Villaraza & Angangco (V&A Law) is well-positioned to handle high-value civil litigation and domestic arbitral proceedings. Its client base spans fintech, aviation, transport, and real estate. The team is led by Fritzzie Lyn Español, who specialises in commercial and criminal litigation, arbitration, tax disputes, and compliance matters. Augusto A. San Pedro, Jr. advises on joint venture disputes, contractual issues, and arbitral proceedings. Alejandro Alfonso Navarro brings expertise in both litigation and arbitration, with experience before the Court of Appeals and the Philippine Regional Trial Court, Leon Maria Angel Caguioa handles criminal and commercial litigation, with emphasis on corporate and M&A disputes. Thea Daep is noted for her appearances before the Supreme Court and her work in energy and environmental litigation.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Thea Daep is an exceptional worker. She is able to grasp and understand the information being given to her quickly. She is likewise able to provide a reasonable resolution to issues presented before her.’
Key clients
- Rizal Commercial Banking Corporation (RCBC)
- Ayala Land, Inc.
- Manila Water Company, Inc. (Manila Water)
- E. Zobel Inc.
- RCBC Securities Inc.
- Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI)
- BDO Unibank, Inc.
- EEI Corporation
- Petron Corporation
- UC Malampaya Philippines PTE Ltd. (UCMPPL)
- Alveo Land Corporation
- ABS-CBN Corporation
Work highlights
Secured an acquittal—affirmed by the Court of Appeals and the Supreme Court—of the last of four officers of RCBC against charges of money laundering in connection with the theft of $101m from Bangladesh's central bank, which was allegedly committed by North Korean hackers.
Defending UC Malampaya Philippines PTE Ltd. from an ongoing case with the Supreme Court that seeks to enjoin the approval by the Department of Energy (DOE) of a share sale and purchase agreement where UCMPPL purchased shares of one of the contractors of Service Contract 38.
Successfully defended the Joint Venture of F. Cura Industries and Enplus Co. LTD against an action for injunction filed by a disqualified bidder that sought the reversal of its disqualification and the award in its favor of two contracts with the Philippine Bureau of Fire Protection for the supply and delivery of fire engines.
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Practice head
Fritzzie Lyn F. Español
Other key lawyers
Alejandro Alfonso Navarro; Augusto A. San Pedrom Jr.; Leon Marie Angel Caguioa; Thea Daep