Atty. Dennis Gorecho
- SVBB celebrates 50 Years of Legal Advocacy (1976-2026) - August 7, 2026
- CCP Queer plays to celebrate Pride month - July 10, 2026
- Inclusive legal adoption for the LGBTQIA+ community - July 2, 2026
Half a century ago, the Sapalo Velez Bundang Bulilan (SVBB) law offices opened its doors on August 1, 1976 with a simple but powerful mission: to provide legal guidance defined by integrity, expertise , and unwavering advocacy.
It was established to coincide with the feast day of St. Alphonsus Liguori, the patron saint of lawyers.
Liguori (1696–1787) was a brilliant child prodigy from Naples, Italy, who earned his doctorate in civil and canon law at age 16 and became a top trial lawyer.
Despite Ligouri winning case after case, he was disillusioned by court corruption.
After eight years of practice, he left the legal profession entirely following a rare case loss and a profound spiritual re-evaluation.
He was ordained in 1726 and became a bishop in 1762. He founded the Redemptorist religious order in 1732. He died on August 1, 1787, at the age of 90. He was canonized in 1839.
It was on August 1, 1976 when the partnership “Tan Sapalo” was established by Eugene Tan and Ignacio S. Sapalo with a humble office in Makati City and barely a few staff and loyal clients to work with.
In 1977 , the firm became “Tan Sapalo Manzano Velez” when Jaime Manzano and Teresita Velez, both seasoned intellectual property practitioners, joined the firm.
In 1987, it became Tan Manzano & Velez when Sapalo left the Firm due to his appointment as Director of the then Bureau of Patent, Trademarks, and Technology Transfer (BPTTT), now the Intellectual Property Office (IPOPHIL). As Director of the BPTTT, he led the group that crafted R.A. No. 8293, otherwise known as the Intellectual Property Code.
In 2000, the firm became “Sapalo Velez” when Sapalo rejoined the firm after his stint as BPTT Director and took over its management.
In 2006, the firm became “Sapalo, Velez, Bundang & Bulilan” in recognition of the promotion of Augusto Bundang and Nepali Bulilan as name partners.
In 2010, Romeo Duran, head of the corporate, tax and immigration department, was also accepted as partner.
In 2012, Romeo Fortea, head of the litigation department, with Dennis Gorecho, head of the seafarers’ department, and Ma. Consuelo Agno, were admitted as partners.
In 2023, Bundang took over the helm as the firm’s managing partner with Bulilan as co-managing partner. Ignacio A. Sapalo, a former senior associate, was admitted as partner.
SVBB evolved into a full service law firm with diversified practice areas in Philippine law, including intellectual property (IP) , corporation/taxation, litigation and labor (specifically seafarers’ claims) with branch and correspondent law offices in Iloilo City, Cebu City, Cagayan de Oro City, Davao City. Naga City, and Bacolod City.
SVBB Law is one of the front-running law firms in the country engaged in intellectual property prosecution, maintenance, licensing, and enforcement.
The IP laws aim to protect and secure the exclusive rights of scientists, inventors, artists and other gifted citizens to their intellectual property and creations, particularly when beneficial to the people, for such periods as provided in the law.
SVBB is committed to perform the noble task of upholding justice with excellence and professionalism, for the good and interest of society, especially the poor and underprivileged.
In line with its commitment to the principle of social justice, SVBB advocates Filipino seafarers’ rights through initiatives to ensure better protection in coordination with various groups like the Stella Maris Philippines.
Aside from legal representation, SVBB conducts paralegal lectures in maritime schools, seafarers’ dormitories, and parishes to inform seafarers and their families of their rights and the legal measures to enforce them.
