Cruz Marcelo & Tenefrancia (CMT) is pleased to announce the continued recognition of its senior partners in The A-List: Philippines Top Lawyers 2026, published by Asia Business Law Journal. This year, the firm’s name partners Avelino J. Cruz Jr., Simeon V. Marcelo, and Joe Nathan P. Tenefrancia are recognized as Legal Icons, while five other senior partners continue to be named among the Philippines’ leading legal practitioners. Atty. Aida Araceli G. Roxas-Rivera joins the list as a new addition.
The 2026 list recognizes the following CMT lawyers:
• Avelino J. Cruz Jr. —Legal Icon
• Simeon V. Marcelo — Legal Icon
• Joe Nathan P. Tenefrancia — Legal Icon
• Susan D. Villanueva
• Patricia A. O. Bunye
• Manuel G. Manaligod
• Aida Araceli G. Roxas-Rivera
• Pancho G. Umali
Published by Asia Business Law Journal, the A-List recognizes leading lawyers in the Philippines through research into the legal market and the views of clients and peers. Its recognition of Legal Icons further distinguishes practitioners whose careers have made a lasting mark on the profession.
The continued recognition of CMT lawyers reflects the breadth of the firm’s legal practice and the experience its lawyers bring to complex matters across industries. Their practices span litigation and dispute resolution, corporate and commercial law, intellectual property, energy and natural resources, taxation, infrastructure, and other areas of legal practice.
The recognition of Messrs. Cruz, Marcelo, and Tenefrancia as Legal Icons highlights their longstanding contributions to the profession. Their continued presence on the list, alongside the recognition of Ms. Villanueva, Ms. Bunye, Mr. Manaligod, and Mr. Umali, reflects the depth of experience represented across CMT’s partnership and practice groups.
The firm also welcomes the inclusion of Ms. Roxas-Rivera, whose recognition adds to the firm’s representation in The A-List. Her practice includes corporate and commercial matters, among other areas.
CMT congratulates all eight lawyers on their recognition in The A-List: Philippines Top Lawyers 2026.
Read the full list: https://law.asia/asia/lawyers/philippines-lawyers-2026/
