On May 3, 1995, a young man from Candelaria, Quezon, stood tall, trembling but hopeful, before the Supreme Court of the Philippines, receiving the honor and responsibility of being admitted to the Philippine Bar. That man was Atty. Apollo “aPoL” Sangalang, a simple law student with a brewing vision: to “WIN With INtegrity.”
For 30 years, Atty. Pol has worn many hats: Litigation attorney. Government executive. Business lawyer. Corporate counsel. Labor law coach. Legal educator. Corporate secretary. Governance consultant. Conflict strategist. Mentor. Speaker. And most recently, a spiritual seeker and wellness warrior.
Each role has shaped him professionally and spiritually. The law became a battlefield, but integrity and compassion were his armor and sword.
Like a Paladin of Law, he practices law as a righteous, fair, and fiercely faithful person, to both justice and Jesus. He has been entrusted with so much—clients’ businesses, families, futures, and even their faith in the justice system. He IMPERFECTLY yet persistently responds to that trust with truth, courage, and love.
1. Faith first, always. God is the true Supreme Court.
2. Integrity is non-negotiable. Even when no one is watching.
3. The law is a tool—not a weapon. Use it to heal, not harm.
4. Clients are not case files. They are human souls.
5. Mentorship multiplies meaning. Share what you know.
6. Money should follow mission. Not the other way around.
7. Burnout is real. You cannot pour from an empty cup.
8. Continuous learning is survival. Even at 56.
9. Legal practice must evolve. So I founded a law firm.
10. Your name is your brand. Guard it with your life.
11. The court of heaven matters more. Always.
12. Be firm but kind. Even when attacked or misunderstood.
13. Conflict reveals character. Let yours reflect Christ.
14. Honor your elders. Especially your parents.
15. Listen more than you speak. Silence can be strategic.
16. Leadership is stewardship. My team is my family.
17. Pray before meetings. Especially the difficult ones.
18. Speak life. To your clients, staff, students, and loved ones.
19. Don’t argue to win. Argue to enlighten.
20. Your health is your foundation. Protect it at all costs.
21. Celebrate small victories. And document them.
22. Ask for help. Even lawyers need support.
23. Forgive. Especially yourself.
24. Purpose fuels resilience. Without it, burnout wins.
25. God uses broken vessels. That includes me.
26. Family is your first client. Serve them well.
27. Justice must begin at home. And in your firm.
28. Every legal battle is a soul battle. Win with wisdom.
29. Jesus is the best strategist. Study His ways.
30. 30 years later, I still believe: The law can be a ministry.
Through Sangalang & Gaerlan, Business Lawyers, Atty. Pol will continue to serve at the same time, plans to pass on the baton of faith, courage, and conscience. He is more committed now to mentoring young lawyers, serving more business clients with integrity, and teaching labor and corporate law as a calling.
For more information about Atty. Pol, follow him on Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/pol.sangalang
From all of us at The New Channel, happy 30th lawyer-ship anniversary, Atty. Pol. Thank you for everything that you do for everyone around you –including us, your TNC family. We are always proud of you!
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Atty. Pol Sangalang appears in a show on TNC called #AskAttyPol. To view past Episodes, check out these links
For more TNC profiles, visit https://highlights.thenewchannel.com/category/tnc-stories/tnc-profiles/
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