Tolentino & Partners

18/06/2026

18/06/2026

Work operations were temporarily suspended today due to the appearance of a very cute puppy client courtesy of Bantay Hayop Davao. 🐶

Normal operations have now resumed. 🐶💜

16/05/2026

FLAA MEETING TODAY WAS SUCCESSFUL!

We would like to thank the law students and lawyers who attended the FLAA Meeting today. We had sharing of what are the experiences on the ground, how we file cases and the other legal aspects related to animal welfare where we can explore, not just in filing cases but also on the legislative area that can help improve animal welfare system.

We are also grateful to City Veterinarians Office of Davao - Talomo District for dropping by to also share the experiences they have in the community.

Today, lawyers and law students gave inputs on what are the other cases we can refer to. Atty. Luis Antonio C. Bullina CPA-MBA and Atty. Martina Balbastro of Tolentino & Partners Law Firm shared their inputs. Law students from Siliman University and Cor Jesu Legal Aide, who are now volunteer legal researchers, are also willing to help us research other provisions and policies.

Thank you to the Good Food Co. for allowing us to use your space.

Yes, we are moving forward! It was a fruitful afternoon!

01/05/2026

CASE: ANIMAL CRUELTY, VIOLATING ANIMAL WELFARE SENTENCED TO STRAIGHT PENALTY OF IMPRISONMENT FOR (9) NINE MONTHS.

It was December 11, 2024, Athon was dragged in chain along Catalunan Grande under the heat of the sun and bleeding on his paws with nails removed from running. The owner reasoned that Athon had to be dragged because he does not want to ride the motorcycle.

Rescued, treated, and rehabilitated in the shelter, the incident was also filed in the Municipal Trial Court. Guilty as charged, the accused was sentenced to imprisonment.

Another case successfully filed and fought for until the end by the legal team of Bantay Hayop Davao. Together with Bantay Hayop Davao’s partner law firm, Tolentino & Partners violation against Animal Welfare and Protection was once again carried to the court for justice.

Let this be a reminder that though animals cannot speak human language, they can communicate their pain, their grievances and their needs, but only when humans listen that they are cared for and protected. There are laws and policies that are written to uphold animal welfare and protection, and with the case of Athon, JUSTICE WAS SERVED FOR THE VOICELESS.

Daghang salamat sa suporta ug padayong paghatag og dakong pagtagad sa mga kahayopan bisan pa sila dili makatingog.

Let us remain to be the VOICE OF THE VOICELESS!

Thank you Tolentino and Partners and Atty. Adam Jambangan for standing firm for the animals as one of their legal defenders.

Related post: https://www.facebook.com/share/v/14Un8tHJ7ma/?mibextid=wwXIfr

17/04/2026

BANTAY HAYOP DAVAO joins the Committee Hearing for the proposed Animal Welfare Ordinance in Davao City.

It has been the demand of the communities, animal welfare advocates and several barangay officials that there should be a City Ordinance that would help strengthen the enforcement of animal welfare and in calling out the irresponsible owners of the community.

Many years back we looked forward for this to be manifested in order to pave way for the animals and their welfare to be protected. Much of our discussion is to find ways on how we can solve the issues of stray production and Bantay Hayop Davao keeps on pressing that these animals should be saved instead of being the ones executed due to their owners’ act of irresponsibilities.

We always point out that the owners should be the ones in focus when it comes to solving the problems as the irresponsible pet owners are the ones creating the problem. During the hearing, we have to weight the proposed solutions to be humane and sustainable. This is a process and it might take sometime, but we are here and we are doing it, we are making progress.

We would like to thank Atty. Loi Palma Gil and Atty. Martina Balbastro of Tolentino and Partners Law Firm for joining us. In picture are Dra. Gay Z. Pallar of the CVO-Davao City and Councilor Ralph Abella of the Committee on Agriculture, Aquaculture and the Animal Welfare.

05/03/2026

🎉 Congratulations!

We proudly celebrate Court of Appeals Justice Ronald Suva Tolentino for receiving the 3rd Gawad JPM para sa Natatanging Alumni from the University of the Philippines – Asian Institute of Tourism Association of Alumni, Inc.

The award recognizes his excellence in his profession, outstanding contributions to the community and the country, and for bringing pride and honor to the UP AIT community.

Your Tolentino & Partners family is proud of you!

11/02/2026

⚖️A Legacy Continues. A New Chapter Begins.👩‍⚖️

We proudly welcome Atty. Martina Yen Guyo Balbastro to the Tolentino & Partners family, not only as our newest lawyer, but as the third generation of a remarkable legal legacy rooted in service and excellence.

Her journey brings history full circle. She is the granddaughter of the late Atty. Jose B. Guyo, esteemed former partner of our founder, Atty. Raul O. Tolentino. They shared a friendship and professional bond that helped shape the firm’s early foundations. She is also the daughter of Atty. Marie Lorraine Guyo-Balbastro, who likewise served the firm alongside Atty. Marie Dinah S. Tolentino-Fuentes, continuing a tradition of dedication to the law and to justice.

Today, that legacy lives on through Atty. Martina, carrying forward the values, integrity, and passion that defined those who came before her.

Three generations. One enduring legacy of justice.

Welcome to Tolentino & Partners, Atty. Martina! The legacy continues, and your own chapter now unfolds.