T E C H L A W PH
L A W Y E R S P R O F I L E
Atty. Aristotle O. Valera, MPE
Atty. Aristotle O. Valera, commonly called by his peers, colleagues and friends as Aris hails from Santiago City, Isabela. Realizing that he has big shoes to fill in due to his namesake, he has indulged himself in different kind of Arts and Sciences as he grows up. That is the reason why aside from being a lawyer and legal educator, he is also a poet, a painter, a composer and a musician, an innovator, youth leader, and a sports fanatic.
He obtained his degree of BS Biology at the University of Santo Tomas in 1998 and was a member of the Thomasian Writers Guild during his student days. Instead of taking up medicine, he was persuaded to take a different path and took his law studies at San Beda College, Mendiola, while working as a paralegal and office staff, and later in Philippine Law School on his last year, where he graduated in 2003.
During his life as a student and a law graduate, he served as a political staff officer before the Office of Senator Raul S. Roco, the founder Aksyon Demokratiko. Senator Roco served as a mentor of Atty. Aris at that time. During his mentorship with the late Senator, he has learned and seen the political spectrum of the Philippine society, especially during the election period. He was admitted to the Philippine Bar in 2004.
As a practicing lawyer, he is highly motivated with at least eighteen (18) years of extensive law practice the field of Litigation, Immigration and Deportation, Labor and Corporate Regulation, Energy and Oil, Real Estate, Gaming and Due Diligence (as well as Online Gaming), Financial Technology (FinTech) and Regulation Technology (RegTech).
He has a strong ability to conduct complex legal research and present the results in a clear, precise and persuasive manner, both orally and in writing. And he is able to communicate the same to varying classes of audience based on their economic and social status.
His thorough knowledge in corporate registration and management made him proficient and well-versed in providing technical advice on Immigration law, deportation proceedings and Philippine Visa procedure.
He has gained proven ability to interpret, analyze and evaluate existing and proposed government legislation, regulations, Executive Orders, general and local statutes, ordinance, agency policies, circulars, memoranda and other government issuances and regulation.
Well-rounded knowledge and experience with quasi-judicial bodies and tribunals, with adept experience in labor standards practice, labor- management relations, torts, criminal law, obligations and contracts law including contract drafting and negotiation and online gaming.
He has a thorough understanding of government contract and administrative procedure, business and investment law and related fields.
Special counsel in the field of Administrative Law and Law on Public Officers, Civil Service Law and Philippine Immigration law, Financial Technology (FinTech), Gaming Laws and Labor Law.
He humbly started his professional career as s private practitioner in boutique law firm. Later on he was admitted as Chief in the Offices at the Bureau of Immigration. During his service in the Bureau, he expanded his legal knowledge and practice of immigration laws, a field of discipline which is not common among practicing lawyers.
After his fair share of government service, Atty. Aris would venture once again in private practice up to present as Senior Managing Partner in Caluya Valera Montero and Balitaan Law Offices ,the office being situated in the heart of Metro Manila’s commercial/business district, city of Makati.
Before COVID-19 Pandemic shock the entire world, Atty. Aris foresaw the upcoming 4th wave of Industrial Revolution. He studied and learned various emerging technologies as well as their legal implications wherein they will be subject to their particular use-cases. This is where he came across with Financial Technology (FinTech) and Regulation Technology (RegTech).
Here turns over a new leaf. As digital economy and ecosystem begins to over the world bit by bit, Atty. Aris make sure that the firm’s legal practice will not fall behind. Taking the helm of the organization Philippine Association of Fintech Lawyers (PAFLA), he is one of the pioneering lawyers in the Philippines who have a comprehensive understanding of Digital Assets such as cryptocurrencies, stablecoins, and non-fungible tokens (NFTs).
His success in as a lawyer in leading PAFLA, the organization has become one of the stakeholders/partners with the Commission on Elections (COMELEC). And he is being consulted from time to time by the Honorable Commission with respect to technological innovations that made the FinTech industry to achieve genuine electoral reform including corresponding legislation.
As legal educator, Atty. Aris have his fair share of the academe. Currently he teaches law as a part-time law professor in various law schools in:
- University of Asia and Pacific (UA&P) School of Law and Governance(A.Y. 2019-present);
- University of Makati School of Law (A.Y. 2021-present); and
- Emilio Aguinaldo College-Cavite (EAC-Cavite) School of Law and Jurisprudence (A.Y. 2020-present).
Atty. Aris authored and published two books “Understanding the Sangguniang Kabataan Reform Law: Notes and Cases”(2021 Edition) and “Understanding the Katurungang Pambarangay Law: Notes and Cases”(2021 Edition). Currently, he is working on his upcoming that deals with Digital Assets.
Atty. Aris graduated with academic distinction at the University of Asia and Pacific with a Master’s Degree in Political Economy.
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aristotle-valera-43077548/
Atty. Eliodoro N. Caluya. Jr.
Atty. Eliodoro started his humble beginnings in City, Ilocos Norte. He obtained his Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science the University of the East in 1985. He pursued further studies and finished his Bachelor of Laws at the San Beda College of Law (now San Beda University-College of Law) in 1989. He took the 1989 Bar Exams after his graduation and successfully hurdled the same examination.
His journey as a law practitioner began in year 1990 as a lawyer in the City of Makati where he was christened in the field of litigation. Years later, he would venture as in-house counsel to expand his knowledge and field of practice and greener pastures as well. As an Assistant Legal Counsel he would venture into the corporate world of various hotels in Metro Manila. As counsel in the corporate world, he also provided legal advice, contract reviews as well as legal opinions for the interest of his client corporation as well as labor matters wherein the hotel hold thousands of employees under their service. And he would soon become as the Legal Counsel.
His law practice in the corporate world is not limited to the hotel industry. His profile of corporate clients would later expand. During his private practice in Seimens Inc./Seimens Power, he ventured into business immigration as well as corporate litigation.
On year 2001, he entered into government service as an Executive Assistant before the Office of the Commission Associate Commissioner Arthel B. Caronoñgan at the Bureau of Immigration. During his first service in the Bureau of Immigration, hewas one of those who initiated the Alien Certificate of Registration Identification Card (ACR I-Card) Project in 2001 and implemented in 2004 the ACR I-Card Project, which replaced the old paper-based Alien Certificate of Registration (ACR) with amicrochip-based, fraud-proof card with biometric technology.
He also served as Hearing Officer for applications of visa in all categories and Reviewing Officer for deportation cases. He reviewed all documents to be signed by the Associate Commissioner. And he attended seminars here and abroad to expand his legal knowledge and skills needed for immigration and deportation law practice.
His government service would continue on years 2006 to 2010 as Executive Assistant before the Office of Associate Commissioner Roy M. Almoro at the Bureau of Immigration. Aside from his duties as previously stated, he had served as Chair of the Accreditation Committee which accredits private entities processing immigration requirements of foreigners with the Bureau of Immigration. He also served as Chair of the Monitoring Committee for Special Visa for Employment Generation (SVEG).
He would return to private law practice after his service to the government. Aside from being a Partner in Caluya, Valera, Montero and Balitaan Law Offices, he also became a legal consultant before the Office of the Chairman and CEO of the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corportation.
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eliodoro-caluya-jr-00945533/
Atty. Osmond M. Montero
Atty. Osmond hailing from Tuguegarao City, Cagayan Province earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Home Economics at the University of Philippines, Diliman, Quezon City.
He pursued his studies in the law school of San Beda College of Law (now San Beda University-College of Law). During his life as a law student, he also worked at the Commission on Elections on year 2001 before the Office of the Commissioner M. K. Sadain. During his service before the Honorable Commission, he was tasked at preparing bills of lading for election supplies and Paraphernalia. Supervised preparation of bills of lading; filed, logged and checked the same. He also monitored shipments of election supplies and paraphernalia. And he was tasked by Comm. M. K. Sadain to make a report about the problems encountered in the May 14, 2001 National and Local elections and suggest solution to such problems.
He finished his Bachelor of Laws in San Sebastian Recoletos de Manila in year 2007. He was admitted to the Philippine Bar on year 2008 and began his life as a lawyer engaged in private practice. As a law practitioner, Atty. Osmond is one of the Partners Co-managing partner, Caluya, Valera, Montero and Balitaan Law Offices, situated in Makati City. As lawyer he practiced in various fields of law such as: civil, criminal, labor, election, commercial, special civil actions and special proceedings. He conducts case build-up as well as the preparation of pleadings in criminal and administrative cases filed before the Ombudsman, Integrated Bar of the Philippines and the Office of the Court Administrator.
As legal consultant in various corporations such as Global Green Renewable Energy Corp., 1st Northern International Placement Inc., and Maxi Energy U.S.A. Inc., he gives legal advice; engages in contract drafting and review; conducts due diligence in behalf of the client corporations. He has a strong management and problem solving skills, excellent research ability and able to present the same in a simplified and clear manner.
In year 2021, Atty. Osmond’s skills and abilities had been noticed by the government. That being said, he had the honor of serving the Philippine government as Executive Assitant IV to Undersecretary Jonathan E. Malaya for Plans Public Affairs and Communication, before the Department of the Interior and Local Government.
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/osmond-montero-02bb4ba8/
Atty. Edione B. Quinones
Hailing from the Province of Rizal, Atty. Edione began her legal career in 2020. She obtained her Bachelor’s Degree at San Beda College, Manila. She finished her law studies at San Beda University College of Law on year 2019. She took her lawyer’s oath and admitted to the Philippine Bar on year 2020.
Currently she is a private practitioner in Caluya, Valera, Montero and Balitaan Law Offices. She is an Associate Lawyer. As a law practitioner she primarily handles litigation work (Civil, Criminal, Labor, Agrarian Reform and Administrative). In Civil cases, she handled annulment of marriage cases, breach of contract, property cases such as ejectment, reinvidicatory proceedings and replevin, as well land dispute and estate proceedings. She also handles Immigration cases such as deportation proceedings and the processing of Visa applications, ACR-I Card. Atty. Edione also gives legal assistance to client companies such as due diligence and compliance work.
Atty. Edione has her fair share of mercantile law practice, to be specific, corporate law practice. In the corporate setting, she learned actual and practical legal work needed in the business environment such as contract review and negotiation, Capital Market structure and also M&A of different corporations. She also learned the rigors of the boardroom arena as well compliance work before the Securities and Exchange Commission and other government regulatory agencies.
Notwithstanding that she is currently an Associate, Atty. Edione had already handled high profile cases such as the ‘Pastillas’ scam and Telecom fraud case made by the Japanese mafia and appeared before the Department of Justice, Office of the Ombudsman and the Sandiganbayan wherein those cases were being heard. In these cases, she faced toe to toe with the government’s experienced and highly competent lawyers from the Office of the Special Prosecutor as well as the lawyers from the Anti-Money Laundering Council and held her ground as well.
These two projects may be too much to bear for a newly minted lawyer. Atty. Edione rose up to the challenge and handled these cases with competence and prudence that the clients deserve.
Handling high profile cases under the guidance and supervision of the Law Firm Partners, esp. Atty. Aristotle Valera, she has gained confidence and experience that more than a typical law firm Associate can handle.
Atty. Edione has the excellent work ethic as an Associate lawyer with a promising career in the legal practice. Her dedication in discipline which she had during her law school days will pave way for her future ascension in the legal practice.
Linkedin:
Atty. Gleim Brean U. Eran
Atty. Gleim hailed from the urbanized City of Manila on year 1983. His given name is an anagram of his parents’ name (Gemilo and Bernadeth). Having embraced his unique name in the Philippine setting, he is fond of innovations, especially in science and technology. Since childhood, he is fond of science-fiction and whenever there is an emerging technology, Atty. Gleim locks his sights in acquiring that knowledge.
He obtained his Bachelor of Arts Major in Legal Studies at the Lyceum of the Philippines University on year 2007. He continued his studies at the Lyceum of the Philippines University College of Law. In his life as a student, he was already exposed to the daily life of law practice for he worked as staff in a humble law office during his college days. He completed his law studies in Philippine Law School on year 2013.
Atty. Gleim has been admitted to the Philippine Bar on year 2017. He began his legal career in a private practice. In his private practice, Atty. Gleim aspires to be an all-rounder practitioner as much as he can. He initially handled civil and criminal cases.
He handled civil cases such as collection cases, property cases, as well as land title dispute cases and also property registration. In criminal cases, he initially handled cases of swindling and other frauds, homicide, as well as dangerous drugs cases. Later on he would stumble into handling intellectual property case such as infringement of copyright and special proceedings such as adoption and guardianship.
Currently, he is a Junior Partner in Caluya, Valera, Montero and Balitaan Law Offices. His field of practice expanded and was able to reunite with his original inclination, which is science and technology.
Together with Atty. Aristotle Valera, they actively engage in the practice of Financial Technology (FinTech), a practice area involving Technology Law. During the year 2020 up to present, Atty. Gleim is actively learning as well as practicing Technology Law (TechLaw). Through TechLaw, he had the opportunity to engage in corporate practice, especially in legal compliance and due diligence, wherein he handles online- gaming firms that uses applications (apps) or softwares and other protocols such as Gaming Finance (GameFi) and Gambling Finance (GambliFi) in the daily operations and business models.
In pursuing FinTech, Atty. Gleim is currently the Vice Chairperson for Internal Affairs of Philippine Association of Fintech Lawyers (PAFLA). He became a Guest Lecturer at the University of Asia and Pacific Institute of Law (UA&P-ILaw) (now UA&P School of Law and Governance) on year 2021 of July. He made a lecture on “The Intricacies of Cybersecurity in Financial Services”. He was also invited as a Guest Lecturer before Rotary Club of Sta. Mesa where he made a lecture on “Techknow, Understanding Blockchain and Cryptocurrencies” on year 2021 of August. Before the end of the year 2021, Atty. was invited as a Guest Speaker in a Local Cable TV News Channel (UNTV News and Rescue) Huntahang Ligal “Topic: Blockchain – Technology Law”.
Aside from these engagements, Atty. Gleim attended seminars/webinars of Singapore’s TECHLAW FEST (2020, 2021 and 2022) wherein he keeps abreast of his technological and legal knowledge about AML/CTF Compliance, Smart Contracts, and Digital Token Economy. He is also an AML/CTF Compliance Officer Certified by the PAGCOR-Anti-Money Laundering Council on year 2021 up to present.
As member of PAFLA, Atty. Gleim, together with Atty. Aris raised the bar of the organization (PAFLA). PAFLA became one of the stakeholders/partners with the Commission on Elections (COMELEC). Atty. Gleim drafted a “Concept Paper for Electoral Reform via Electronic Voting through Blockchain Technology”. The same paper was submitted before the COMELEC En Banc. PAFLA gave their inputs on COMELEC’s overall plan for digitalization. Atty. Gleim acted as a Facilitator in one of COMELEC’s Focused Group Discussion. He took the helm as facilitator/lecturer at the Pre-Summit Facilitator/Lecturer: on Blockchain Technology (to be used in National and Local Elections) that paved the road for the 2023 National Election Summit.
Atty. Gleim, as a one of the pioneer lawyers in the field of Technology Law envisions a competence that is worthy of the world’s attention and be on par with other Tech Lawyers across the globe in terms of skills and ability to do the actual legal work. He knows that Philippines is a strategic place in the booming digital economy and tech industry.
Recently, on July 2023, Atty. Gleim was given an opportunity to become a Mandatory Continuing Legal Education (MCLE) lecturer at the University of the Philippines Institute for the Administration of Justice. His lecture was about “Lawyers’ Guide to Blockchain and Future of Contracts”. The lecture was attended by lawyers, other professionals in the field and students. In the lecture he provided not only the knowledge required for his colleagues in the profession, he also raised digital literacy among other attendees as well.
Atty. Gleim also believes that the world is now at an inflection point. The world stands on the cusp of radical change in our legal systems, precipated by new and emerging technologies.
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gleim-brean-eran-1a71a568/