The team at Villaraza & Angangco (V&A Law) is regarded for its expertise in energy, infrastructure and cross-border transactions. The practice’s broad offering straddles the mining, renewable energy, water, telecommunications and real estate industries. Lauded for her ‘sharp legal insight,’ Kristin Charisse Siao heads up the energy team, offering her experience in joint ventures, contractual and regulatory issues. Ma. Carla Mapalo co-leads the energy team alongside Siao, with recent involvement in high-value transactions and project financing deals. Juanito L. Sañosa, Jr. leads the special projects practice alongside Mark Benjamin Yam, who is knowledgeable of PPP projects and real estate transactions. Sylvette Y. Tankiang oversees energy matters, while Fritz Julius Casama and Ira Mari Sembrano frequently provide assistance on a range of projects and energy mandates.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- 'Villaraza & Angangco has been an invaluable legal partner in our renewable energy initiatives. Their projects and energy practice has a depth of experience that goes beyond simply knowing the law—they truly understand how policy, regulation, and business strategy intersect in the Philippine energy landscape. What really sets their team apart is their ability to simplify and solve.'
- 'We’ve had the privilege of working closely with Kristin Charisse C. Siao, who brings a calm, clear, and confident presence to the table. She combines sharp legal insight with a strong sense of the commercial realities that developers face. Her advice has been crucial, particularly when structuring project SPVs and navigating land and nationality compliance rules. She communicates complex matters with ease and always frames them in a way that helps us make informed, timely decisions.'
- 'Amber Shawn A. Gagajena is highly dependable and detail-oriented. He takes the lead effectively and delivers thoughtful legal work, especially in document review and regulatory advisory.'
- 'Winona Maraiah M. Fajardo brings strong coordination and consistency. She is particularly good at managing timelines across stakeholders and producing well-crafted outputs even under pressure.'
- 'Maria Francesca S. Vergara has contributed valuable insights during due diligence and regulatory compliance reviews. Her ability to synthesise and explain complex requirements has made a difference in early-stage project decisions.'
- 'What we value most about working with this team is their consistency and professionalism. They are steady, thorough, and collaborative.'
Key clients
- Vinfast Auto Philippines Corp.
- Green and Smart Mobility Philippines Inc.
- V-Green Charging Station Development Philippines Inc.
- China Telecommunications Corporation
- DITO Telecommunity Corporation
- Infrastructure A3C Corporation
- Lightspire Energy, Inc.
Work highlights
Assisting DITO Telecommunity Corporation with post-closing obligations following the success of its USD 3.8 billion project financing, which involves multiple sponsors, guarantors, export credit agencies, foreign banks, and multilateral financial institutions across jurisdictions, including the Philippines, Singapore, and China.
Assisted in the successful Philippines market entry of several member companies under a leading Vietnamese multinational group with business interests in electric vehicles, batteries, and charging stations.
Lawyers
Next Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Practice head
Juanito L. Sañosa, Jr.; Kristin Charisse C. Siao; Ma. Carla P. Mapalo; Mark Benjamin C. Yam
Other key lawyers
Sylvette Y. Tankiang; Fritz Julius V. Casama; Ira Mari J. Sembrano; Amber Shawn A. Gagajena; Winona Maraiah M. Fajardo; Maria Francesca S. Vergara