Associate Justice Ma. Belen Ringpis-Liban has been appointed to the Court of Tax Appeals (CTA), bringing with her more than 30 years of experience in the legal profession and nearly two decades on the bench.
Before joining the CTA, Liban served for 17 years as a Regional Trial Court judge, presiding over branches in Malolos and Quezon City. Her judicial record is anchored on extensive exposure to both trial work and court administration, shaped by earlier stints in government service and private practice.
Liban previously worked as a solicitor at the Office of the Solicitor General and as a confidential attorney at the Court of Appeals. She also held legal positions at the Philippine National Construction Corporation and at the law firm of Puruganan, Ongkiko & Chato, giving her a broad view of litigation, appellate work, and corporate legal practice.
An alumna of the University of the Philippines College of Law, Liban also holds a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from the University of Santo Tomas. She completed her basic education in the public school system, attending Project 6 Elementary School and Ramon Magsaysay (Cubao) High School.
Beyond adjudication, Liban has been active in judicial organizations, having held several leadership posts in the Philippine Judges Association, including senior vice president, secretary general, vice president for external affairs, and regional director for Region III. She has also served as secretary and auditor of the Philippine Women Judges Association and represented the country as liaison officer to the International Association of Women Judges.
Her professional development includes participation in various local and international legal conferences and seminars organized by institutions such as the International Association of Women Judges, the International Fiscal Association, and the International Bar Association.
Outside the courtroom, Liban is involved in faith-based civic work as a member of Catholics for Family and Life. She is married to Atty. Luisito V. Liban, a former senior partner at SyCip Salazar Hernandez & Gatmaitan and a current lecturer at the UP College of Law. The couple has five children.