Party CANNOT invoke denial of due process if afforded opportunity to present his side

Private respondents asseveration that it has been denied due process is likewise untenable. The essence of due process is simply an opportunity to be heard, or as applied to administrative proceedings, an opportunity to explain ones side or an opportunity to seek a reconsideration of the action or ruling complained of. What the law prohibits is absolute absence of the opportunity to be heard, hence, a party cannot feign denial of due process where he had been afforded the opportunity to present his side. In the case at bar, private respondent was given ample opportunity to do just that on April 29, 1992, May 8, 1992, May 27, 1992 and June 9, 1992. [G.R. No. 110494. November 18, 1996]