EXPERIENCED.
PERSONAL.
We are reliable legal experts who have experience in large firms but are committed to deliver personal attention like a small firm.
VILLA & CRUZ, ATTORNEYS-AT-LAW, is a full-service firm founded upon the ideal of providing quality legal counsel and service. The Firm started out as Villa and Associates in July 2000, then grew to its current partnership as established on 10 July 2018. The Firm presently has a core group of five (5) lawyers, one (1) legal assistants, three (3) paralegals, and fifteen (15) office staff. To date, the Partners and Of Counsel have a total combined experience of about 70 years in the legal practice.
To be a leading full service Law Firm built on the utmost trust of all its clients, sustained by the competence and integrity of its people.
Corporate Law is one of the main practice areas of the Firm. Our clients rely on us for advice on appropriate types of business organizations, corporate structures, registration requirements (such as with the Securities and Exchange Commission and the Cooperative Development Authority) and special licenses (such as with the Philippine Export Zone Authority and the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas). For our newly-organized and existing clients, we provide corporate housekeeping services, ensuring compliance with reportorial and licensing requirements. The Firm performs equity representation within the nationality limits allowed by law, and extensively provides corporate secretarial functions for nearly all its corporate clientele, assisting the officers in preparing the minutes of meetings of the shareholders and of the board of directors, issuing stock certificates and maintaining the stock and transfer books. Our Firm has been instrumental in some of our clients’ expansion, through merger or acquisition. We likewise routinely provide counsel on various corporate transactions including review, negotiation and enforcement of commercial contracts, and when necessary, suggest structural reorganization for better corporate administration and control.
Together with Corporate Law, the Firm has extensive experience in the handling of civil, criminal, administrative and arbitration cases with a broad spectrum of actions, either as prosecution or defense. The actions include contract enforcement, family relations, succession, estate settlement, contract enforcement, collection, intellectual property, construction disputes, deportation, land titles, financial and property related crimes, tax disputes, among others. The Firm has represented clients before various courts and quasi-judicial bodies and agencies, such as the Metropolitan Trial Courts (MTC), the Regional Trial Courts (RTC), the Court of Appeals (CA), the Supreme Court (SC), the Housing and Land Use Regulatory Board (HLURB), the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), the Office of the President (OP), the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB), various prosecutorial services under the Department of Justice (DOJ) the Construction Industry Arbitration Commission (CIAC), the Philippine Dispute Resolution Center, Inc. (PDRCI). The Firm has also represented clients in domestic and international arbitration proceedings.
Understanding the balance between capital and labor, the Firm has provided equal counsel for both employers and employees on Philippine labor and employment laws, practices and policies. Having represented both companies and employees in employment matters especially in arbitration and litigation, the Firm has acquired a perspective which has proved invaluable in attaining very satisfactory results for either side in the negotiation and execution of collective bargaining agreements. The Firm has represented clients in proceedings before the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), its main office and its various agencies regional offices such as the National Labor Relations Commission (NLRC) and the Philippine Overseas Employment Agency (POEA).
As part of the Firm’s extensive corporate practice, it helps its clients with the registration of their Intellectual Property (patents, trademarks, and copyright), including the protection and renewal of the same. The Firm also handles intellectual property enforcement by coordinating with law enforcement in conducting surveillance, applying for search warrants, accompanying law enforcement in implementing the said warrants, and subsequent filing of the corresponding criminal and civil cases.
Realizing the value of attracting foreign capital and experience, the Firm has represented foreign nationals and companies before Philippine administrative bodies in immigration matters. The Firm specializes in securing visas and work permits for foreign nationals entering the Philippines, defending some against nuisance deportation actions, and when requested and authorized, to inquire into the immigration status of foreign nationals who travel to the Philippines.
With experience in land acquisition for certain clients, the Firm conducts due diligence and audits genuineness of real property titles, computes tax and other liabilities, performs titling and subdivision activities, reviews and prepares real estate transaction documents such as donations, sales, leases and assignments. The Firm has represented or counseled both subdivision and condominium developers on the one hand and the homeowners’ or condominium associations, on the other. The Firm also engages in real estate brokerage, sometimes as the intermediary between the sellers and buyers of real property, at other times as the representative of the parties for the documentation of the transaction before the concerned government agencies.
The Firm advises both domestic and international individuals and corporations in all areas of Philippine taxation laws, and suggesting means of minimizing the impact of taxation. From such varied activities as asset acquisition to disposition, compensation and remuneration, and estate distribution, our Firm has assisted our the clients in obtaining remedies to temper the impact of taxation, from availing of exemptions provided by local laws and international treaties and maximizing benefits as may be applicable to them, to prudent estate and financial planning. The Firm has represented clients in obtaining favorable rulings, and in successfully reducing assessments.
In addition to the fields of practice enumerated above, the Firm also handles special projects using its extensive professional network in the executive, legislative and judicial branches of the Philippine government, as well as in the military, law enforcement, social and business communities, which it can bring to bear rapid results for clients.
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He is a graduate of the School of Law, Ateneo de Manila University where he obtained a Juris Doctor degree in 1998. While still studying law, he already immersed himself in the practice when he was employed at Oreta Suarez & Narvasa law office from 1995 to 1997. Soon after taking Philippine Bar, he was employed at Feria Feria Lugtu LaO Noche law offices, the firm of former Supreme Court Justice Jose Y. Feria. He started Melvin L. Villa and Associates in July 2000. He took further courses in Business Administration leading to a Master Degree. He likewise extensively studied Real Estate Law, Estates, and Trust. He is a Licensed Real Estate Broker after passing the Board exams in 2013 and ranking 4th in the exam. He is a member of Mensa Philippines and now sits as its Corporate Secretary. He sits in several Board of Directors and of Trustees of several corporations in various industries such as recruitment, business process outsourcing, software programming, and manufacturing, to name a few. His current practice includes corporate and commercial, labor, intellectual property, immigration, real estate, and estate law.
He is a graduate of the School of Law, Ateneo de Manila University, where he obtained a Juris Doctor degree in 1999. He took his undergraduate course, BS Legal Management, also from Ateneo de Manila University in 1994. As a self-supporting law student, he was already doing legal work even before he became a lawyer. His work with Allied Banking Corporation and Sun Life of Canada gave him experience in banking and insurance laws, and his tenure with Tam Yap and Associates provided him with experience in land acquisition and corporate housekeeping. He gained experience in litigation while working for Villanueva Gabionza & de Santos Law Offices, the firm headed by then Ateneo School of Law Dean Cesar L. Villanueva, while his engagement as in-house counsel for the Ramon Jacinto Group of Companies gave him wide exposure in corporate and labor laws, as well as appellate practice. From 2004 to 2008, he was a partner and sometime managing partner of Calleja Nethercott & Cruz Law Offices. Partnered with Atty Villa in 2008. He is a member of Mensa Philippines. His current practice includes litigation (civil, criminal and administrative), domestic and international arbitration, corporate housekeeping, tax, family and estate law.
Atty. Dianne M. Briones handles the firm's labor, intellectual property, litigation, and corporate law practices.
She earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science in 2018 at De La Salle University- Dasmariñas, and received her Juris Doctor degree from San Beda College Alabang - School of Law in 2023 while working as the Director for Government Services of a security company.
Atty. Briones built a solid foundation in legal practice while interning at Senator Richard Gordon's office. She was admitted to the Philippine Bar in December 2023 and is an active member of the Cavite Chapter of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines.
Atty. Briones is deeply committed to serving others in the legal field, using her expertise to guide clients through complex legal challenges. It is through facing these challenges head-on that Atty. Briones consistently delivers her best, earning the trust and respect of the firm's clients.
Atty. Sean Nikkoleen G. Contreras is an associate of the firm specializing in litigation, labor, immigration, and customs law. He earned his Bachelor of Arts Degree in Legal Management from the University of Santo Tomas (UST) in 2015, and subsequently completed his Juris Doctor degree at De La Salle University Manila Tañada - Diokno College of Law (DLSU-COL) in 2021.
Atty. Contreras gained practical experience during his internship at the Department of Justice (DOJ), where he developed his strong foundation in legal practice. He was admitted to the Philippine Bar in December 2023 and is an active member of the Cavite Chapter of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines.
During law school, Atty. Contreras was actively involved in the DLSUM-COL’s Paralegal Volunteers’ Organization and Environmental Justice Movement (EJM), contributing to his professional development and networking within the legal community. He is passionate about technology development and is dedicated to staying informed about new laws and social issues, ensuring that he can effectively support his clients.
With a commitment to justice and peace, Atty. Contreras approaches his work with initiative and a genuine desire to help others navigate their legal challenges. His combination of expertise and compassion makes him a valuable asset to both his firm and the community.
Atty. Melissa Marie R. Lat handles the firm's intellectual property law, real estate law, family law, commercial law, and corporate law practices. She earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Legal Management in 2015 at De La Salle University-Manila (DLSU-M), and received her Juris Doctor degree from the DLSU-M’s Tañada - Diokno College of Law in 2020.
During her legal studies, she became part of numerous organizations such as the Paralegal Volunteers' Organization (PVO), the Environmental Justice Movement (EJM), and the Lasallian Commission on Bar Operations (LCBO), all of which enriched her legal education and community engagement.
Atty. Lat possesses previous internship experience in both the private and public sectors, having worked as intern in the Philippine Deposit Insurance Corporation (PDIC), Department of Justice (DOJ), and Baranda and Associates, where she gained comprehensive insights into various legal fields.
Passionate about continuously learning new concepts, Atty. Lat employs strategic thinking and develops unique solutions to address complex legal issues. Possessing a strong foundation in both legal affairs and business management, Atty. Lat is a valuable resource for her clients and the firm.
Atty. Jonathan Sigfried G. Manao is an Associate of the firm specializing in corporate, litigation, commercial, and intellectual property law. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Legal Management and a Juris Doctor degree, both from De La Salle University - Manila (DLSU-M), where he cultivated a strong foundation in legal principles from 2012 to 2019. During his time in law school, Atty. Manao was an active member of DLSU-M’s Paralegal Volunteers’ Organization and participated in the university’s bar operations, further demonstrating his dedication to the legal profession.
He was admitted to the Philippine Bar in May 2022 and is currently a member of the Pasay, Parañaque, Las Piñas, Muntinlupa (PPLM) Chapter of Integrated Bar of the Philippines.
Atty. Manao’s professional journey includes valuable internships at the Regional Trial Court of Las Piñas and the prestigious Sycip, Salazar, Hernandez, & Gatmaitan Law Offices (SyCipLaw). These experiences have equipped him with a deep understanding of litigation processes, as well as insights into employee-employer relations, intra-corporate disputes, and trademark registration. He also provides general corporate legal services and serves as assistant corporate secretary for several corporations.
In addition to his legal work, Atty. Manao is dedicated to community involvement and believes in the importance of supporting clients through their legal challenges. With a strong commitment to justice, Atty. Manao is a valuable member of the firm’s legal team.
Atty. Reena Theresa C. Marquez handles the firm’s litigation, and customs and taxation law practices. She also assists clients in mediation proceedings and other modes of dispute resolution. As a corporate officer of various corporations, she advises corporate clients on labor, customs and tax inquiries.
Atty. Marquez is a graduate of De La Salle University - Dasmariñas with a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and continued her legal studies at San Beda College Alabang - School of Law while working in the Bureau of Corrections. She was admitted to the Philippine Bar in 2022 and is currently a member of Pasay, Parañaque, Las Piñas, Muntinlupa (PPLM) Chapter of Integrated Bar of the Philippines.
Before joining Villa and Cruz, Atty. Marquez served as a Senior Associate at Sycip Gorres Velayo & Co. (SGV & Co.) where she developed a robust skill set in legal analysis and client representation to the Bureau of Internal Revenue and Bureau of Customs.
Known for her systematic and empathetic approach to handling legal matters, Atty. Marquez is dedicated to providing exceptional legal services while advocating for her clients’ best interests.
Ms. Dela Cruz contributes to the day-to-day operations of the firm by providing extensive research on latest Philippine jurisprudence and relevant Supreme Court issuances. She also assists on corporate matters by attending board meetings and drafting corporate documents.
Ms. Dela Cruz is currently taking her Juris Doctor degree at San Beda College Alabang - School of Law.
Ms. Moreno handles corporate matters and aids in the various clerical and administrative tasks for the firm.
Ms. Moreno obtained her Bachelor’s degree in Legal Management in De La Salle University - Manila.
Isaac Romer Ponti is a dedicated paralegal in litigation. Known for his strong research abilities and communication skills, he plays a crucial role in supporting attorneys throughout the legal process.
Mr. Ponti holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Legal Management from San Beda College - Alabang and is currently continuing his legal studies in the same institution’s college of law. He is proficient in legal research databases and microsoft office software, enabling him to efficiently manage case files and conduct thorough research.
Throughout his career, Mr. Ponti has successfully assisted in drafting and filing legal documents before the courts and administrative offices, managed discovery processes, and coordinated with trial preparations. He also provides assistance in client communication and serves as an essential support to lawyers during client meetings, hearings, and other special projects. His commitment to maintaining the highest ethical standards and confidentiality has earned him a reputation as a reliable and trustworthy member of the legal team.
When not in work, Mr. Ponti actively participates as a member in the Rotaract Club of Alabang Madrigal Business Park, and is currently seated as team leader in Volunteer Corps (VolCorps) of San Beda College - Alabang College of Law, which both contribute to his well-rounded approach to life and work.
A paralegal engaged in multidisciplinary matters, Ms. Villanueva primarily assists in the various due diligence projects of the firm, and helps the Firm in drafting and preparing documents for various property transactions. Ms. Villanueva is also experienced in facilitating intellectual property registration.
Ms. Villanueva obtained her Bachelor’s degree in Legal Management in San Beda College Alabang.
The duration of a divorce process can vary significantly based on several factors, including the complexity of the case, the willingness of both parties to cooperate, and the backlog of the court system. In general, uncontested divorces where both parties agree on all key issues tend to be faster and can be finalized in a few months. However, contested divorces, which involve disputes over assets, child custody, or alimony, may take considerably longer, often extending to a year or more. It's crucial to consult with our experienced family lawyers to get a more accurate estimate based on the specific details of your case.
Mediation offers several advantages over a traditional courtroom divorce. First and foremost, it promotes amicable resolutions, reducing the emotional stress and cost associated with litigation. Mediation also allows couples to maintain greater control over the outcome, as decisions are reached collaboratively rather than imposed by a judge. Additionally, mediation tends to be quicker, making it a more time-efficient option. It's worth noting that mediation is not suitable for all cases, particularly those involving domestic violence or situations where one party is uncooperative. Our legal team can assess your circumstances and help you determine if mediation is a viable and beneficial option.
When crafting an estate plan to secure your family's future, several key factors should be taken into account. First, you'll want to identify your assets and determine how you want them distributed among your loved ones. Creating a will and trusts can help facilitate this process. Next, consider appointing a guardian for minor children if necessary. Review and update your plan regularly to ensure it reflects your current circumstances and wishes. Don't forget to designate beneficiaries for retirement accounts, life insurance policies, and other assets that pass outside of probate. Lastly, consult with an experienced estate planning attorney to ensure that your plan complies with local laws and maximizes the benefits for your family while minimizing tax liabilities.
Units 506-508. Also, BPI-Philam Life Alabang Bldg.
Acacia Avenue corner Alabang-Zapote Road
Madrigal Business Park, Muntinlupa City
1780 Philippines
Telephone No. (632) 8772-5027
Mobile No. +63 917 8772 502
Unit 3114 AIC Burgundy Empire Tower, ADB Avenue corner Garnet & Sapphire Roads,
Ortigas Centre, Pasig City
1605 Philippines
Telephone No. (632) 5310 3174