choice for 2022. Having won this award for the fifth time, the Firm endeavors to continuously strengthen its genuinely caring work environment and strong mentorship program which allows younger lawyers to closely interact and learn first-hand from the Firm’s Partners who are deemed legal luminaries and experts in their respective fields. This is the fifth time that the Firm has been recognized for the ALB A...

Villaraza & Angangco "V&A Law" is pleased to announce that all of our 24 Underbar Associates passed the recent 2020/21 Bar Examinations, with three 3 having been recognized for Exemplary Performance. Led by the Firm Partners who are deemed experts and legal luminaries in their particular fields of expertise, V&A Law looks forward to having its 24 new lawyers push boundaries and bring the Firm to even greater heights. Congratulations! You make us proud! ...

Congratulations to Villaraza & Angangco Senior Partner Sylvette Y. Tankiang for the honor of having been recognized as among the IFLR1000 Women Leaders for 2022. Being one of the only two women lawyers recognized from the Philippines, Sylvette is a consistently recognized corporate and commercial law practitioner in both domestic and global spheres with particular expertise in the fields of taxation, mergers and acquisitions, banking and finance, securities, real estate, mining, natural resources, and power and energy. IFLR1000 Women Leaders is an elite ra...

Congratulations to Villaraza & Angangco Senior Associate Via Monina C. Valdepeñas for completing the 22nd Philippine Dispute Resolution Center, Inc. PDRCI Commercial Arbitration Training. After having successfully passed the assessment exam and completing the training requirements, Atty. Valdepeñas of the Firm’s Litigation and Dispute Resolution Department shall be eligible for inclusion in the roster of PDRCI-trained arbitrators. With her years of experience in litigation and dispute resolution, Atty. Valdepeñas is among the F...

Villaraza & Angangco, in partnership with RHTLaw Asia LLP and the ASEAN Plus Group, invites you to RHTLaw Asia's annual Tech event entitled: "Tech Investments in Asia," which will be held virtually on 23 March 2022 from 10:00am to 3:00pm. With the aim to explore the latest tech trends of interest to investors amidst the regulatory framework and investment climate in growing Asian markets, the event will be joined by V&A Law Partner Richard Henrick I. Beltran of the Firm's Corporate and Commercial Law Department who will be acting as event speaker and...

We are pleased to announce that Villaraza & Angangco has been named as among the Top 10 Immigration Law Firms in Asia-Pacific for 2021 by Manage HR Magazine. Consistently recognized in both domestic and international legal spheres, the Firm's Immigration Group has a strong record in successfully providing corporate immigration advice to major multinationals, assisting in securing work visas and permits, and advising clients on the rapidly changing immigration situation in the Philippines, even during the COVID-19 pandemic. The List recognizes the Top 10 ...

Congratulations to Villaraza & Angangco Partners for the honor of having been recognized once again as among the Ranked Individuals in the Philippines by the World Trademark Review WTR 1000 for 2022. V&A Law Senior Partner and Intellectual Property Department Head Bienvenido I. Somera, Jr. has been ranked Gold-Tier for Enforcement and Litigation and Silver-Tier for Prosecution and Strategy, while V&A Law Partner Katrina V. Doble has been ranked Bronze-Tier for Prosecution and Strategy, and Enforcement and Litigation. Proving to be revered names...

We are pleased to announce that Villaraza & Angangco "V&A Law" has been recognized once again as a Silver-Tier Firm in the Philippines by the World Trademark Review WTR 1000 for 2022. Further establishing itself as among the most outstanding Intellectual Property firms globally, V&A Law was highly praised for its "top-notch and client-oriented service in the field of patent, trademark and copyright" as well as its "stellar reputation for its capability to provide a full suite of trademark solutions." Recognizing the ...

Villaraza & Angangco "V&A Law" is pleased to welcome its new Underbar Associates for 2022. Led by the Firm Partners who are deemed legal experts and legal luminaries in their particular fields of expertise, V&A Law looks forward to having its 23 Underbar Associates who are among the most distinguished graduates from the top law schools of the country. The Underbar Associates will be part of the Firm's Litigation, Corporate and Commercial Law, Intellectual Property, and Labor and Employment Departments . We are truly exc...

We are pleased to announce that Villaraza & Angangco "V&A Law" has been recognized as finalist for Philippines Law Firm of the Year by Chambers and Partners at the Chambers Asia Pacific & Greater China Region Awards 2022. Following an extensive research process, the Awards recognize the Firms and its members who are deemed at the top of the profession We are grateful to our clients and peers for the continuous recognition and support. ...

We are pleased to announce that Villaraza & Angangco "V&A Law" has been recognized as a Top Law Firm for Corporate and Commercial, Labor and Employment, and Real Estate at the Asia Business Law Journal Philippines Law Firm Awards 2021. V&A Law was particularly noted for having built "a formidable reputation for its corporate practice and litigation expertise", and a "highly reputed labor and employment practice". This is the third consecutive year that Villaraza & Angangco has been recognized as a Top Law Firm by t...

Twenty-nine 29 of The Firm’s Lawyers Recognized in The Legal 500 Asia-Pacific 2022 Lawyer Rankings Congratulations to Villaraza & Angangco Partners and Associates for the honor of having been recognized in The Legal 500 Asia-Pacific 2022 Lawyer Rankings. Twenty-nine 29 of the Firm’s Lawyers have been recognized in The Legal 500 Asia-Pacific 2022 Lawyer Rankings, with one being ranked in the Hall of Fame, five named as Leading Individuals, two named as Next Generation Partners, six recognized as Recommended Lawyers, and fifteen recognized as O...

Congratulations to Villaraza & Angangco Partners and Associates for being recognized as Recommended Lawyers in The Legal 500 Legalease Asia-Pacific 2022 Rankings. V&A Law Partners Raoul R. Angangco, Ruth Nichole R. Ureta, Fritzzie Lyn F. Español, Raquel Wealth A. Taguian, Kristin Charisse C. Siao, Ma. Sophia Editha C. Cruz-Abrenica, Leah Glenda J. Quesada, Dianne Marie V. Roa-Oarde, Karla Regina D. Valera-Chua, Rashel Ann C. Pomoy, and Richard Henrick I. Beltran; and V&A Law Associates Monica Leonila B. Siron, Kimberly L. Castañeda, Juan Pa...

Congratulations to Villaraza & Angangco Partners Joseph Anthony P. Lopez and Katrina V. Doble for having been recognized as Next Generation Partners for Dispute Resolution and Intellectual Property, respectively, in The Legal 500 Legalease Asia-Pacific 2022 Rankings. The Firm Partners continue to solidify V&A Law's position as among the most trusted practices in the world. The Legal 500 recognizes the outstanding law firms and practitioners from over 150 jurisdictions across the world, analyzing the capabilities of law firms with a compre...

Congratulations to Villaraza & Angangco Partners for having been recognized as Leading Individuals in The Legal 500 Legalease Asia-Pacific 2022 Rankings. The V&A Law Senior Partners recognized as Leading Individuals are as follows: Sylvette Y. Tankiang for Tax; Bienvenido I. Somera, Jr. for Intellectual Property; Alejandro Alfonso E. Navarro , Augusto A. San Pedro, Jr., and Thea T. Daep f or Dispute Resolution; and Franchette M. Acosta for Capital Markets. Deemed as experts in their respective areas of expertise, the Firm Partners conti...

Congratulations to Villaraza & Angangco Senior Partner Sylvette Y. Tankiang for the honor of having been ranked as Hall of Fame for Capital Markets in The Legal 500 Legalease Asia-Pacific 2022 Rankings. Sylvette’s practice area include taxation, mergers and acquisitions, banking and finance, securities, real estate, mining, natural resources, and power and energy. Sylvette is consistently recognized as an outstanding practitioner by various legal publications. The Legal 500 recognizes the outstanding law firms and practitioners from ove...

We are pleased to announce that Villaraza & Angangco "&A Law" has been recognized in twelve 12 practice areas and has been named as Top-Tier Firm for five 5 practice areas in the recently-released The Legal 500 2022 Asia-Pacific Rankings. The Firm has been ranked Tier 1 for Corporate and M&A, Dispute Resolution, Intellectual Property, Real Estate and Construction, and Tax; Tier 2 for Banking and Finance, Capital Markets, Immigration, Labor and Employment, Projects and Energy, and TMT; and Tier 3 for Antitrust and Competition. Consiste...

Villaraza & Angangco "V&A Law" is pleased to announce the promotion of two of its Associates to Senior Associates. Congratulations to the Firm's Kym Leiner C. Hernandez of the Litigation and Dispute Resolution Department and Raymond John S. Cheng of the Corporate and Commercial Law Department for having been promoted from Associates to Senior Associates effective 01 January 2022. The promotions recognize their outstanding contributions and unparalleled commitment in serving clients, and in continuously establishing V&A Law, The Fi...

Villaraza & Angangco "V&A Law" is pleased to announce the promotion of Atty. Richard Henrick I. Beltran of the Firm's Corporate and Commercial Law Department to Partner, effective 01 January 2022. Atty. Beltran’s practice areas include corporate law, mergers and acquisitions, foreign investments, banking and financial services, energy, and data privacy. Atty. Beltran advises clients in various corporate and project financing deals for the development of renewable power plants and the roll-out of telecommunications infrastructure...

Villaraza & Angangco "V&A Law" is pleased to announce the promotion of Atty. Antonio Miguel C. Lu of the Firm's Intellectual Property Department to Partner, effective 01 January 2022. Atty. Lu has more than eight years of experience in intellectual property focusing on high-profile patent and trademark litigation. His noted representations with the Firm include a landmark case of successfully securing the conviction of the foremost intellectual property rights violators of one of the country's largest oil company concerning its Liquefied Petroleu...

Congratulations to Villaraza & Angangco Partners for having been named as among the highly ranked practitioners in the recently released Chambers and Partners Asia-Pacific 2022 Rankings. V&A Law Senior Partners were ranked as follows: Bienvenido I. Somera, Jr. Band 1 for Intellectual Property , Augusto A. San Pedro, Jr. Band 2 for Dispute Resolution , Sylvette Y. Tankiang Band 3 for Tax and Corporate/ M&A , Franchette M. Acosta Band 3 for Corporate/ M&A , Alejandro Alfonso E. Navarro and Thea T. Daep Band 4 for Dispute Resolution; while V&...

We are pleased to announce that Villaraza & Angangco has been highly ranked in seven 7 practice areas in the recently released Chambers and Partners Asia-Pacific 2022 Rankings. V&A Law has been ranked Band 1 for Corporate/ M&A: Real Estate; Band 2 for Corporate/ M&A, Dispute Resolution, and Intellectual Property; Band 3 for Employment, and Tax; and Band 4 for Projects, Infrastructure, & Energy. Consistently recognized in key practice areas, The Firm further strengthens its position as among the most outstanding law firms in both domestic an...

We are pleased to announce that Villaraza & Angangco "V&A Law" has been named as among the Top 10 Immigration Law Firms in Asia-Pacific for 2021 by Manage HR. Consistently recognized in both domestic and international legal spheres, the Firm's Immigration Group has a strong record in successfully providing corporate immigration advice to major multinationals, assisting in securing work visas and permits, and advising clients on the rapidly changing immigration situation in the Philippines, even during the COVID-19 pandemic. The List recog...

Congratulations to Villaraza & Angangco "V&A Law" for the honor of having been recognized as Litigation Law Firm of the Year at the Asian Legal Business Philippine Law Awards 2021. Consistently recognized as a Top-Tier Litigation Firm in the Philippines and abroad, the Firm's Litigation and Dispute Resolution Department continues to establish its proven track record of successfully representing clients in the most challenging legal issues, complex multi-jurisdictional disputes, and significant business transactions. This is the third time...

We are pleased to announce that Villaraza & Angangco "V&A Law" has been recognized as finalist for thirteen 13 categories at the Asian Legal Business Philippine Law Awards 2021. Consistently recognized as among the most outstanding law firms globally in key practice areas, V&A Law has been named as finalist for the following categories: Philippine Law Firm of the Year; Antitrust and Competition Law Firm of the Year; Banking and Financial Services Law Firm of the Year; Construction and Real Estate Law Firm of the Year; Data Privacy and Protection Law ...

Congratulations to Villaraza & Angangco Partner Leah J. Quesada on having been recognized by The Firm Partner recognized as Asia's Top 40 Lawyers Under 40 for 2021Asian Legal Business as among Asia's Top 40 Under 40 Lawyers, and the only lawyer from the Philippines, in its Asia 40 Under 40 2021 List. With over fourteen years of experience in Litigation and Dispute Resolution, Leah is a formidable trial attorney with particular expertise in international trade remedy disputes, domestic and cross-border commercial transactions, white collar crimes, as well as family law ma...

Congratulations to Villaraza & Angangco Partner Fritzzie Lyn F. Español and Senior Associates Kimberly L. Castañeda and Juan Paolo Miguel B. Leido for completing the 21st Philippine Dispute Resolution Center, Inc. PDRCI Commercial Arbitration Training. After having successfully passed the assessment exam and completing the training requirements, Attys. Español, Castaneda, and Leido of the Firm’s Litigation and Dispute Resolution Department shall be eligible for inclusion in the roster of PDRCI-trained arbitrators. PDRCI is ...

Villaraza & Angangco "V&A Law" has been ranked Tier 1 at the recently released Asian Legal Business Asia M&A Rankings 2021. Consistently recognized as a Top-Tier Firm for mergers and acquisitions with a strong record of gaining M&A Deal of the Year awards and nominations, V&A Law continues to establish itself as among the most trusted corporate and business law practices in both domestic and global legal spheres. Access the feature here: https://lnkd.in/gccdCN3v ...

Villaraza & Angangco "V&A Law" is pleased to announce that we have been recognized as Finalist for Corporate and M&A Team of the Year and Intellectual Property Team of the Year at The Legal 500 Southeast Asia Law Awards 2020/21. Consistently recognized as among the most outstanding law firms in both domestic and international legal spheres, the Firm continues to establish itself in various practice areas and reach even higher frontiers. The inaugural The Legal 500 Southeast Asia Awards 2020/21 specifically chose from key jurisdictions and...

Congratulations to Villaraza & Angangco Senior Partners for the honor of having been named as among the asialaw Leading Lawyers 2022. Highly regarded as experts and legal luminaries in their respective fields of expertise, V&A Law Senior Partners were recognized as follows: Sylvette Y. Tankiang as a Notable Practitioner for Corporate and M&A, Bienvenido I. Somera , Jr. as a Distinguished Practitioner for Intellectual Property, and Alejandro Alfonso E. Navarro and Augusto A. San Pedro, Jr. as Distinguished Practitioners for Dispute Resolution. ...

Villaraza & Angangco "V&A Law" is pleased to announce that we have been recognized in fourteen 14 firm categories at the recently released Asialaw Profiles 2022 Rankings. The Firm was Highly Recommended for Banking and Financial Services, Intellectual Property, and Dispute Resolution; Recommended for Corporate and M&A, Technology and Telecommunications, Competition/ Antitrust, Real Estate, and Labour and Employment; and Notable for Infrastructure, Banking and Finance, Tax, Capital Markets, Construction, and Energy. Consistently recogniz...

Villaraza & Angangco "V&A Law" proudly congratulates its five 5 Senior Partners for the honor of having been named as among Asia Business Law Journal The A-List: The Philippines' Top 100 Lawyers for 2021. For the fourth consecutive year, V&A Law Senior Partners Raoul R. Angangco , Sylvette Y. Tankiang , Augusto A. San Pedro, Jr. , and Franchette M. Acosta were named as among the Philippines' Top 100 Lawyers, while Firm Partner Bienvenido Somera, Jr . was named for the second consecutive year. Consistently recognized to be ...

We are pleased to announce that Villaraza & Angangco "V&A Law" has been recognized as finalist for Southeast Asia Law Firm of the Year, Banking and Financial Services Law Firm of the Year, Medical and Healthcare Law Firm of the Year, Technology, Media, and Telecommunications Law Firm of the Year, and Construction Law Firm of the Year at the Asian Legal Business Southeast Asia Law Awards 2021. Consistently recognized as a Top-Tier Law Firm in key practice areas, V&A Law continues to establish itself as among the most outstanding law firms in both domest...

Congratulations to Villaraza & Angangco Senior Partner Sylvette Y. Tankiang for the honor of having been named as among the Asian Legal Business Super 50 TMT Lawyers. Consistently recognized globally in key practice areas of Corporate and Commercial Law, Sylvette is particularly noted for her ability to deliver creative legal solutions and decisive direction with meticulous attention to detail. The ALB Super 50 TMT Lawyers list recognize the most outstanding practitioners in Technology, Media, and Telecommunications across the Asian region. Following an extensiv...

We are pleased to announce that Villaraza & Angangco "V&A Law" has been chosen as the sole contributor for the Philippine Chapter of the recently released Twelfth Edition of The International Arbitration Review. Written by the Firm's Raquel Wealth A. Taguian , Rashel Ann C. Pomoy , and Antonio Rafael B. Ongkeko, Jr. , the Philippine Chapter delves into international and domestic commercial arbitration, structure of arbitration proceedings, composition of arbitral tribunal, extent of court intervention in arbitration, and the recognition, enforcement...

Congratulations to Villaraza & Angangco Partner Ma. Sophia Editha C. Cruz-Abrenica for the honor of having been named as among the iAM Patent 1000: The World’s Leading Patent Professionals. Consistently recognized as among the most outstanding IP practitioners in both domestic and international legal spheres, Sophie was particularly praised for tackling patent matters "effortlessly." It was further quipped that: “Sophie has always been helpful on giving insights on what could be done using the most practical and efficient approach. Every step of th...

We are pleased to announce that Villaraza & Angangco "V&A Law" has been ranked Silver Tier in the iAM Patent 2021 Rankings. Consistently recognized as among the most outstanding firms in Intellectual Property, The Firm was particularly praised for its "impressive in-house technical capabilities and team of nine IP lawyers, armed to the teeth and ready to provide the full spectrum of patent services." It was further quipped that: "we have been pleased by their technical understanding of the cases, we are very pleased with their services &ndas...

Mr. Ferdinand Pecson, Undersecretary and Executive Director of the PPP Center, Atty. Alberto Agra, Chairman of the Philippine Reclamation Authority, together with Villaraza & Angangco Senior Associates Carlo Augustine A. Roman and Efren II R. Resurreccion joined the recently concluded European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines Doing Business with the Government Forum Series: Discovering Public-Private-Partnership PPP Opportunities with Philippine Government webinar, as speakers and legal experts. While the Firm Partner Maria Concepcion P. Simundac acted as moderator. With...

Two 2 of The Firm's Partners are among the five 5 Philippine women lawyers who have earned a spot on Benchmark Litigation Asia-Pacific’s Top 100 Women in Litigation 2021. Congratulations to Villaraza & Angangco Senior Partner Thea T. Daep and Partner Katrina V. Doble for the honor of having been named as among Asia-Pacific’s Top 100 Women in Litigation for 2021 by Benchmark Litigation. Proving to be a revered name in Litigation and Dispute Resolution, Thea specializes in corporate restructuring, reorganization and insolvency where she handles some ...

Congratulations to Villaraza & Angangco Partner Rashel Ann C. Pomoy for her accreditation as File Counsel by the Philippine Dispute Resolution Center, Inc. PDRCI . Once appointed as File Counsel, she will represent the PDRCI Secretariat in the administration of an arbitration. The PDRCI administers arbitration and mediation in specialized fields such as maritime, banking, finance, insurance, securities, and intellectual property. ...

Villaraza & Angangco "V&A Law" is pleased to announce the promotion of 6 of its Associates to Senior Associates. Congratulations to the Firm's Jose Mari Carlo D. Lacas , Luis Francisco T. Almeda , Mely Ann Emerie A. Cristobal , Amber Shawn A. Gagajena , Antonio Rafael B. Ongkeko, Jr. , and Maria Patricia P. Cruz for having been promoted to Senior Associates, effective 01 July 2021. The promotions recognize their unparalleled commitment and outstanding contributions in continuously establishing V&A Law as among the leading firms...

Congratulations to Villaraza & Angangco "V&A Law" Partner Maria Concepcion P. Simundac for the honor of having been named as among the country's top practitioners as recommended by clients, by Asian Legal Business Philippines Client Choice Lawyers 2021. Proving to be a revered name in Corporate and Commercial Law, Maria is consistently recognized by both domestic and international publications for her ability to provide comprehensive legal services and artistry in handling high-value transactions and complex regulatory issues. Maria was named as one of The ...

We are pleased to announce that Villaraza & Angangco "V&A Law" has been named as a Top-Tier Intellectual Property Firm by Asian Legal Business, having been ranked Tier 1 for patents, copyright, and trademarks for Philippines in the Asia IP Rankings 2021. Consistently recognized as a Top-Tier Firm in Intellectual Property and key practice areas, V&A Law remains steadfast in its commitment to provide excellent legal service that delivers results. The Asia IP Rankings recognize the best firms for patents, trademarks, and copyright, based on ...

Congratulations to Villaraza & Angangco Senior Partner Augusto A. San Pedro, Jr. for the honor of having been recognized as Lawyer of the Year at the recently concluded Benchmark Litigation Asia-Pacific Awards 2021. Consistently recognized as among the most outstanding lawyers in the field of Dispute Resolution both domestically and internationally, Augusto represents industry leading clients in the fields of Telecommunications, Banking and Finance, and Construction and Real Estate; and has been involved in the most significant commercial disputes in the country. ...

We are pleased to announce that Villaraza & Angangco "V&A Law" has been recognized as Runner-up for Firm of the Year Philippines at the recently concluded Benchmark Litigation Asia-Pacific Awards 2021. Consistently recognized as a Top-Tier Litigation Firm, V&A Law remains driven to maintain its position as among the most outstanding firms in both domestic and international legal spheres. This is the second consecutive year that The Firm won this award. The annual Benchmark Litigation Asia-Pacific Awards recognize the regio...

Congratulations to Villaraza & Angangco Partners Bienvenido I. Somera, Jr. , Ma. Sophia Editha C. Cruz-Abrenica , and Katrina V. Doble for the honor of having been named as among the 50 Asia IP Experts in the Philippines. Consistently ranked as a Top-Tier Firm in the field of Intellectual Property, V&A Law, "The Firm," through the lead of its IP Partners, remains steadfast in its commitment to providing its clients excellent legal service that truly delivers results. The Asia IP Experts were chosen based on thorough editorial research, as w...

Hon. Secretary Wendel E. Avisado of the Department of Budget and Management, together with Villaraza & Angangco "V&A Law" Lawyers Maria Concepcion P. Simundac , Paul Rodulfo B. Imperial , Jose Florinio Y. Farcon , and Efren II R. Resurreccion joined the recently concluded European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines Doing Business with the Government Forum Series: Engaging in Government Procurement webinar, as speakers and legal experts. With the aim to support interest in exploring business opportunities with the Philippine Government, the webinar...

Congratulations to Villaraza & Angangco Lawyers for the honor of having been ranked in the recently released Benchmark Litigation Asia-Pacific 2021 Rankings. The Firm's Bienvenido I. Somera, Jr ., Alejandro Alfonso E. Navarro , Augusto A. San Pedro, Jr. , Thea Daep , and Katrina Doble have been recognized as Litigation Stars, while Joseph Anthony Lopez and Dianne Marie V. Roa-Oarde have been named as Future Stars for the following practice areas: Commercial and Transactions, Government and Regulatory, Labor and Employment, and Intellectual Property...

We are pleased to announce that Villaraza & Angangco has been ranked in five 5 practice areas in the recently released Benchmark Litigation Asia-Pacific 2021 Rankings, as follows: Tier 2 for Commercial and Transactions, and Intellectual Property; Tier 3 for Labor and Employment; and Recommended for Government and Regulatory, and Tax. With more than 40 years of experience in complex multi-jurisdictional disputes before courts, government agencies and arbitral tribunals, V&A Law is acclaimed for its ability to solve the most intricate legal problems and provide compre...

Congratulations to Villaraza & Angangco "V&A Law" for the honor of having been named as Firm of the Year for Litigation and Dispute Resolution, and Alternative Investment Funds including Private Equity at the recently concluded In-House Community Firms of the Year Awards 2021. The Firm was also given an honorable mention as Most Responsive Domestic Law Firm. The awardees were chosen based on the feedback of about 17,000 in-house counsels and buyers of legal services from 11 jurisdictions, through online events or a controlled online survey process, ident...

Villaraza & Angangco is proud to be a premium sponsor of the International Chamber of Commerce’s 6th Asia Conference on International Arbitration, to be held virtually for the first time on 28 May 2021, from 15:00 to 18:45pm HKT/SGT. With an expected audience of 300-500 participants from over 28 different countries, this major conference provides a rich venue for practicing lawyers, in-house counsel, arbitrators, mediators, academics and business professionals coming from or doing business in Asia to keep up-to-date with the latest developments in international arbi...

Villaraza & Angangco Partner Maria Concepcion P. Simundac and Senior Associate Efren II R. Resurreccion joined the recently concluded European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines Developing Energy Efficient Real Estate Projects webinar, as host and speaker, respectively. In line with the celebration of the 2nd anniversary of the signing into law of the Energy Efficiency and Conservation EE&C Law, the webinar: 1 provided context on the importance of EE&C in the Philippines; 2 highlighted key features of the EE&C Law and its implementing regula...

Congratulations to Villaraza & Angangco "V&A Law" for the honor of having been conferred the 'Outstanding Firm for Diversity and Inclusion' Award at the recently concluded Chambers and Partners Asia-Pacific Awards 2021. As one of the largest law firms in the Philippines, we remain steadfast in our commitment to build an inclusive and varied workplace welcoming to people of all backgrounds. We are deeply convinced that diversity and inclusion are critical foundations of employee engagement & growth, which are among the driving forces behind V&am...

With Villaraza & Angangco " V&A Law " having been named once again as Asian Legal Business Asia Employer of Choice for 2021, the Firm’s Managing Partner Alejandro Alfonso E. Navarro talks about the key to keeping employees engaged during such a challenging year for businesses, and how V&A Law has: a offered training and development during the pandemic; and b kept the Firm’s staff engaged, and feeling a part of the business during prolonged work from home periods. He further delves into the some of the lessons from the last year that he will take in...

The Bureau of Internal Revenue “BIR” has extended the deadline for the filing and payment of the 2019 Annual Income Tax Returns “AITR” to 15 May 2020. Under Revenue Memorandum Circular “RMC” No. 28-2020 dated 18 March 2020, the BIR is giving individuals and corporate taxpayers an additional month beyond the 15 April 2020 deadline to file their AITRs and pay their Annual Income Taxes, without the imposition of penalties to taxpayers. Taxpayers may file and pay the corresponding taxes due on the AITRs to any authorized agent banks nearest to the taxp...

We are pleased to announce that Villaraza & Angangco has been named once again as Asian Legal Business Employer of Choice for 2021. Having won this award for the fourth time this year, the Firm takes pride in its genuinely caring work environment that focuses on the promotion of the employees’ personal health, safety, and development, as well as in its mentorship program which allows younger lawyers to closely interact and learn first-hand from the Firm’s partners who are legal luminaries and experts in their respective fields. This is the fou...

Villaraza & Angangco Partner Maria Concepcion P. Simundac joined as moderator in the recently concluded Philippine Energy Efficiency Alliance, Inc. “PE2” ’s Inaugural Energy Efficiency Day 2021. With the aim to contribute to the transformation of the Philippine economy towards an energy-efficient and low carbon future, the event was attended by renowned experts in the field of Energy including Hon. Sherwin Gatchalian, Chairman, Committee on Energy, Philippine Senate, Hon. Lord Allan Velasco, House Speaker, House of Representatives, Mr. Alexander Ablaz...

We are pleased to announce that Villaraza & Angangco has been ranked Tier 1 for Philippines in the 2021 Asia IP Copyright Survey. Consistently recognized as among the top-tier law firms in the field of Intellectual Property here and abroad, V&A Law remains steadfast in its commitment to serve the best interest of its clients and stakeholders. Recognizing the outstanding IP law firms in key jurisdictions, Asia IP is the region’s leading source for analysis of the IP issues facing companies in Asia, and a vital source of intelligence for IP-owning companies...

Villaraza & Angangco Partner Rashel Ann Pomoy joined as an arbitrator at the Fordham University School of Law 's 15th Annual Willem C. Vis International Commercial Arbitration Pre-Moot, last 20-21 February 2021. Held virtually this year, the international arbitration competition was joined by over 70 participating schools globally. Fordham’s Pre-Moot mirrors the Willem C. Vis International Commercial Arbitration Moot which is regarded as among the notable moots in international commercial arbitration, and is participated in by over 350 institutions from more ...

Congratulations to Villaraza & Angangco Senior Partners Sylvette Tankiang and Franchette Acosta for the honor of having been recognized once again as among the top lawyers globally for Corporate & Finance by Chambers and Partners , in its 2021 Global Guide. Having been ranked Band 3, Sylvette was particularly praised for being "experienced in corporate transactions, joint ventures and contract structuring." It was further quipped by a client that she, "makes us feel that we matter and the problems we have will have solutions even if these must be...

We are pleased to announce that Villaraza & Angangco has been named once again as among the top law firms globally for Corporate & Finance by Chambers and Partners , in its 2021 Global Guide. Having been ranked Band 2, the Firm was particularly commended for its "extensive experience handling joint venture negotiations and corporate reorganisations, as well as compliance issues." It was further praised for attracting "clients from a variety of industries including the technology, pharmaceutical and banking sectors," and for regularly advising "...

Congratulations to Villaraza & Angangco Partners Bienvenido I. Somera, Jr. and Katrina V. Doble for the honor of having been recognized once again as among the world’s leading trademark professionals for 2021 by the World Trademark Review. V&A Law Senior Partner Bienvenido Somera has been ranked in the Gold Band for Enforcement and Litigation, and in the Silver Band for Prosecution and Strategy. While Partner Katrina Doble , having been praised for taking “a personal interest in her clientele’s trademark matters and provid[ing] timely and rele...

We are pleased to announce that Villaraza & Angangco has been named as among the world’s leading trademark firms for 2021 by the World Trademark Review. Having been ranked in the Silver Band for its "top-quality services," the Firm was particularly commended for “a highly commendable level of service for all sorts of IP matters," and was praised for “its vast knowledge base and connections, [that] they easily deal with any and all IP issues affecting day-to-day business operations." It was further quipped that, "its dedicated tea...

We are pleased to announce that Villaraza & Angangco won in three 3 categories in the Asia Business Law Journal Philippines Law Firm Awards 2020. With only four 4 law firms awarded per category, V&A Law was recognized as among the Top Law Firms in the Philippines for Labour & Employment, Litigation, and Real Estate. The Awards described the Firm as "one of the country’s top firms, with a solid reputation for its litigation and corporate practices," "has earned laurels from its clients and competitors for its outstanding work in labour and employme...

Congratulations to Villaraza & Angangco Senior Partners for the honor of having been ranked in the Chambers and Partners Global 2020 Rankings. The Firm's Raoul R. Angangco has been named Recognised Practitioner for Corporate & Finance, while Sylvette Y. Tankiang and Franchette M. Acosta have been ranked Band 3. The Chambers Global Guide ranks the top lawyers and law firms in over 200 jurisdictions across the world. ...

We are pleased to announce that Villaraza & Angangco has been ranked Tier 2 for Corporate & Finance by Chambers & Partners in its Global 2020 Rankings. The Chambers Global Guide ranks the top lawyers and law firms in over 200 jurisdictions across the world. ...

Congratulations to Villaraza and Angangco Partners for being recognized in The Legal 500 Asia-Pacific 2021 Rankings. V&A Law Partners were ranked as follows: Sylvette Y. Tankiang Hall of Fame for Capital Markets, Leading Individual for Tax ; Bienvenido I. Somera, Jr. Leading Individual for Intellectual Property ; Alejandro Alfonso E. Navarro, Augusto A. San Pedro, Jr., and Thea T. Daep Leading Individuals for Dispute Resolution ; Franchette M. Acosta Leading Individual for Capital Markets ; Joseph Anthony P. Lopez Next Generation Partner for Dispute Resolution ; Katrina V. Doble ...

We are pleased to announce that Villaraza and Angangco was ranked as a Top-Tier Firm in The Legal 500 Asia-Pacific 2021 Rankings. The Firm was ranked in the Top Tier for five 5 practice areas, namely: Corporate and M&A, Dispute Resolution, Intellectual Property, Real Estate and Construction, and Tax. V&A Law was also recommended for Banking and Finance, Capital Markets, Immigration, Labour and Employment, Projects and Energy, TMT, and Antitrust and Competition. Consistently recognized as a top-tier firm in key practice areas, Villaraza & Angangco remains steadfast in it...

Villaraza & Angangco is pleased to announce the promotion of three of its Associates to Senior Associates. Pauline Marie R. Gairanod, Carlo Augustine A. Roman, and Efren II R. Resurreccion of the Firm’s Corporate and Commercial Law Department have been promoted to Senior Associates, effective 01 January 2021. Atty. Gairanod has recognized expertise in data privacy law, competition law, and project financing. She handles data privacy law concerns of some of the most significant social media platforms and technology start-ups in the Philippines, and prepares legal fra...

Villaraza & Angangco is pleased to announce the promotion of Atty. Rashel Ann C. Pomoy of the Firm’s Litigation Department to Partner, effective 01 January 2021. Atty. Pomoy has more than seven years of experience in litigation and dispute resolution and is a member of the Firm’s Labor Group and Arbitration Practice Group. Her noted representations with the Firm include securing back-to-back multi-million arbitral awards in domestic construction and international commercial arbitration; appearing as counsel for an heir in, arguably, the largest estate settleme...

Villaraza & Angangco is pleased to announce the promotion of Atty. Karla Regina Valera-Chua of the Firm's Litigation Department to Partner, effective 01 January 2021. With over ten years of experience in litigation and dispute resolution, Atty. Valera-Chua is highly regarded for her particular expertise in civil, commercial and criminal litigation, including family law, probate and intestate proceedings, appellate practice, insolvency and corporate rehabilitation, anti-graft and corrupt practices, government procurement law and election law. The promotio...

Villaraza & Angangco is pleased to announce the promotion of two of its Associates to Senior Associates. Marie Kristine Reyes and Ernesto III Herrera of the Firm’s Corporate and Commercial Law Department have been promoted to Senior Associates, effective 01 July 2020. Atty. Reyes has more than six years of experience in corporate and commercial law. She specializes in local and international corporate reorganization, as well as in initial public offerings in international stock exchanges. With her extensive experience, she regularly acts as counsel for f...

Congratulations to Villaraza and Angangco Partners for the honor of being highly ranked in the recently released Chambers Asia-Pacific 2021 Rankings. The Firm lawyers were ranked as follows: Beinvenido I. Somera, Jr. - Band 1 for Intellectual Property, Augusto A. San Pedro, Jr. - Band 2 for Dispute Resolution, Sylvette Y. Tankiang - Band 3 for Corporate/ M&A and Tax, Franchette M. Acosta - Band 3 for Corporate/ M&A, Alejandro Alfonso E. Navarro and Thea T. Daep - Band 3 for Dispute Resolution, and Katrina V. Doble - Band 4 for Intellectual Property. With their broad e...

We are pleased to announce that Villaraza and Angangco was highly ranked in the Chambers and Partners Asia-Pacific 2021 Rankings. The Firm was ranked Band 1 for Corporate/ M&A: Real Estate, Band 2 for Corporate/ M&A, Dispute Resolution, and Intellectual Property, and Band 3 for Employment and Tax. Consistently recognized as a leading firm in key areas of the legal practice, V&A Law continues to offer unparalleled legal service gaining the trust and confidence of clients, old and new. Being ranked Band 1 this year with improved rankings in most areas, Villaraza & Angan...

Congratulations to Villaraza & Angangco Senior Partner Sylvette Y. Tankiang for the honor of having been recognized as Dealmaker of the Year in the recently concluded Asian Legal Business Philippine Law Awards 2020 held last November 20. Atty. Tankiang is currently V&A Law’s Chief Financial Officer and the head of the Firm’s Tax Department. She is highly regarded for her particular expertise in the fields of taxation, mergers and acquisitions, banking and finance, securities, real estate, mining, natural resources, and power and energy. The a...

We are honored to announce that @Villaraza & Angangco was recognized as Banking and Financial Services Law Firm of the Year, Labor and Employment Law Firm of the Year, and Projects, Energy, and Infrastructure Law Firm of the Year in the recently concluded Asian Legal Business Philippine Law Awards 2020 held last November 20. The Firm was also once again recognized for its role in the China Telecommunications – Udenna Joint Venture which won as M&A Deal of the Year. This is the fourth M&A Deal of the Year Award for the China Telecommunications – Udenna Joint ...

We are pleased to announce that Villaraza and Angangco was recognized for its role in the China Telecommunications – Udenna Joint Venture which was recognized as M&A Deal of the Year for the premium category in the recently concluded Asian Legal Business Southeast Asia Law Awards 2020. Known for handling historic public interest cases and deals of national significance, the Firm acts as Philippine counsel for China Telecommunications Corporation, the foreign investor of the joint venture, to allow the entrance of the third major telecommunications service provider in the co...

Congratulations to Villaraza and Angangco partners Sylvette Y. Tankiang and Paul Rodulfo B. Imperial for the honor of having been nominated as Dealmaker of the Year and Young Lawyer of the Year, respectively, in the Asian Legal Business Philippine Law Awards 2020. Atty. Tankiang is currently the Firm’s Chief Financial Officer and the Tax Department chair, while Atty. Imperial heads the Firm’s Immigration Practice Group. Consistently recognized by both international and domestic legal publications for their particular expertise, Atty. Tankiang and Atty. Imperial contin...

We are pleased to announce that Villaraza and Angangco was named as finalist for fourteen 14 firm categories in the Asian Legal Business Philippine Law Awards 2020, namely: Philippine Law Firm of the Year, Arbitration Law Firm of the Year, Banking and Financial Services Law Firm of the Year, Construction and Real Estate Law Firm of the Year, Immigration Law Firm of the Year, Innovative Technologies Law Firm of the Year, Labor and Employment Law Firm of the Year, Litigation Law Firm of the Year, Transportation and Logistics Law Firm of the Year, Philippine Deal Firm of the Year, Projects,...

Benchmark Litigation named Villaraza & Angangco’s Augusto A. San Pedro, Jr. as Philippine Lawyer of the Year. The Benchmark Asia-Pacific awards?recognizes excellence in disputes and litigation practice throughout the Asia-Pacific market?across a wide range of dispute resolution practice areas. Atty. San Pedro, the Firm’s Co-Managing Partner, has over 25 years of experience in litigation and arbitration under his belt. ...

Benchmark Litigation honored Villaraza & Angangco at the Benchmark’s Asia-Pacific Awards 2020 as runner up for Philippine Law Firm of the Year. The Benchmark Asia-Pacific awards?recognizes excellence in disputes and litigation practice throughout the Asia-Pacific market?across a wide range of dispute resolution practice areas. This win could not come at a better time as this year is the Firm’s 40th anniversary. At the helm of its litigation and dispute resolution arm are the Firm’s Senior Partners Alejandro Alfonso E. Navarro, Augusto A. San Pedro, Jr. and Thea...

Congratulations to Villaraza & Angangco for the honor of having been ranked Tier 2 for the Philippines in the Asian Legal Business M&A Rankings 2020. With a team of highly competent corporate lawyers, the Firm continues to dominate the field of M&A in both domestic and international markets. #TheFirmatForty #AsianLegalBusiness #mergersandacquisitions ...

Congratulations to Villaraza and Angangco Partners for being named as among Asia Business Law Journal The Philippines’ Top 100 Lawyers 2020, occupying six 6 out of the one-hundred coveted spots in the roster. On 17 September 2020, following an extensive nomination process, Asia Business Law Journal released its list of the Top 100 A-listers of legal professionals in the Philippines. Among the recognized top legal professionals are the Firm Senior Partners Raoul R. Angangco, Sylvette Y. Tankiang, Bienvenido I. Somera, Jr., Augusto A. San Pedro, Jr., Franchette M. Acosta, and P...

Congratulations to Villaraza and Angangco Senior Partners Alejandro Alfonso E. Navarro , Augusto A. San Pedro, Jr. , Bienvenido I. Somera, Jr. , and Sylvette Y. Tankiang for being named as Distinguished Practitioners in Dispute Resolution, Distinguished Practitioner in Intellectual Property, and Notable Practitioner in Corporate and M&A, respectively by Asialaw Leading Lawyers 2021 . #TheFirmatForty #asialaw #LeadingLawyers ...

Congratulations to Villaraza and Angangco for being highly ranked by Asialaw Profiles 2021 . The Firm was recognized in the following categories: Banking and Financial Services, Dispute Resolution, and Intellectual Property Highly Recommended ; Real Estate, Technology and Telecommunications, Competition/ Antitrust, Corporate and M&A, and Labour and Employment Recommended ; and Infrastructure, Banking and Finance, and Construction Notable Firm . We are grateful to our clients and peers for the continuous recognition and support. #TheFirmatForty #asialawProfiles ...

Congratulations to Villaraza & Angangco for being nominated as Tax and Trusts Law Firm of the Year and Technology, Media and Telecommunications Law Firm of the Year at the Asian Legal Business Southeast Asia Awards 2020. The Firm was also recognized for its role in Udenna's Acquisition of Chevron, Project PTO, and the China Telecommunications – Udenna’s Joint Venture, all of which were nominated as M&A Deal of the Year, the first for the Midsize category and the latter two for the Premium category. The Awards, now on its sixteenth year, pay tribute to the ...

We are happy to announce that Villaraza & Angangco Partner Ma. S ophi a Editha Cruz-Abrenica has been recognized by the Law Business Research Group as Lexology Legal Influencer in Asia Pacific Health Care and Life Sciences for 2020 Q2 ”for providing our readers with insightful legal content on healthcare and life sciences for our region.” She has been identified as a leading author through Lexology’s bespoke process that considers the number of reads and the LexScore of each article read in the quarter, combining these measures to rank the top conten...

Villaraza & Angangco is featured in the Sunday Lifestyle section of The Philippine Star. In the Sunday feature, V&A lawyers Thea T. Daep , Fritzzie Lyn F. Espanol , Raquel Wealth A. Taguian , Maria Concepcion P. Simundac , Dianne Marie V. Roa-Oarde , and Rashel Ann. C. Pomoy share how they carved their own path into a traditionally male dominated industry, discuss highlights of their legal career , and inspire readers by instilling the value of passion and hard work as foundation of their respective successes.These top lady law warriors are definitely to watch out for. ...

We are pleased to announce that Villaraza & Angangco’s Senior Partner Franchette M. Acosta was recognized as In-House Community Commended External Counsel in this year’s In-House Community Counsels of the Year Awards 2020 . Franchette is head of the Corporate Department of V&A with Mergers & Acquisitions, Foreign Direct Investments, and Corporate Finance. She has acted as lead counsel for telecommunications, real estate, banking and finance, and renewable energy projects. Ms. Acosta has been consistently recognized by legal publications such as Cham...

We congratulate Villaraza & Angangco Senior Partner T hea T. Daep for being named by Benchmark Litigation as one of the leading female litigators in the Asia-Pacific Region in its inaugural 2020 list of the Benchmark Asia-Pacific's Top 100 Women in Litigation . As head of V&A Law’s Litigation Department, Ms. Daep has been consistently recognized for her unparalleled dedication and exemplary professionalism in leading the Firm’s representation of domestic and foreign clients in various high-profile cases. Highly regarded for her significant contributions in f...

"A team of able lawyers who give clarity on the strategy and possible outcomes," Villaraza & Angangco deservedly makes its first appearance in the IAM Patent 1000. “We only have positive comments for them – we’ve never had any negative experience,” one foreign associate enthuses, while a satisfied client quips: “V&A is the best experience I ever had with IP law firms in the Philippines.” Replete with technical expertise, six lawyers and a paralegal make up the proactive patent team that offers “correct and quick responses&...

We congratulate Villaraza & Angangco Partner Maria Concepcion P. Simundac for being named as an In-House Community Commended External Counsel for the year 2020 in the In-House Community please tag official page of In-House Community Counsels of the Year Awards held virtually last 28 May 2020. Proving to be a revered name in corporate law, Maria was praised not only for her “legal knowledge and expertise,” but also for accomplishing her work with “integrity and professionalism.” Her areas of expertise include Corporate/ Mergers & Acqui...

Villaraza & Angangco ranks Tier 1 for Patents for the fifth consecutive year in the Asian Legal Business “ALB” 2020 Intellectual Property Rankings - Asia Pacific Region. V&A Law is one of only thirteen Philippine law firms listed by the ALB as part of its Asia’s best intellectual property firms list. View the ALB 2020 IP Rankings here: https://www.legalbusinessonline.com/alb-asia-magazine-archive ...

We congratulate our M&A and Restructuring teams for its role in the Udenna Corporation - China Telecommunications Corporation JV and the Hanjin Heavy Industries & Construction Rehabilitation deals, which have been nominated in the IFLR Asia-Pacific Awards 2020 as M&A Deal of the Year and Restructuring Deal of the Year, respectively. We are truly honoured to have been part of two out of the three nominated deals involving the Philippines. Villaraza and Angangco is also one of the four law firms nominated for Most Innovative National Law Firm of the Year for the Ph...

Villaraza and Angangco was recognized by the In-House Community’s official legal publication, Asian-Mena Counsel, with the “Deals of the Year 2019” award for the Firm’s role in the China Telecommunications Corporation and Udenna Joint Venture. Given the complexity and national significance of this deal, the Firm was recognized for playing a crucial role in the transaction, particularly in structuring and financing the joint venture which required the expertise of both foreign and local laws involving a highly-regulated industry. View Asian-mena...

We are pleased to announce that Villaraza & Angangco Partners Alejandro Alfonso E. Navarro, Augusto A. San Pedro, Jr., Thea T. Daep have been rated as Litigation Stars in the latest edition of Benchmark Litigation’s Asia-Pacific rankings, while Litigation and Dispute Resolution Head Joseph Anthony P. Lopez was recognized and rated as a Future Star. #TheFirmatForty #BenchmarkLitigation #DisputeResolution #LitigationStars ...

We are once again honored to be highly ranked by Benchmark Litigation in the Benchmark Asia-Pacific 2020 firm rankings released last 30 April 2020, with the Firm being ranked in no less than four 4 practice areas of dispute resolution: Commercial and Transactions, Government and Regulatory, Labor, and Tax. We are grateful to our clients and peers in the industry for their continuing recognition and support. #TheFirmatForty #BenchmarkLitigation #DisputeResolution #CommerciaLlitigation #RegulatoryLitigation #LaborLitigation #TaxLitigation ...

On 08 April 2020, Villaraza & Angangco Law, through donations from its legal and non-legal personnel, distributed face shields, gloves and gallons of alcohol to the medical personnel and staff of the National Center for Mental Health NCMH and the Taguig-Pateros District Hospital TPDH who are in need of personal protective equipment “PPE” . On 21 April 2020, the Firm extended additional help to the country’s frontliners by distributing N95 masks and surgical masks to the NCMH, Ospital Ng Parañaque and Caloocan City North Medical Center. ...

Despite the Enhanced Community Quarantine “ECQ” throughout the Philippines, Villaraza & Angangco celebrated its 40 years of growth and achievements in the various fields of legal practice through the invaluable contributions of the people composing it. The Firm celebrated its 40th Anniversary last 1 May 2020 with a thanksgiving mass presided by Fr. Cris Magbitang SDB and attended virtually by the Firm’s partners, associates, and non-legal staff. The mass homily was centered on the Italian word “Quaranta” which is the root word of quarantin...

On 29 April 2020, the Supreme Court released the results of the 2019 Bar Examinations held in November of last year. Among the 2,103 bar passers out of 7,685 takers are 100% of The Firm’s Underbars: Mendoza, Camille Angelica A. - Ateneo de Manila University School of Law, 2019 Sembrano, Ira Mari J. - Ateneo de Manila University School of Law, 2019 Yu, Renson Louise C. - Ateneo de Manila University School of Law, 2019 Congratulations on yet another milestone. #TheFirmatForty #SettingTheBar #WeMakeHistory #2019PhilippineBarExam ...

Villaraza & Angangco Partners Bienvenido I. Somera, Jr. and Katrina V. Doble are ranked in the Top 40 list of Asia IP’s Philippines IP Experts 2020. As head of V&A Law’s Intellectual Property Department, Senior Partner Bienvenido Somera has led the firm’s accelerated growth in the field of intellectual property law in recent years. Highly regarded for his quality legal advice and unparalleled dedication in providing exemplary and timely responses to clients, Atty. Somera is deemed as a crucial partner to in-house counsels and senior business leaders bot...

On 08 April 2020, Villaraza & Angangco Law, through donations from its legal and non-legal personnel, distributed 415 face shields, 1000 pairs of gloves and 20 gallons of alcohol to the medical personnel and staff of the National Center for Mental Health NCMH and the Taguig-Pateros District Hospital TPDH who are in need of personal protective equipment “PPE” . The Firm also aims to distribute much-needed surgical and N95 masks in the next few days. At the time of the donation, NCMH had a total of 39 confirmed COVID-19 cases, while TPDH’s COVID ward...

For his exemplary service in the judiciary branch, recently retired Supreme Court Chief Justice Antonio “Tony” Carpio was honoured with a unique testimonial cocktail event by the V&A Law Firm. Unlike traditional testimonials where paeans are showered upon the honouree, this one was turned into a roast titled “Tribute to a Patriot.” Held at the V&A’s Rainmakers Lounge, the event featured high-powered “roasters” like former Ombudsman Conchita Carpio Morales, Senator Franklin Drilon, and Carpio’s close friend and a pillar of “The...

V&A Law is shortlisted for the SOUTHEAST ASIA AWARDS 2020 for Corporate and M&A Teams of the Year and Intellectual Property Team of the Year. SOUTHEAST ASIA AWARDS 2020 Thursday 14th May 2020 Pan Pacific Singapore 7 Raffles Boulevard, Marina Square Singapore 039595 The Legal 500 are extremely honoured to recognise and celebrate the leading legal talent at the inaugural Legal 500 Southeast Asia Awards. This annual event will be positioned as the most prestigious and respected awards ceremony in the calendar for Southeast Asia&rsq...

On 19 to 23 of November 2019, the Litigation Department of Villaraza & Angangco took a much-needed and well-deserved break in jolly old London, England. The trip was jampacked with activities where the litigation associates and partners took in the sights and sounds of the historic city, from the cozy Mimi’s Hotel, located in the heart of the vibrant Soho area, one of the main entertainment districts of London. Highlights of the trip included catching the award-winning musical Hamilton, as well as visiting the historic and mysterious Stonehenge monument. In addition...

After his retirement last October 2019, former Supreme Court Justice Antonio Tirol Carpio was feted left and right by colleagues and friends. Last Nov. 15, “to save all of you from having to hear them all again,” in the words of Raoul Angangco —of Villaraza and Angangco, the firm Carpio helped establish almost 40 years ago— friends in the profession opted for a roast. "A Night of Roasting a Patriot," a sumptuous cocktail party, was held at the restaurant in the building of the Villaraza law offices in Bonifacio Global City, and was attended b...

We are once again honored to be ranked by The Legal 500 in The Legal 500 Asia Pacific 2020. V&A Law was ranked in twelve 12 practice areas and achieved Tier 1 rankings in Dispute Resolution, Intellectual Property, Real Estate & Construction, and Tax. We are grateful to our clients and peers in the industry for their continuing recognition and support. #TheFirmatForty #SettingTheBar #WeMakeHistory #L500APAC2020 #TheLegal500 #disputeresolution #intellectualproperty #realestate #construction #tax #Philippines ...

Our lawyers have been recognized in the latest The Legal 500 Asia Pacific 2020 by The Legal 500. V&A Law Senior Partners Thea T. Daep, Augusto A. San Pedro, Jr., Alejandro Alfonso E. Navarro, Bienvenido I. Somera, Jr., Sylvette Y. Tankiang and Franchette M. Acosta were recognized as Leading Individuals. Partners Katrina V. Doble and Paul Rodulfo B. Imperial were recognized as Next Generation Partners while Senior Associate Ma. Carla P. Mapalo was named as a Rising Star. #TheFirmatForty #SettingtheBar #WeMakeHistory #L500APAC2020 #TheLegal500 #LeadingIndivid...

BUSINESS CHIC - Johnny Litton The Philippine Star - December 30, 2019 - 12:00am Source: https://www.philstar.com/business/business-as-usual/2019/12/30/1980617/celebratingpatriot Instead of a traditional testimonial party for retired senior associate justice Antonio Carpio, Villaraza & Angangco V&A Law , under the leadership of chairman and CEO lawyer Arthur “Pancho” Villaraza and senior partner lawyer Raoul Angangco, decided for the more unconventional but fun route of “roasting” the celebrant. A roast is a lot li...

Villaraza & Angangco Law held its much awaited annual Christmas Party with the theme Arabian Nights. The RainmakersLounge was transformed with colorful drapes, curtains, lights and table décor showcasing the fantastical theme. Partners, Associates and Non-legal staff alike came to the party in their best Arabian Nights costume, complete with shawls, props and headdresses, as many vied for the Best in Costume awards. The dinner catered by The Plaza was also in theme, with servings of lamb, prawns, chicken kebabs, pita, hummus, tzatziki, couscous salad, falafel and b...

https://lifestyle.mb.com.ph/2019/12/15/back-to-back-parties/ This patriot, jurist, leader, scholar has a vibrancy that’s a perfect match to today’s challenges for leaders unafraid to think differently. Having had an unprecedented impact as associate justice of the Supreme Court since 2001, Justice Antonio Tirol Carpio was one of the founding partners in 1980 of Villaraza & Angangco V & A Law along with lawyer Pancho Villaraza. He recently hung his magistrate robe and, in recognition of his scholastic and professional accomplishments, the firm V & A Law host...

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V&A was honored twice at this year’s Asian Legal Business Awards as it was named Litigation Law Firm of the Year and Banking and Financial Services Law Firm of the Year. This is V&A’s second time to win Litigation Law Firm of the Year in the four-year run of the ALB Philippine Law Awards, having also won in 2016. The awards came timely as V&A ushers its 40-year milestone in the legal industry in 2020. ...

Villaraza & Angangco is pleased to have contributed the Philippine Chapter of The Legal 500: International Arbitration Comparative Guide. Augusto San Pedro, Jr., Ruth Nichole Ureta, Raquel Wealth Taguian and Rashel Ann Pomoy authored the overview on international arbitration in the Philippines. This provides an overview of the legal framework and key issues in international arbitration in the Philippines. Philippines: International Arbitration 4th edition This country-specific Q&A provides an overview of the legal framework and key issues surrounding in...

On 19 November 2019, Attys. Ernesto C. Herrera III, Carlo Augustine A. Roman, and Efren II R. Resurreccion of the V&A Corporate and Commercial Law Department spoke at the 7th Labor Relations Summit at the Marco Polo Hotel, Ortigas. Attys. Herrera, Roman, and Resurreccion addressed Human Resource "HR" practitioners of various Filipino and international corporations and lectured on the latest jurisprudence on termination disputes, wages, and other benefits, highlighting nuances and doctrines brought about by recent Supreme Court decisions. The two-day event, or...

As part of the V&A Law Lecture Series, Villaraza & Angangco hosted a forum on the Revised Corporation Code, the Ease of Doing Business Act "EODB" , and the current policies of the Securities and Exchange Commission "SEC" and the Anti-Red Tape Authority "ARTA" at the Rainmakers Lounge of the V&A Law Center last 18 October 2019. The forum was attended by general counsels from various leading companies across industries. SEC Commissioner Kelvin Lester K. Lee "Commissioner Lee" and ARTA Chief of Staff Atty. Ira Paulo Pozo...

We are deeply honored to be a finalist in the 4th Annual Asian Legal Business Philippine Law Awards 2019. ...

Villaraza & Angangco congratulates its Partners Raoul R. Angangco, Sylvette Tankiang, Augusto A. San Pedro, Jr., Franchette Acosta and Maria Concepcion Simundac for being among Asia Business Law Journal The A-List: The Philippines’ Top 100 Lawyers for 2019. They have been part of The A-List for two consecutive years. ...

We are delighted to share that Villaraza & Angangco Partners Sylvette Tankiang, Bienvenido Somera, Jr., Augusto A. San Pedro, Jr. and Alejandro Alfonso E. Navarro have been recognized by AsiaLaw. ...

We are proud and honored to have been recognized by Asialaw Profiles 2020. ...

Alejandro Navarro, Rashel Ann Pomoy, Ernesto Herrera III, Carlo Roman and Efren Resurreccion, of the Villaraza & Angangco's Labor Practice Group, successfully conducted the Philippine HR Employment Masterclass in Singapore for HR heads of multi-nationals in the Asia-Pacific Region and Singapore-based RHQs with operations in the Philippines. The whole-day event, organized by RHT Academy, focused on addressing the most complex and challenging issues in Philippine labor law. ...

A dynamic duo of childhood best friends who were part of an attempt to impeach a president and a Supreme Court chief justice, plus crusading to break up a former telecoms monopoly in the Philippines — that describes “The Firm” top honcho lawyer F. Arthur “Pancho” Villaraza and ex-congressman, now new Philippine ambassador to India and Nepal, Ramon “Dondon” Bagatsing Jr. They agreed to give Philippine STAR an exclusive and no-holds-barred interview over dinner. Philippine STAR: Is it true you’ve been close family friends since y...

IFLR1000, a guide to the world's leading financial and corporate law firms and lawyers covering over 120 jurisdictions worldwide, cited Villaraza & Angangco Law as a recommended firm for 2019. The Firm was likewise cited as a recommended firm in 2018. For 2019, it is cited as a notable firm for the practice areas of Banking, Capital Markets and Project Development. It is cited as Tier 3 firm for Corporate and Mergers and Acquisitions. ...

Chambers and Partners ranked V&A Law’s Corporate/M&A, Dispute Resolution and Intellectual Property Departments as Band 2 in the 2019 Chambers Asia-Pacific rankings. Meanwhile, V&A Law’s Tax Department was ranked Band 3. V&A Law is hailed as a Recognized Practitioner in Employment, while the Firm’s Corporate/M&A: Real Estate Practice Area is included in the Spotlight Table. V&A Law Partners were also recognized by Chambers and Partners. The head of the V&A Law Intellectual Property Department, Bienvenido I. Somera Jr., is ranked Ba...

On 26 October 2018, the Asian Legal Business “ALB” hosted the awards night for the 3rd ALB Philippine Law Awards at Makati Shangri-la, Manila. This awards night and black-tie gala dinner was the culmination of a tedious and rigorous process which sought to recognize and reward the most outstanding performances of in-house teams and private practitioners in the country. Villaraza & Angangco Law “The Firm” was heralded as the Technology, Media and Telecommunications “TMT” Law Firm of the Year due to its incredible work in assisting ...

Villaraza & Angangco V&A Law rounded up another astoundingly successful year finishing in the Top-Tier Firm Rankings of The Legal 500 for 2018 with Tier 1 rankings for the categories of Dispute Resolution, Intellectual Property, Tax and Real Estate and Construction . V&A Senior Partners Alejandro Alfonso Navarro, Augusto San Pedro, Jr. and Thea Daep were cited as Leading Individuals in Dispute Resolution. Likewise, V&A Senior Partner Bienvenido Somera, Jr. was cited as Leading Individual for Intellectual Property, rallying the Team to another Tie...

On 24 November 2018, Pauline Marie R. Gairanod, an associate of Villaraza & Angangco Law’s Corporate and Commercial Law Department, delivered a lecture on data privacy law at the 13th Medical Students’ Summit. The event, with the theme “Pioneering Transitions, Embracing Traditions in the Philippine Medical Field” and hosted by the Association of Philippine Medical Colleges – Student Network, gathered students from medical schools across the Philippines to participate in a series of lectures and competitions. Ms. Gairanod lectured on the relevanc...

On 19 February 2019, Richard Henrick I. Beltran and Pauline Marie R. Gairanod, associates of Villaraza & Angangco Law’s Corporate and Commercial Law Department, delivered a lecture on the National Privacy Commission’s rules on the filing and investigation of complaints before the National Privacy Commission NPC on violations of the Data Privacy Act of 2012 at the 2nd Multi-Functional Data Privacy Summit held at the Pan-Pacific Hotel Manila. The event, with the theme “Data Privacy Deep Dive: Appreciating the Complexity of Data Privacy Compliance”, h...

Partners of The Firm attended the 70th Birthday and Retirement Party of SC Justice Noel Gimenez Tijam, at the Grand Ballroom, Solaire Hotel. Happy birthday and job well done, Justice Tijam. The event also turned into a mini-reunion of sorts as they ran into former partners who are now with the judiciary. ...

The Asian Legal Business recognized Maria Concepcion Simundac, a Partner of Villaraza & Angangco’s Corporate and Special Projects Department, as among the top 40 outstanding lawyers across Asia which are under the age of 40 for the year 2018. The list, prepared by the Asian Legal Business, recognizes lawyers “who have worked on some of the most significant deals and disputes in the past year and who have earned accolades from their peers, superiors and clients”. Based on the list, Ms. Simundac was commended by a client for “allowing [them] to successfully naviga...

On 10 October 2018, Pauline Marie R. Gairanod, an associate of Villaraza and Angangco Law’s Corporate and Commercial Law Department, delivered a lecture on the relevance of the Data Privacy Act of 2012 to the medical profession before 400 College of Medicine students and staff at the University of the East Ramon Magsaysay Medical Center UERMMC . In the lecture, titled “The Data Privacy Act and the Medical Profession: Concerns and Compliance”, Ms. Gairanod introduced key concepts and nuances in the Data Privacy Act of 2012, its implementing rules and regula...

The Firm scored a major victory last September 14, 2018, when the Sandiganbayan the Philippines’ anti-graft court handed down a verdict of NOT GUILTY in the case involving North Cotabato Governor Emmylou T. Mendoza. She was cleared of all charges under Section 3 e of Republic Act No. 3019 or the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act . The case stemmed from allegations that Governor Mendoza approved the purchase of fuel from the Shell Station allegedly without the conduct of public bidding. The Court, in acquitting Governor Mendoza ruled that the prosecution was not ...

For the Second Elimination Round of Square Off: The Firm Debates Season 16, San Beda University Negative won against University of Batangas Affirmative . The two teams argued on the proposition: LIBRT: the revocation of Senator Antonio Trillanes III’s amnesty is invalid. The panel of judges were composed of Judge Princess Ongkeko, Atty. Joy Casis, and V&A Law Senior Associate Richard Henrick I. Beltran. The said episode was aired last 16 September 2018. ...

The Sandiganbayan dismissed graft charges against former Governor Luis Villafuerte, Sr., along with three other former officials of the Provincial Government of Camarines Sur by granting the Motion to Dismiss borne by the joint efforts of Villafuerte, Sr. himself and the Firm. The Sandiganbayan found that Villafuerte, Sr.’s right to speedy disposition of his case was violated and that the case should be dismissed accordingly. Source: https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/07/19/18/sandiganbayan-dismisses-case-vs-ex-camsur-gov-3-others-over-inordinate-delay ...

Last 05 September 2018, Attys. Alfonso R. Reyno and F. Arthur L. Villaraza hosted a testimonial dinner in honor of Chief Justice Teresita Leonardo-De Castro held at the Grand Ballroom of the Manila Polo Club. The event was graced by the presence of Supreme Court Justices Estela M. Perlas-Bernabe, Marvic Mario Victor F. Leonen, Francis H. Jardeleza, Alfredo Benjamin S. Caguioa and Andres B. Reyes, Jr., as well as Senators Franklin M. Drilon and Sonny Angara. Also present were Court of Appeals Presiding Justice Romeo F. Barza and other Court of Appeals Justices,...

V&A Partners attended the 127th Founding Anniversary of the Philippine Bar Association, the oldest voluntary bar organization in the Philippines, celebrated thru a grand fund-raising concert entitled “Some Enchanted Evening, PBA @ 127”, held at the Manila Hotel on 15 August 2018. V&A Law was one of the sponsors of the event. ...

On 16 August 2018, Villaraza and Angangco Law hosted some of the most powerful female legal minds in the country at its private dining hall, The Rainmakers Lounge, which served as the venue for the UP Women Lawyers’ Circle, Inc.’s UP WILOCI induction ceremony for its new members and officers. Founded in 1946 by the late Justice Corazon Juliano-Agrava and eight of her colleagues, the UP WILOCI is an organization of women lawyers from the country’s premier law school, the University of the Philippines College of Law. The University of the Philippines College of Law count...

With Department of Labor Secretary Silvestro Bello III as Keynote Speaker, VILLARAZA & ANGANGCO hosted a forum on LABOR COMPLIANCE on 9 August 2018 at its offices V&A Law Center in Bonifacio Global City. Our Chairman F. Arthur Villaraza, Managing Partner Alejandro Alfonso E. Navarro and other members of the Firm’s Management Committee welcomed Secretary Bello to the forum. Department of Labor and Employment Assistant Regional Directors Atty. Nick Estrella and Atty. Sixto Rodriguez shared valuable information and insight on the conduct of inspections and ...

V&A Law’s Raoul R. Angangco, Sylvette Y. Tankiang, Augusto San Pedro, Franchette M.Acosta, and Maria Concepcion Simundac are among the 2018 Top 100 Lawyers of the Philippines. Raoul R. Angangco, Sylvette Y. Tankiang, Franchette M. Acosta and Maria Concepcion Simundac work with the firm’s Corporate & Commercial Law Department. Augusto A. San Pedro, Jr. works with the firms Dispute Resolution Department. Access the list by clicking on this link: https://www.vantageasia.com/philippines-top-lawyers-2018 . The editorial of the 2018 Top 100 lawyers of the Ph...

Given the recent summits, this issue is dedicated to those considering opening a business in South Korea [Legal & Brief] and/or North Korea [Q&A]. The final responses in the North Korean Q&A were provided by Canadian Michael Spavor MS , Director of Paektu Consulting and Paektu Cultural Exchange, a consultant with over 20 years of experience working with the DPRK. [Legal & Brief] Advantages and Disadvantages of Opening a JSC or LC in Korea Is your business license the right fit? JSC joint stock corporation or chusik hoesa vs. LC limited cor...

By Franchette M Acosta of Villaraza & Angangco The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas BSP , which is the Central Monetary Authority of the Philippines, has recently issued guidelines governing the registration and operations of non-bank entities engaged in the credit card business, including credit card issuers and acquirers. These guidelines were issued to implement the Philippine Credit Card Industry Law which expanded the scope of BSP regulation to non-bank credit card issuers. Under the guidelines, a corporation, a non-bank subsidiary/affiliate of a bank o...

On June 10, 2018, law students from some of the country’s top law schools battled it out for the championship in the Grand Finals of Season 15 of Square Off: The Firm Debates, the debate program sponsored by the Firm which airs on the ABS-CBN News Channel. The proposition for the final battle of this season comes on the heels of the Senate’s approval of Senate Bill 1717 or “An Act Providing for the Basic Law for the Bangsamoro and Abolishing the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao”. Arguing for the unconstitutionality of the Bangsamoro Basic Law, the ...

Our Franchette M. Acosta, Senior Partner of VILLARAZA & ANGANGCO attended the 2018 ASIA HR EMPLOYMENT LAW FORUM held from 9 to 10 May 2018 at the Mandarin Orchard, Singapore, where she delivered presentations on “Regional Updates & Insights Across Asian Jurisdictions” and “Firing Without Fear” and participated in the panel on “Leveraging on the Gig Economy in Asia: HR Confidence for an Agile Workforce” and “Compliance Interactive Discussion.” With more than 25 employment law experts in 9 jurisdictions across Asia, exper...

V&A lawyers attended the 28th IPBA Annual Meeting and Conference held at the Shangri-La at The Fort, Bonifacio Global City on March 14-16, 2018. The Inter-Pacific Bar Association IPBA is an international association of business and commercial lawyers who live in, or have a strong interest, in the Asia-Pacific region. It was established in April 1991 at an inaugural conference held in Tokyo, attended by more than 500 lawyers from the Asia-Pacific region. It is an avenue to discuss and dissect legal trends, opportunities and challenges brought by ASEAN integ...

On 27 February 2018, the Firm hosted the Annual General Membership Meeting and Board Meeting of the Philippine Energy Efficiency Alliance, Inc. “PE2” at the Rainmakers Lounge of the V&A Law Center. PE2 is an Alliance of private and public-sector energy efficiency market stakeholder entities, which convened in order to organize, encourage, and promote advocacies, initiatives, studies, projects, programs, policy-directions, financing strategies, best ethical practices and sources in energy efficiency, energy conservation and renewable energy in order to assis...

Our Atty. Bienvenido I. Somera, Jr. strikes two for two for winning the Client Choice Award two 2 years running. This time, Atty. Somera is one 1 of three 3 award recipients hailing from the Philippines. The 2018 Client Choice Gala was held on 01 February 2018 at One Great George Street in London’s historic Westminster, and celebrated three hundred eighty four 384 awardees from across sixty-six 66 jurisdictions worldwide, each with a recognized reputation for excellence in the legal profession. Photos taken from Lexology, Client Choice website, available at: h...

Our Atty. Katrina V. Doble, Junior Partner of the Intellectual Property Department, was the recipient of the Young Lawyer Award last 06 October 2017 at the 2nd annual Asian Legal Business Philippine Law Awards held at the Makati Shangri-La Hotel. She shares this award with Atty. Cyril Alfredo S. Castro from Lazada E-Services Philippines. One of the six 6 individual categories of the PLA, The Young Lawyer Award recognizes lawyers aged forty 40 and below who have demonstrated excellence in leadership and providing unparalleled legal service. The Firm’s ...

Our Atty. Bienvenido I. Somera, Jr. brings Philippine pride to the global legal stage as the sole Filipino recipient of the Client Choice Award last February 9, 2017 in London, United Kingdom. Nominated by corporate counsels for their excellent client care and unparalleled quality of service, Client Choice Award recipients are recognized around the world as the cream of the crop of the legal profession. There were 403 winners across 66 jurisdictions worldwide for the Client Choice Award 2017. ...

By Augusto A San Pedro Jr and Raquel Wealth A Taguian, Villaraza & Angangco Law Offices January 4, 2018 In the Philippines the time constraints and costliness of litigation are more often moving contracting parties to arbitration, but there remain roadblocks to be aware of when choosing this increasingly popular method of dispute resolution. Given the aversion of contracting parties to costly and protracted litigation, arbitration as an alternative mode of dispute resolution is gaining more favour and popularity in the Philippines, resulting in arbit...

By Franchette M Acosta, senior partner, V&A Law E: fm.acosta@thefirmva.com The Philippine government has expanded anti-money laundering laws to include casinos, including internet and ship-based casinos. This is aligned with the Philippine government’s policy of preventing the country from being used as a money laundering and terrorist financing site. Casinos include internet casinos, or casinos in which persons participate by the use of remote communication facilities such as, but not limited to, internet, telephone, television, radio or any other...

On 19 October 2017 our Franchette M. Acosta and Maria Concepcion P. Simundac delivered a talk on Doing Business in the Philippines at the Cross-Border Legal Practices and Investment Forum organized by Asian Legal Business and held in Beijing, China . The session devoted to the Philippines focused on structuring and regulation of industries and business activities aligned with China’s Belt and Road Initiative or receptive to foreign investment, such as transport and infrastructure under administration’s Build, Build, Build Campaign. The discussion also focused on man...

For the second consecutive year, V&A Law and global research and consultancy firm Oxford Business Group OBG will work together for OBG’s annual report on the Philippine economy. V&A Law has signed a second memorandum of understanding with OBG for the production of the Law Chapter of The Report: The Philippines 2018 wherein it will provide legal analysis and data. OBG Editorial Manager Jean Pierre Salendres said he was confident that V&A LAW’s analysis of the Philippines legal framework and key areas of litigation would once again give the group&rsqu...

The 2nd Belt and Road, Outbound Investment and M&A Forum was held on 19 September 2017 at the 5-star Ritz-Carlton Beijing. Key speakers presented to more than 300 guests the impact of the “Belt and Road” on China and the world and tackled various practical issues relating to Chinese outbound investment M&A. The forum was capped with a very informative round table discussion on investment opportunities, investment environment and legal and practical issues on Chinese outbound investment and M&A by lawyers from Switzerland, Czech Republic, Hungary, Kazakhstan, China a...

V&A Law participated in the Belt and Road Outbound Investment Roadshow organized by Cathay Associates to talk about investment opportunities and legal requirements in various countries. V&A Law Partners Sylvette Tankiang and Maria Concepcion Simundac represented the Philippines and were joined by lawyers from prestigious law firms in Kazakhstan, Czech Republic, Switzerland, Thailand and Hungary. The Belt and Road Outbound Investment Roadshow was held on 18-22 September 2017 in Beijing, Shanghai and Shenzhen, China. ...

Villaraza & Angangco, as part of the ASEAN PLUS GROUP , supported the ASEAN SUMMIT 2017 held on 19 September 2017 at Suntec Singapore Convention & Exhibition Centre, Singapore. ASEAN offers much potential in playing centre stage in the future global economy, considering the multitude of shifts in the current economic and political backdrop, including Brexit and the commencement of the Trump administration. Contrary to these anti-globalisation sentiments, Singapore’s openness to trade, talent, and investments, and its exhaustive drive to maintain regional and ...

On 11 August 2017, the Firm hosted the V&A Lecture Series, featuring Assistant Secretary for Cybersecurity and Enabling Technologies of the Department of Information and Communications Technology “DICT” , Allan S. Cabanlong. Assistant Secretary Cabanlong gave a lecture on modern threats and cybersecurity issues that companies must account for in their daily operations. He also introduced to the audience the National Cybersecurity Plan of 2022, a country-wide framework for information security and risk management. The lecture discussed the crucial role of the private sect...

On 11 August 2017, the Firm hosted the V&A Lecture Series: Data Privacy Symposium at the Rainmakers Lounge, featuring Deputy Privacy Commissioner Damian Domingo O. Mapa of the National Privacy Commission as keynote speaker. Deputy Commissioner Mapa detailed the adjustments that companies will have to make in light of the upcoming mandatory compliance period imposed by the Implementing Rules and Regulations of Republic Act No. 10173 or the Data Privacy Act , providing the Firm’s clients and friends an effective venue to clarify issues regarding their companies’ compliance ...

USC is Square Off The Firm Debates Season 14 Champion 25 August 2017, Rainmakers Lounge, V&A Law Center, Bonifacio Global City – Defending champion University of San Carlos “USC” once again bagged the trophy at the finals round of ANC’s Square Off The Firm Debates Season 14. USC won against the University of the Philippines on a split decision on the proposition, “LIBRT: The admission of a public official that he has received referral fees from a private law firm can be used in cases filed against him and the private parties invo...

The Belt and Road Legal Services International Cooperation Chengdu Forum was held on July 29 to 30, 2017 in Chengdu, China. Legal-service organizations from Asia, Europe and other jurisdictions exchanged knowledge and experience on international business practices and development, cross-border legal risks and business opportunities and advantages in Chengdu and other economies at the forum. The event was graced by officials of the People’s Government of Chengdu City. Villaraza & Angangco, a founding member of the Asean Plus Group and a founding signatory of “The Belt an...

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On June 1 and 2, 2017, the Embassy of Mexico in the Philippines hosted “Mexico and the Philippines: Gateways to the Americas and ASEAN” , a seminar on Trade, Investment and Economy. Villaraza & Angangco’s Franchette M. Acosta and Leonardo A. Singson delivered a presentation on “How to Establish Business in the Philippines”, which included a discussion on potential business activities for investors, investment structures and vehicles, capital requirements, anti-trust, labor and immigration regulations. Other topics covered during the 2-day event incl...

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On 3 May 2017, the Supreme Court released the results of the 2016 Bar Examinations, held in November of last year. Among the bar passers are 100% of The Firm’s Underbars as follows: Cocabo, Patrick Vincent G. - Ateneo de Manila University School of Law, 2016 Consignado, Paolo Miguel - Ateneo de Manila University School of Law, 2016 Estrella, Mohammad Muktadir A. - Ateneo de Manila University School of Law, 2016 Gairanod, Pauline Marie R. - University of the Philippines College of Law, 2016 Resurreccion, Efren, Ii R. - University of the P...

The Asian Legal Business “ALB” has chosen Villaraza & Angangco “V&A Law” as an Employer of Choice in the Philippines for 2017. The ALB Employer of Choice Rankings is based on a survey of lawyers in private practice across Asia, from the paralegal level to the managing partner, on the following criteria: job satisfaction, remuneration, work-life balance, career prospects, mentorship, job security, among others. V&A Law has been described by a respondent as a Firm of “great people, diverse work and great learning oppo...

Villaraza & Angangco gives back to beloved alma mater with the renovation of the lobby of Malcolm Hall, home of the UP College of Law. The elegantly spruced-up lobby of Malcolm Hall is the Firm’s gift to the UP College of Law, which is arguably the best law school in the country. The Firm formally turned-over its donation to the University of the Philippines in a ceremony held on 07 April 2017, attended by UP President and College of Law Dean Danilo L. Concepcion, UP Diliman Chancellor Michael L. Tan, UP Law professors Concepcion L. Jardeleza, Rowen...

Bienvenido I. Somera, Jr., Senior Partner and Head of the Intellectual Property Department of V&A Law, was the sole recipient from the Philippines of the 2017 Client Choice Award for Trademarks. Click here for Details Winners were honored at a gala dinner held at One Great George Street in London on 02 February 2017. Click here for Event Photos Established in 2005, the Client Choice Awards recognize those partners around the world that stand apart for the excellent client service they provide. The criteria for the awards focus on the ability to add real value to...

VDB Loi, a network of leading law and advisory member firms and affiliated companies that comprises nine partners and over 100 lawyers and advisors, with offices in Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Myanmar and Vietnam, and representatives in Singapore and Tokyo, is the newest member of ASEAN Plus Group APG . This latest addition is consistent with APG’s aim to be the first choice among clients for providing quality, responsive, and integrated legal advice in the ASEAN region. VDB Loi was formed in Phnom Penh, Cambodia in early 2012 by founding partner Jean Loi,...

V&A Law won the Litigation Law Firm of the Year award during the inaugural Asian Legal Business ALB Philippine Law Awards held at the Fairmont Makati last October 14, 2016. The ALB Philippine Law Awards is a tribute to the outstanding performance of private practitioners and in-house teams that have significantly contributed to the evolving legal landscape of the Philippines. V&A Law was also nominated for Arbitration Law Firm of the Year, Banking and Financial Services Law Firm of the Year, and Construction and Real Estate Law Firm of the...

V&A Law signed a memorandum of understanding with Oxford Business Group OBG , a global publisher of annual economic and business reports, for OBG’s forthcoming report on the Philippine economy, The Report: The Philippines 2017 . V&A Law and OBG will work together for the compilation and production of the Law Chapter of The Report: The Philippines 2017 . OBG Country Director in the Philippines Rosa Piro said that V&A Law’s analysis of both the local and the legal framework, and its implications for businesses would give the report an added dimension. &ldqu...

The Guide authored by Taylor Wessing examines corporate transparency regimes across a number of jurisdictions, including current and future disclosure obligations. The Guide provides a series of insights into the legal, regulatory and commercial issues facing companies regarding the registration and disclosure of beneficial owners. Jurisdictions covered include Singapore, the Philippines, Indonesia, Taiwan, Austria, France, Germany, the Netherlands, the United Arab Emirates, as well as the United Kingdom. Villaraza & Angangco expressed a view on Philippine disclosure requirements. ...

RHT Law Taylor Wessing and RHT Academy is holding the RHT ASEAN Summit 2016: Charging through the Complexities – Emboldening SMEs for the ASEAN Economic Community AEC on August 4, 2016 at the Marina Bay Sands Expo & Convention Centre, Level 3, Heliconia Junior Ballroom at 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. with V&A Law as one of the supporting organizations. The RHT ASEAN Summit 2016 will discuss the various implications of the AEC and what Singaporean businesses must act on, to stay ahead of the game. This premier SME-themed conference brings together approxima...

V&A Law attended the ASEAN Plus Group “APG” Quarter Meeting held last June 30 to July 1, 2016 in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam and the launch of RHTLaw TaylorWessing Vietnam. APG is a group of full-service and well-established law firms with strong local knowledge and international expertise which, collectively, represents top Asian companies. The group was formally launched during its Inaugural Annual Partners Conference in Bangkok, Thailand on February 25-26, 2014. APG is currently composed of law firms from nine jurisdictions: RHTL...

The Asian Legal Business* “ALB” Philippine In-House Legal Summit was held on April 28, 2016 at the Fairmont Makati where senior-level corporate counsels, business leaders and private practitioners discussed a wide range of legal issues and resolved the most pressing business challenges faced by in-house counsel today. V&A Law’s Franchette Acosta and Paul Imperial presented the recently enacted Philippine Competition Act, emphasizing on its provisions which in-house counsels may encounter in their line of work. Their discussion included transactions whi...

The Philippine Group of Law Librarians, Inc. PGLL was established in 1981 with the primary purpose of working for the interest of law librarians, law libraries and maintaining the highest standards for law librarianship. Since its establishment, the PGLL has consistently been working to meet this primary purpose through seminars and congresses, fellowships/scholarships, and cooperative activities among law librarians and law libraries. International linkages were made by attending international seminars and participating as resource speakers American Association ...

On March 1, 2016, the Firm held cocktails to celebrate the appointment of the new Managing Partner and Co-Managing Partner of the Firm, Alejandro Alfonso E. Navarro and Augusto A. San Pedro, Jr. The newly-appointed managing and co-managing partners themselves, together with Villaraza & Angangco Law Chairman and CEO Pancho Villaraza, name partner Raoul Angangco, head of the Corporate Department Sylvette Y. Tankiang, outgoing Managing Partner and head of the Intellectual Property Department Bienvenido I. Somera, Jr., recently appointed head of the Litigation Department Thea ...

V&A LAW set a new pace in urban racing as hundreds of runners scaled its five-level parking ramp, which was one of the highlighted legs in the race course of the 2011 Reebok Zig Tech Run held on 05 June 2011. This year’s Reebok Zig Tech Run was co-sponsored by V&A LAW to help promote good health amidst today’s busy urban lifestyle. With running divisions ranging from 5K, 10K and 15K, the early morning dash had both men and ladies from all walks of life negotiating the Kalayaan Flyover-CVCLAW Center route, each one staking a claim to highly coveted prizes...

More blood, more life. This was rallying cry behind V&A LAW's blood donation campaign, which kicked off on 17 June 2011 as the first in a series of quarterly bloodletting drives. Organized by the Firm's Personnel Department in coordination with the Philippine Red Cross PRC , the program was launched with the active participation of the Firm's lawyers and non-legal personnel with the objective of keeping the Firm's employees on PRC's priority list when the need to procure quality and safe blood arises. It is also in line with V&A LA...

V&A are Finalists at the ALB SE Asia Law Awards 2024

V&A Law included in finalists for Philippines Law Firm of the Year at the Chambers Asia-Pacific Awards 2024

V&A and PwC Philippines hold M&A Seminar

V&A Law Managing Partner, Sylvette Y. Tankiang Delivers Welcome Remarks at "Balancing Act: AI and Climate" Event

V&A Law Hosts Start2 Group and German Embassy's "Balancing Act: AI and Climate"

V&A Law's Ma. Sophia Editha Cruz-Abrenica interviewed by AsiaIP on Intellectual Property Strategy

V&A Law's Rashel Ann C. Pomoy to speak at the Legal 500's GC Summit Philippines 2024

V&A Law's Rashel Ann C. Pomoy discusses the legal landscape of mental health in the workplace in a podcast for Chambers Expert Focus

V&A Law's Arbitration Practice Group contributes to the Philippine section of the third (3rd) edition of In-Depth: Construction Disputes published by the Law Business Research

V&A Law's Rashel Ann C. Pomoy to speak at The Legal 500?s GC Summit Philippines 2024 on the duty of care of employers in relation to the mental health of their employees

V&A Law are Finalists in the IFLR Asia-Pacific Awards 2024

V&A Law Lawyers Recognized in Legal 500 Asia-Pacific Rankings 2024

V&A Law Ranked as Top Tier Firm in The Legal 500 Asia-Pacific Rankings 2024

Villaraza & Angangco Law (V&A Law) now a member firm of L&E Global

The Firm congratulates its newly-promoted Senior Associates

V&A Law Partners Recognized in the Chambers-Asia Pacific Guide for 2024

V&A Law Recognized in the Chambers-Asia Pacific Guide for 2024

V&A Law, through ABS-CBN Foundation Inc.'s Bantay Kalikasan, Conducted a Tree Planting Activity at the La Mesa Watershed

V&A Law bags Finance Deal of the Year at the 2023 Asian Legal Business Philippine Law Awards

V&A Law Senior Partner Sylvette Y. Tankiang recognized as Managing Partner of the Year at the 2023 Asian Legal Business Philippine Law Awards

V&A Law wins five awards at the recently-concluded 2023 Asian Legal Business Philippine Law Awards

2023 LMG Trip Photos

V&A Law Partners Recognized in Asia Business Law Journal's A-List for 2023

V&A Law Partner Rashel Ann Pomoy recognized in Asian Legal Business? Asia 40 Under 40 List for 2023

V&A LAW is looking for CORPORATE LAWYERS

Villaraza & Angangco Law Partner Rashel Ann Pomoy and Associate Caleb L. Lauredo served as speakers for Mondaq's webinar entitled "Introduction to Philippine Labour and Employment Laws."

V&A Law Senior Partners Sylvette Y. Tankiang, Bienvenido I. Somera, Jr., and Alejandro Alfonso E. Navarro, Augusto A. San Pedro, Jr recognized as Distinguished Practitioners by asiaLaw

V&A Law has been ranked by asialaw under 9 practice areas and 5 industry sectors

Villaraza & Angangco's (V&A Law) Intellectual Property Department recognized top-tier firm for trademarks in the 2023 edition of IP STARS by Managing IP

Invite to "Introduction to Philippine Labour and Employment Laws", to be held on 4 October 2023 at 4:00 PM (Philippine time)/8:00 AM UTC, hosted by Mondaq

V&A Law's Ma. Sophia Editha Cruz-Abrenica presented a webinar on Patenting Fundamentals for DOST-PCIEERD Nanohubs Nanotechnology Webinar Series

V&A Senior Partners Named as among the Legal500's Southeast Asia Arbitration Powerlist for 2023

V&A Law shortlisted as Philippine Law Firm of the Year in the Asialaw Awards for 2023

Exciting Launch: Revamped Website Content for V&A's Labor and Employment Practice

The Legal 500 TMT Comparative Guide for 2023

V&A Law Partners Recognized in IFLR1000's Leading Lawyers for 2023

V&A Law Recognized in the IFLR1000 2023 Firm Rankings

V&A Law Partners recognized in Business Today's Top 10 Philippines Corporate/M&A Lawyers Influencing Business Landscape in 2023

V&A Law and European Chamber of Commerce Co-host Luncheon with DOLE Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma

V&A Law Partners with European Chamber of Commerce for Luncheon Meeting with DOLE Secretary Laguesma

V&A Law's Rashel Ann Pomoy spoke at the APAC Employment Summit in Singapore

IAM Patent 1000 recognizes Villaraza & Angangco's (V&A Law) Intellectual Property Department as a Silver-Tier Firm in the Philippines for 2023

Promotion of Atty. Leon Maria Angel P. Caguioa of the Litigation and Dispute Resolution Department to Partner, effective 01 July 2023

Promotion of Atty. Mandy Therese M. Anderson of the Corporate and Commercial Law Department to Partner, effective 01 July 2023

Promotion of Atty. Mark Benjamin C. Yam of the Corporate and Commercial Law Department to Partner, effective 01 July 2023

Promotion of Atty. Raquel Wealth A. Taguian of the Litigation & Dispute Resolution Department to Senior Partner

Promotion of Atty. Fritzzie Lyn Espa�ol of the Litigation & Dispute Resolution Department to Senior Partner

Promotion of Atty. Ruth Nichole R. Ureta of the Litigation & Dispute Resolution Department to Senior Partner

Promotion of Atty. Joseph Anthony P. Lopez of the Litigation & Dispute Resolution Department to Senior Partner

Villaraza and Angangco Law to host prestigious Legal 500 GC Powerlist Philippines 2023

V&A Law recognized as Asian Legal Business Employer of Choice for 2023

V&A Law Recognized as One of Top 10 Employment Law Firms in APAC by Manage HR

Villaraza & Angangco's Intellectual Property Department ranks Tier 1 for Patents / Copyright / Trademarks in the Asian Legal Business Asia IP Rankings 2023

V&A Law?s Rashel Pomoy featured in IEL?s Tomorrow?s Leaders 2023

V&A Law?s Kristin Charisse C. Siao and Carlo Augustine A. Roman are contributors to the February 2023 Issue of the In-House Community Magazine

V&A Law recognized as Most Responsive Domestic Law Firm in the In-House Community?s Firms of the Year Awards for 2022

V&A Law recognized in the In-House Community?s Firms of the Year Awards for 2022

V&A Law shortlisted in the Chambers Asia Pacific and Greater China Region Awards for 2023

ASEAN Intellectual Property Association Annual General Meeting & Conference from 17-18 March 2023 at Hanoi, Vietnam

V&A Law contributes to International Women's Day 2023 with piece on Philippine labor laws affecting women

V&A Law recognizes and celebrates the redefined roles of women in the legal profession this International Women's Day

Villaraza & Angangco bags "PH Copyright Firm of the Year" in the Asia IP 2022 Awards

V&A Law shortlisted as Firm of the Year for the Philippines in the 2023 Legal 500 Southeast Asia Awards

V&A Law Partner shortlisted as Lawyer of the Year for Litigation in the 2023 Legal 500 Southeast Asia Awards

Villaraza & Angangco's (V&A Law) Intellectual Property Department again recognized as a Silver-Tier Firm in the Philippines by the World Trademark Review WTR 1000 for 2023

V&A Law co-sponsors IEL's inaugural Asia-Pacific Employment Summit in Singapore

IPOPHL Amendments to the Rules and Regulations on Trademark

V&A Law's Ma. Carla P. Mapalo contributes to the ESG & Deal Making Chapter of IR Global's Global Guide for In-House Counsel

V&A Partners and Associates Recognized in The Legal 500 Asia-Pacific 2023 Rankings

V&A Law Recognized in the Legal 500 2023 Asia-Pacific Rankings

V&A Law Recognized in the Chambers & Partners 2023 Asia Pacific Guide

V&A Law Appoints Sylvette Y. Tankiang as its Managing Partner

V&A Law Appoints Franchette M. Acosta as its Co-Managing Partner

V&A Law Recognized in the Chambers & Partners 2023 Asia Pacific Guide

Congratulations to V&A Law's newly-promoted Partners

Congratulations to V&A Law's newly-promoted Partners

Congratulations to V&A Law's newly-promoted Senior Associate

V&A Christmas Celebration 2022

V&A Law recognized as "Antitrust and Competition Law Firm of the Year" and "Technology, Media and Telecommunications Law Firm of the Year" in the Asian Legal Business Philippine Law Awards for 2022

Villaraza & Angangco?s Rashel Ann C. Pomoy is the chosen Employment Litigation expert in the Philippines by The Lawyer Network.