Our Expertise

We provide practical, business-aligned guidance to employers navigating the evolving landscape of Philippine labor and employment law, advising both local and international clients on compliance, governance, and risk management in day‑to‑day workforce matters. Our work covers contract structuring, independent contractor engagement, workplace health and safety policies, data privacy, compensation and benefits, and workforce measures such as redundancy and severance.

We support clients across key non‑contentious labor matters, including:

1.Employment contracts and independent contractor agreements

2. Workplace health and safety

3. Discrimination and harassment claims

4. Data Privacy

5. Employee Compensation and Benefits 

6. Termination and Severance

Contact Person:

• Rashel Ann C. Pomoy

Villaraza & Angangco’s Labor and Employment Department represents employers in a broad spectrum of contentious labor and employment matters before the National Labor Relations Commission, voluntary arbitrators, and the regular courts. We act in cases involving wrongful and illegal dismissal, workplace harassment and discrimination, wage and hour disputes, retaliation claims, collective bargaining disputes, and other employment-related controversies. 

We take a practical, business‑aligned approach to dispute resolution, working closely with clients from the earliest stages of a dispute through conciliation, grievance proceedings, mediation, arbitration, and full litigation where necessary. Matters are managed with a view to legal defensibility and commercial outcome, balancing risk, cost, and reputation. 

We support clients across key contentious labor matters, including: 

1. Illegal dismissal and unfair labor practice cases

2. Money claims and wage-and-hour disputes

3. Collective bargaining, CBA disputes, and grievances

4. Enforcement and defense of restrictive covenants

5. Contracting, subcontracting, and employment status disputes

6. Multi‑party and complex employment disputes

7. Other labor and employment disputes

In all contentious engagements, the Department aims to secure outcomes that are both legally robust and aligned with clients’ operational realities and long‑term employment relations strategy. 

Contact Person: 

• Rashel Ann C. Pomoy

We provide counsel and support in administrative investigations involving employee misconduct, helping employers implement processes that are fair, well‑documented, and compliant with legal requirements while remaining workable for the business. The Department has conducted and facilitated investigations involving both rank‑and‑file employees and senior executives, including matters concerning, among others, serious misconduct, sexual harassment, fraud, and loss of trust and confidence.

We prepare comprehensive investigation reports that set out the findings, evidence, and conclusions reached during the investigation, equipping employers to make informed and defensible decisions on disciplinary measures and separation.

Contact Person:

• Rashel Ann C. Pomoy

We advise employers on a wide range of labor relations matters, including hiring and termination practices, collective bargaining, and the development of strategies to prevent and manage workplace disputes. Our work includes assisting clients in mitigating the impact of strikes and other concerted activities, and providing guidance on retirement options, employee benefits, and other collective dealings among employers, employees, and their representatives.

Contact Person:

• Rashel Ann C. Pomoy

We assist employers in reviewing and assessing labor practices and workplace policies to ensure compliance with applicable labor laws and regulations, including Philippine labor legislation and implementing rules. Based on audit findings, we help clients develop and implement corrective measures to rectify potential irregularities and liabilities, manage exposure, and reduce the risk of labor disputes and litigation.

Contact Person

• Rashel Ann C. Pomoy

We advise companies on labor and employment considerations in merger and acquisition transactions, providing detailed guidance on employee mobility, workforce integration, and restructuring. We support due diligence by identifying employment‑related risks and advising on situations where termination or rehiring may be required, including the assessment of potential employer liability for labor claims.

The Department also assists global clients and international law firms in vendor due diligence exercises by reviewing employment contracts and related documentation, identifying local employment law risks, and proposing revisions to strengthen intellectual property protection and regulatory compliance.

Contact Person: 

• Rashel Ann C. Pomoy