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Hidden or Undisclosed Fees

Charges not disclosed at point of transaction or buried in loan documentation.

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Documented Cases

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Legal Basis in the Philippines

  • RA 3765 (Truth in Lending Act) — full cost disclosure before loan signing
  • BSP Circular 730 — clear and accurate pricing disclosures

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Frequently asked — Hidden or Undisclosed Fees

Are lenders required to disclose all fees?

Yes. RA 3765 (Truth in Lending Act) requires written disclosure of every charge before loan signing. RA 11765 §4(g) (FCPA, 2022) and BSP Circular 1160 prohibit any charge not disclosed in the loan disclosure statement.

How do I recover undisclosed fees?

Send a written demand citing RA 3765 and RA 11765 §6 — the provider has 15 business days to refund. If unresolved, file with BSP CAM (for BSP-supervised) or SEC (for SEC-registered) and request return of all undisclosed charges.

What is the BSP's penalty for hidden fees?

BSP Circular 1160 makes failure to disclose a recordable consumer-protection violation; BSP may impose administrative sanctions including fines, suspension of licenses, and restitution orders to consumers under RA 7653 and RA 11765.

Anong bahagi ng kontrata ang dapat may disclosure?

RA 3765 §4 ay nag-aatas ng 'Disclosure Statement on Loan/Credit Transaction' bago ang signing. Dapat naka-itemize ang principal, interest rate, finance charges, taxes, fees, at total amount payable. Kung wala ito, may basehan ka para mag-claim ng refund.

Can hidden fees void the contract?

Civil Code Art. 1306 lets courts strike unconscionable terms; courts have voided fee schedules that materially mislead the borrower. Practical remedy is refund + administrative sanction; outright voiding requires civil litigation.

Common questions