Led by Raquel Wealth Taguian, the outstanding team at Villaraza & Angangco (V&A Law) has considerable expertise in various business sectors ranging from banking, insurance, telecommunications, construction and real estate, through to energy and infrastructure. It has a proven track record in international disputes, and is well-placed to handle an array of complex corporate/commercial cases on various international trade issues. The group is also adept at advising foreign investors on disputes with their domestic partners. Names to note include Alejandro Alfonso Navarro who covers an array of commercial cases and arbitrations. Augusto San Pedro is a senior partner who handles many complex commercial disputes and arbitrations. Thea Daep specialises in areas as diverse as money laundering, fraud and other aspects of commercial and corporate law. Joseph Anthony Lopez frequently advises on civil and corporate litigation, as well as other areas such as family law and competition law litigation.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

‘They provide good, reliable, clear and concise advice and recommendations (each aspect of which is very rare in my (nearly 25 years') experience of dealing with Philippines law firms).’
‘Augusto San Pedro is incredibly good and my go-to counsel in the Philippines. He is in a league of his own.’
'The firm has speciality areas run by young and aggressive people. The work ethic as well as discipline is evident even for first-time clients. An impressive bench of lawyers who can rise to challenges, and know when to do so.'
'The members of the team are highly personable and articulate but at the same time humble and considerate. What stands out is their ability and willingness to listen before making an opinion.'

Key clients

Senior Officers of Rizal Commercial Banking Corporation, Rizal Commercial Banking Corporation
Manila Water Company, Inc. (Manila Water)
Aircraft Support Industries Development Inc. (ASI)
UC Malampaya Philippines PTE Ltd. (UCMPPL)
Fountel Corporation, Felicitas Antoinette, Inc., and members of the Board of Directors of Professional Services Inc.
A consortium of cement importers in the Philippines consisting of Cohaco Merchandising & Development Corp., Fortem Cement Corporation, NGC Land Corp., Pabaza Import and Export Inc., and Philcement Corporation
Consortium of the largest Philippine Banks consisting of Rizal Commercial Banking Corporation, Bank of the Philippine Islands and BDO Unibank, Inc.
Former Directors of Alliance Select Foods International, Inc. (ASFII)
June Uy Go, Joseph G. Uy, Jr., Evelyn Uy Sy, Josephine Camile Uy Go, Andrea Uy Go, Irene G. Uy, and Estate of Joseph K.H. Uy
Joint venture of F. Cura Industries and Enplus Co. LTD
Owner of an island located in the Verde Island Marine Passage Corridor

Work highlights

Secured an acquittal of the last of four officers of Rizal Commercial Banking Corporation (RCBC) against charges of money laundering in connection with one of the most sensational cases in the world involving a cyberheist of $101m taken from a Bangladesh bank, which was allegedly committed by North Korean hackers and transferred using the SWIFT system through various banks.
Engaged by Manila Water Company for a case already pending with the Supreme Court en banc and a decision was already rendered. The firm secured a favourable decision from the Supreme Court through a successful motion for reconsideration.
Representing Aircraft Support Industries Development Inc, a leading airport design and construction corporation, in arbitration proceedings before the Construction Industry Arbitration Commission involving claims against it by subcontractors.