While the esteemed attorney Arthur "Pancho" Villaraza is renowned for his bold, aggressive, but ever-strategic and unyielding approach to law, a holistic examination of his storied career will interestingly reveal a compelling duality.

Feared in the courtroom for his brilliance and tenacity — Villaraza, after all, is the brilliant legal mind behind landmark victories against industry monopolies and the historic downfall of a sitting president and two chief justices — seeing him firsthand, "at home," leading a power pool of 80 lawyers at the imposing multi-story Villaraza & Angangco Law Firm in Bonifacio Global City uncovers a profoundly caring father figure, especially to the youngest associates. And despite his formidable authority and unbreakable confidence, this leading legal powerhouse can be found within these premises, displaying acts of humility in the most surprising ways.

Think of Villaraza as a fierce conqueror in legal battles on the one hand and a nurturing and compassionate mentor on the other. For, as extreme as these two images may be, The Sunday Times Magazine discovers in this one-on-one interview that the constant and natural juxtaposition of this duality throughout his long professional journey is the potent formula behind Villaraza's immense success. Ultimately, it is this seeming irony that forms the essence of a multifaceted man who has spent his life upholding justice and nurturing the future of the legal profession and, in so doing, defining his extraordinary and legendary career in the Philippine legal landscape.

Soldiering law

Believe it or not, becoming a lawyer was never in Villaraza's plans. Though born into a family with a legal background — his father was a noted litigator in his time — the young Pancho's earnest ambition was to be a man in uniform.

"I wanted to become a soldier. I was dreaming of becoming a George Patton or a Napoleon Bonaparte and Alexander the Great — those were my idols," Villaraza recalled, chuckling.

So, after graduating from high school, he secretly applied to the Philippine Military Academy (PMA), a decision he carefully kept from his parents, whom he knew would vehemently oppose the perils associated with military service.

"I passed all the tests — the physical, psychological, and health tests of PMA."

Athletic, besides being astute from boyhood, Villaraza was confident his slot at the PMA was in the bag. Right as always, what he should have foreseen, however, was that his acceptance letter would be addressed to his parents, as would any communication from a regular college at his pivotal age.

In a flash, Villaraza's dreams of leading troops to victory from the front line were thwarted, inevitably redirecting him toward his father's footsteps. He duly pursued a pre-law degree in Philosophy at the University of the Philippines (UP) and simply thought that was that.

"Law was the next best thing to do, given my father's influence," he said with certainty.

Then, with a spark of reminiscence, his eyes lit up as he vividly recalled, "I honestly thought my dream of becoming a soldier was over. But as I began to hone my skills in logic and reason in college and proceeded to law school, I came to realize that the courtroom would become my new battleground."

His spirits revived, Villaraza enthusiastically recognized that law practice is akin to war from many angles.

Requiring meticulous planning and execution, he elaborated, "To be a good lawyer, you always have to be on war footing. You have to treat every case like a battle. You need a clear strategy, thorough preparation, and the ability to adapt instantaneously. So, then and now, I always begin with a battle plan for any case. There has to be one — always — and then we implement, and then we win."

Benedictine factor

As he progressed into a promising law student, Villaraza came not only to appreciate how his second choice of profession mirrored the mindset and discipline of his first but also his Christian upbringing in a Benedictine school. Does this count as another duality, perhaps sharply contrasting with the typical portrayal of lawyers as solely driven by an unrelenting pursuit of victory at any cost?

With the conversation shifting to this topic, Villaraza, who has mastered the art of deadpan humor, feigned a menacing demeanor and in perfect timing, quipped, "Ah, yes — the lawyer-as-demon perception."

"Even 'Suits' [the popular American legal drama] portrays lawyers to be that way, no?" he affirmed.

While he cannot deny the possible existence of "demon lawyers" here and there, as Villaraza labeled such attorneys, he guarantees it will never be the case with legal professionals whose values were instilled from a young age.

A proud product of San Beda University from elementary to high school, he wholeheartedly credits his faith-based education during his formative years with providing him a definitive moral compass that has guided his life and career.

Thanks to one Benedictine monk named Fr. Benigno Benabarre, Villaraza had always adhered to a sense of justice and duty to the common good long before he emerged as a legal luminary.

"It was Fr. Benabarre, who died at the ripe old age of 100, who instilled these words in my conscience: 'Always do what is right even when no one is looking. What is wrong is wrong even if everyone is doing it, and what is right is right even if no one is doing it.'"

Asked if he had faithfully adhered to this "north star" in his over 40-year career, Villaraza replied with an absolute yes, adding, "I have to stick to this guiding principle to my dying day."

Villaraza emphasized that in law, as in life, having a clear sense of right and wrong is crucial because it is the only way to ensure justice is truly served rather than personal interests.

True to his word, Villaraza's recollection of his first-ever case, when he was merely in his third year of law school, vividly demonstrated the presence of his morality as he went into battle.

"I founded the Office of Legal Aid (OLA) as a third-year law student on the prodding of Dean Irene Cortez," he narrated. "The day after it was published, two jeepney loads of women from Nueva Vizcaya came to us with a terrible problem.

"Their husbands — farmers — were taken into custody by the provincial commander, who happened to be the brother of the president of the rural bank of [their town] in Nueva Vizcaya.

"The reason for the arrest was because the rural bank suddenly called on their 'Masagana 99' program loan when the loan repayment was not yet due. It was just common sense — they cannot pay until they harvest.

"So the wives were weeping, and I said, 'OK, we will handle this. It was the right thing to do.'"

Besides coming to the aid of the oppressed, Villaraza's brilliance for the law, despite his age, shone through in his baptism of fire. For, while a majority of his fellow law undergrads at OLA were in agreement that filing a petition for habeas corpus with the Supreme Court was the best recourse in helping the detained farmers, Villaraza was adamant it was the wrong way to go.

"I firmly said no because filing a habeas corpus would escalate the problem beyond the solution needed. And like I always say, a lawyer's role is to find the right solution to a problem — that's it.

"I argued that our only problem is one provincial commander and a rural bank president. Filing the petition would involve declaring martial law unconstitutional, which cannot be done because we'd be fighting Malacañang."

Challenged to go about the case using the solution he believed was effective and proportional to the problem, Villaraza proceeded to craft a letter of complaint addressed to then Defense Minister Juan Ponce Enrile.

After securing the approval of OLA's executive director, Villaraza went straight to the Defense Department and hand-delivered the complaint to Enrile's office.

He knew he looked young, but Villaraza allowed nothing to intimidate him and insisted on waiting for Enrile's response that same day.

"The secretaries had no choice but to bring my letter to the Minister, and as I waited, Enrile's door would open every so often, and I would hear him screaming louder each time as he was reading it," Villaraza continued his story, laughing.

"Soon enough, I heard him summoning generals, and it was at that point I was called into his office."

As the third-year law student walked in, his head held high, he was shocked to see the generals lined up on the wall, trembling.

"I introduced myself to Minister Enrile, and he immediately told me, 'It's done. I have ordered the release of the farmers.' He also said he had directed the provincial commander to be airlifted to Manila to face court martial.

"And then and there, I won my first case."

And it was unquestionably for the good.

Building 'The Firm'

Almost 45 years ago, Villaraza co-founded what was then known as Carpio Villaraza & Cruz (CVC) Law with another esteemed legal figure, former Senior Associate Justice of the Supreme Court (SAJC) Antonio Carpio, not knowing that it would one day emerge from a modest office of just five idealistic and determined lawyers into The Firm as we know it today: one of the most — if not the most — prestigious law practices in the Philippines. Villaraza & Angangco stands tall and proud, with the distinction of handling cases of historical significance and contributing to the transformation of the nation's future.

"We started with a dream and a lot of hard work," Villaraza reminisced. "Building this firm has been one of my life's most challenging and rewarding experiences."

A sentiment easy to understand, Villaraza's contribution to The Firm's solid reputation of legal excellence is immeasurable. In fact, his personal record of cases handled, and thereby The Firm's under his leadership, boasts a hundred percent victory rate across corporate and commercial law, banking and finance, and litigation.

More importantly, many of his cases, though fought on behalf of big businessmen or prominent politicians and personalities, have proven to benefit the common good as Villaraza's moral foundation so compels him to do.

One of the most impactful Villaraza coups, directly benefiting the national interest, was The Firm's involvement in the telecommunications industry. Time was when the Philippine Long Distance Company (PLDT) monopolized communication services in the country, which effectively hindered economic development. Villaraza played a crucial part in designing the plan that successfully broke PLDT's monopoly, initiated fair competition, and improved communication services for the benefit of the Filipino people. Needless to say, this was one of the most critical factors that led the Philippines to become the "Tiger Cub Economy in Asia" in the 1990s. And, put simply for the day's average person, without Villaraza's genius, none of us would be enjoying the indispensable services we now consider normal from entities like Globe and Smart.

"Every case I take on, no matter how big or small, is ultimately about making a difference for the people," Villaraza asserted. "It's about ensuring that justice is served and that the law protects everyone's rights."

Such is the bold and determined conqueror Villaraza embodies — a trailblazer for everyone, not merely through words but through tangible achievements.

Ensuring continuity

Despite his celebrated accomplishments, Villaraza believes his greatest legacy lies in his commitment to mentoring young lawyers. He recognizes the significance of nurturing new talent to ensure an enduring tradition of excellence for future generations and to guarantee that there will be skilled lawyers fighting for justice in the years to come.

Yet, for a man who has nothing left to prove, The Sunday Times Magazine had to ask Villaraza why he continues to mentor young lawyers when, at this stage in his life, he has more than every right to bask in the glory of his success or enjoy his time for personal pursuits.

His response was clear: "I don't think only of myself. I never have. And I understand that every young lawyer requires mentorship, just as I did to reach where I am today.

"So we have long made it a tradition at The Firm to take on the best and the brightest from the top law schools in the country every year. I mentor them, teach them the ropes, and help them develop the right mindset and skills to become a good lawyer. That way, The Firm as an institution will have continuity even long after I'm gone."

In speaking with one of the youngest lawyers of The Firm at present — a bright, bubbly and determined UP Law graduate named Trisha Tiburcio — The Sunday Times Magazine confirmed that of the Top 20 students who are either invited for an interview with The Firm or attempt to apply for a slot as junior associate every, getting accepted for the days of legal newbies is just as coveted to winning the lottery.

Indeed, The Firm is just as admired for its incomparable training programs, where new recruits have the valuable opportunity to work in all of the V&A's legal departments (see sidebar) to determine where they are best suited to practice.

"From the start, we get assigned to cases of high-profile clients," Tiburcio enthused, having just gotten back to base still breathless from a fruitful morning at the Makati RTC.

"I feel so fortunate to be part of The Firm. You'd think the best and the biggest lawyers in the country won't give a rookie the time of day to help them draft pleadings, memoranda letters or other documents, but everyone is ready and willing to do that here," she expressed. "I really feel their concern and appreciate how everyone is treated equally, no matter their position."

No. 1 Nurturer

Needless to say, the jackpot of landing a training program with The Firm is the opportunity to work with the one and only Arthur "Pancho" Villarasa.

He is, in fact, The Firm's No. 1 Nuturer, having personally designed the well-rounded program, down to setting the nitty gritty of the working dynamics between juniors and seniors, as well as the general atmosphere and even creature comforts and privileges afforded new recruits.

"Just call me Pancho," Villaraza insisted when The Sunday Times Magazine was working out the details of this interview via phone. It was disarming and a difficult thing to follow, given the man's celebrated stature.

But surprises of surprises, Junior Associate Tricia Tiburcio, who still has a long way to go in her 20s, actually calls The Firm's head honcho by his first name, as do the rest of her peers.

"I'm not one for titles. Those who are are people who lack attention and are insecure about themselves," Villaraza asserted as he explained the rationale behind his preference for being on first-name basis with everyone, especially at The Firm.

"The point is, we're all equal. No one has more than 24 hours in a day, and that's why one of the first things I tell our trainees is that they should never be intimidated or feel that someone is better than them just because they're older or speak louder than you. From my experience, the loudest man in the room is actually the weakest man in the room, so never let that get to you."

Of course, to be treated as an equal at The Firm requires a specific attitude that complements sound legal knowledge and skills.

"We seek lawyers who are determined, goal-oriented, and courageous. If they lack courage, they're not worth our time; they'll falter and fade."

After all, The Firm spares no expense in training its Junior Associates. Still, according to Tiburcio, they are each given their own office from the get-go and access to a private gym, designated parking slots, and an exclusive fine-dining restaurant within the premises catering solely to the lawyers and clients to ensure they can focus on honing their skills.

"Most importantly, we provide them real-world experience as soon as they walk through our door, so there should be no reason they cannot thrive with us and deliver," Villaraza emphasized.

"Those who cannot endure, we promptly remove. We don't prolong their stay because why invest time and resources in individuals who yield no value?"

In essence, therefore, Villaraza, as a mentor, must also be resolute. "I'm tough because the legal profession is tough," he declared. "I want my mentees to be prepared for the real challenges they'll face and this is the only way to do it."

All hail the nurturing conqueror

Visibly, Villaraza's soldier-like mindset extends into his mentoring. He approaches nurturing young lawyers with the same rigor and discipline as he does his cases. He believes in leading by example, instilling a sense of strategic thinking and resilience in his trainees.

"I see my role as preparing them for the battles they'll face in the courtroom," he explained. "It's about giving them the tools and the mindset to succeed."

As such, Villaraza's mentoring is not just about teaching the law but even more about shaping characters capable of facing the pressures of the legal world.

Moreover, Villaraza acknowledges the inevitability of change and the importance of adaptability in the legal profession. He is acutely aware of technological advancements and their implications for the legal field, from the rise of AI and chatbots to the ever-evolving landscape of legal practice. Villaraza likewise emphasizes the need for continuous learning and adaptation.

"A lawyer never stops learning because the world is changing, and we must change with it," he declared. "Those who adapt will thrive; those who don't will be left behind."

Legacy and impact

As Villaraza's firm approaches its 45th anniversary this year, his influence on the legal landscape of the Philippines is as undeniable as ever. Many law firms have attempted to emulate his model, recognizing the success of his signature approach, as well as his enduring legacy of mentorship. He is hardly bothered but flattered by such imitation because ultimately, he knows if his admirers succeed, it will only prove to deliver due justice to more people.

All in all, his commitment to nurturing talent and his strategic prowess in legal battles truly make him a remarkable embodiment of a contrasting study of a "nurturing conqueror," a leader who not only wins cases but also shapes the future of the legal profession for the common good.

No wonder when the interview wrapped up and The Sunday Times Magazine could not resist asking Villaraza what he would be doing now, if he had indeed become the soldier he dreamed to be, his reply came as no surprise.

With a glint in his eye and a smile, he said without hesitation, "I'd conquer China."

Now knowing Pancho, he need not explain why.

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Fast facts on The Firm

Villaraza & Angangco has been referred to by critics and admirers alike as "The Firm," referencing the eponymous law firm in the famous John Grisham novel and movie adaptation entitled "The Firm."

Through the years, Villaraza & Angangco has built a solid reputation for integrity and competence that has reshaped its moniker from the shadowy overtones of Grisham's novel into a bulwark of excellence in the Philippine legal profession.

The Firm has earned the distinction of handling cases that made history and helped shape the nation's future.

At the helm of The Firm is its Chairman and CEO, lawyer F. Arthur Villaraza, who co-founded The Firm in 1980. He is joined by six of the most senior partners, collectively known as the "Seven Pillars." With their diverse expertise and visionary leadership, this leadership team has been instrumental in The Firm's success.

The 'Seven Pillars'

F. Arthur Villaraza ("Pancho") co-founded the Firm with former Senior Associate Justice of the Supreme Court (SAJC) Antonio Carpio in 1980 and pioneered the bold and oftentimes aggressive style of lawyering that brought down industry monopolies and sitting presidents, and for which the Firm has become known.

* * *

Raoul Angangco ("Reggie") is the youngest-ever elected IBP National President who has established himself as a visionary leader and a preeminent practitioner in various areas of corporate law and mergers and acquisitions.

* * *

Alejandro Alfonso Navarro ("Al") is a top litigator who has been much lauded for his sharp analytical mind and penchant for crafting precedent-setting legal strategies that solve even the most intricate and complex conundrums faced by The Firm's clientele.

* * *

Augusto San Pedro, Jr. ("Gus") is a proven crisis manager and top-awarded disputes specialist who has been at the forefront of big-ticket corporate litigations and major industry-affecting corporate rehabilitation and restructuring proceedings that have shaped big business in the past decades.

* * *

Sylvette Tankiang ("Sylvette") is The Firm's incumbent and first female managing partner, who has carved a name for herself in breaking barriers and setting a new and inspirational standard of excellence for all female lawyers.

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Thea Daep ("Thea") is a high-stakes litigator recognized as among the best in the region and has helped shape the Philippines' legal landscape through precedent-setting victories in such diverse fields as Family Law, Cybercrime, Fraud, Anti-Money Laundering and Corporate Insolvency.

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Bienvenido Somera, Jr. ("Bong") is a well-recognized authority in the field of Intellectual Property in the Philippines who single-handedly built one of the country's most prominent and sought-after IP practices today.

Villaraza & Angangco also presently employ a power pool of 80 lawyers in total, spread across the following departments: Litigation, Corporate and Intellectual Property.

Among them are:

Partners Juanito Sanosa Jr., Joseph Lopez, Ruth Ureta, Fritzzie Español, and Raquel Taguian; Kristin Siao, Katrina Doble, Leah Quesada, Dianne Roa-Oarde, Rashel Pomoy, Antonio Lu, Richard Beltran, Ma. Carla Mapalo, Via Valdepenas, Mark Bejemino, Danielle San Pedro, Mark Yam, Mandy Anderson, and Leon Caguioa and Carlo Roman;

Senior Associates Amber Gagajena, Antonio Ongkeko Jr., Maria Patricia Cruz, Raymond Cheng, Fritz Casama, Ira Sembrano, Theodore Jumamil, Edward Chua and Francesca Vergara; and

Junior Associates are Jeho Fajardo, Armand Mendoza, Ma. Samira Tacandong, Rachelle Go, Frances Barroso, James Uaminal, Ivy Bernardo and Bianca Paloma.

The Firm is located at 11th Avenue corner 39th Street, Bonifacio Triangle, Bonifacio Global City. Its official website is www.thefirmva.com, with email address info@thefirmva.com.