Villaraza & Angangco (V&A Law)’s ‘best in class’ team is well regarded for its experience assisting its plethora of clients on the array of disputes, and is helmed by Raquel Wealth Taguian. The group handles high-stakes matters of multi-millions in value, ranging from those involving money laundering, to the seizing of companies, to sale and purchase disputes. Alejandro Alfonso Navarro harnesses expertise defending high-profile names in criminal aspects of corporate and commercial issues; Augusto San Pedro’s specialisms include representing clients in product liability, insurance and competition-related disputes, amongst others; and Joseph Anthony Lopez harnesses broad ranging experience. The ’exceptional’ Thea Daep is also noteworthy.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
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Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘The team delivers superior value. They have depth and breadth of bench, an ear to the ground, a pulse on the market, and many more intangibles make this firm best in class.’
‘Extremely bright, energetic, down-to-earth, hungry, and genuine human beings. They have a healthy sense of humour despite all the stress.’
‘The team always thinks of several strategies and thinks outside the box. They also consider all aspects of the case when determining the best way to move forward.’
‘Fritzie Espanol is very hands on and provides timely updates on all developments. She also led the team to strategize in the best way to handle the case.’
‘The firm delivers excellent results.’
‘Thea Daep is knowledgeable on Philippine litigation and is very hands-on, although very busy at times.’
‘The partners in the team are very hands-on. They do not simply delegate the work to the associates so a client knows that his or her case is being handled well. They also generally provide comprehensive updates whenever necessary.’
‘Thea Daep provides exceptional work. She is able to convey the case strategy in a way that can be easily understood even by non-lawyers. She is also able to think outside the box when needed.’
Key clients
- Rizal Commercial Banking Corporation
- Ayala Land, Inc.
- Manila Water Company, Inc.
- E. Zobel Inc.
- RCBC Securities Inc.
- Bank of the Philippine Islands
- BDO Unibank, Inc.
- EEI Corporation
- Petron Corporation
- UC Malampaya Philippines PTE Ltd.
Work highlights
Secured an acquittal of the last of 4 officers of RCBC against charges of money laundering in connection with one of the most sensational cases in the world involving a cyber-heist of $101m taken from Bangladesh Bank, which was allegedly committed by North Korean hackers.
Secured a favourable decision for the client at the Supreme Court through a successful motion for reconsideration it prepared.
Represented the minority shareholders of the company who has been the subject of concerted actions from other shareholders to seize control of said company.
Lawyers
Hall of fame
The lawyers at the very top of the profession, widely known and respected by peers and clients for their longstanding involvement in market-leading work.
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Practice head
Raquel Wealth Taguian
Other key lawyers
Alejandro Alfonso Navarro; Thea Daep; Joseph Anthony Lopez; Augusto San Pedro; Fritzie Espanol; JA Lopez; Dianne Oarde