NBI Clearance New Biometric System » How to get it without losing your patience

Most probably you already know what is happening at NBI right now and how slow it is to get an NBI clearance. Let’s review the facts: 

1. Mega Data Corporation has been servicing the computerization requirements of the NBI since the early 70’s. It started opening NBI Clearance Renewal Centers in malls, and had been providing the NBI various computers, data capture, image capture and card production equipment and supplies, to serve the bureau’s data processing needs for almost 30 years.
2. Mega Data’s contract with the NBI expired last June 30.
3. Mega Data had pulled out its equipment and software a day after its contract with the NBI expired last June 30. The pullout resulted in a breakdown in the processing and issuance of NBI clearances. Long queues formed at the bureau’s main office in Manila as a backlog in document processing ensued.
4. The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) apologized to the public on Thursday for the inconvenience caused by the closure of its clearance office, and  slow processing of clearance applications.
5. Justice Secretary Leila De Lima has ordered an investigation of the NBI’s contract with Mega Data.

How to get NBI Clearance without losing your patience

Long queue at Robinson Galleria even if it is still 5:00 in the morning

NBI clearance from the National Bureau of Investigation is a usual documentary requirement for job applications, company license renewals, etc. so a lot of Filipinos needs it. While we are waiting for NBI and the government to sort things out and get it back to normal, which as expected will take long, let me share to you my experience and tips on getting your NBI Clearance. 

Holding room before payment and fingerprint scanning and photo capture

NBI Clearance Center inside Robinsons Galleria

First, let me answer some FAQs:  

• There are no more renewals and all applications are considered "first time applications".
• Cost of NBI Clearance application is Php 115.00 for local and for travel abroad. 
• Your old NBI Clearance is now useless. 
• It could take you two to three weeks to get an NBI clearance if you got a  “HIT” (meaning somebody has the same name as you, or maybe some criminal looks like you)   

[UPDATE: 17 September 2011]: I also want to share my personal experience on getting a "HIT." I was invited for interview at the NBI Head Office because, unfortunately I got the same name as the wanted rapist in Mindoro. More about it here: I AM NOT A RAPIST  

NBI Clearance applicants waiting outside Robinsons Galleria

Now here are few tips and guidelines to make your application for NBI clearance less stressful.

1. Never forget to bring at least two valid ID’s (preferably government issued ID)
2. Be at the NBI office or at clearance centers early (repeat: EARLY). They only have specific number of applicants to process daily.  In my experience at Robinson’s Galleria Mall today, I woke up at 4:00 am just to be at the Robinson’s Mall at 5:00 am. Still, I got applicant number 289 and they are only processing 500 NBI clearance per day. 
3. Aside from long queue, expect a long wait so you better bring something that can diffuse your boredom like an mp3 player, a book, psp or your unfinished cross stitch if you like. 
4. Don’t forget to bring your ballpen.
5. Take heavy breakfast because application procedure can take up from morning until 2 - 3 p.m. without lunch break.
6. Always keep your cool because there are always undisciplined applicants cutting the line. 
7. Always ask the guards for assistance in filling up your clearance form and other information and guidelines.
8. If your clearance is scheduled for release not on the same day, make sure that you have your receipt with you because this will serve as your stub upon receiving the NBI clearance.
9. Review the fields in the Clearance Application Form before accomplishing it.  

NBI Clearance Application Form Sample (Click HERE to View Form or click the image)

How to fill-up the Clearance Application Form 

1. NAME OF MOTHER field: It should be mother's maiden name. 
2. HIGHEST EDUCATIONAL ATTAINMENT: write College Graduate or Undergraduate, don't just put the word "College"
3. PLACE OF BIRTH: Don not write "Bicol" or any region only. It must the name of Town and Province
4. Other fields: [just use common sense]  

Applicant is Alien -- CHECK!!!

NBI Clearance Processing Centers

NBI MAIN OFFICE, TAFT AVENUE MANILA
MONDAY TO FRIDAY - 7:00AM TO 5:00PM
SATURDAY - 8:00AM TO 5:00PM
No. of applicants that can be accommodated: 2,000 persons

MALLS (Update [17/Oct./2011] : Based from visitor comments I received here, malls no longer have Saturday schedule. Please verify with NBI office regarding NBI clearance processing centers with Saturday schedule) 

ROBINSONS PLACE ERMITA (BASEMENT 1)
M. ADRIATICO COR. PEDRO GIL ST. ERMITA, MANILA
MONDAY TO FRIDAY - 8:00AM TO 5:00PM
SATURDAY - 10:00AM TO 7:00PM
No. of applicants that can be accommodated: 500 persons

ROBINSONS OTIS (LEVEL 2)
DR. PAZ MENDOZA GUANZON ST., PACO, MANILA
MONDAY TO FRIDAY - 8:00AM TO 5:00PM
SATURDAY - 10:00AM TO 7:00PM
No. of applicants that can be accommodated: 500 persons

ROBINSONS GALLERIA (EAST LANE, BASEMENT 1)
EDSA COR. ORTIGAS AVENUE, QUEZON CITY
MONDAY TO FRIDAY - 8:00AM TO 5:00PM
SATURDAY - 10:00AM TO 7:00PM
No. of applicants that can be accommodated: 500 persons

ROBINSONS METRO EAST PASIG (LEVEL 4)
MARCOS HIGHWAY, BRGY. DELA PAZ, PASIG CITY
MONDAY TO FRIDAY - 8:00AM TO 5:00PM
SATURDAY - 10:00AM TO 7:00PM
No. of applicants that can be accommodated: 500 persons

ROBINSONS CAINTA (LEVEL 2)
ORTIGAS AVENUE EXTENSION, JUNCTION CAINTA, RIZAL
MONDAY TO FRIDAY - 8:00AM TO 5:00PM
SATURDAY - 10:00AM TO 7:00PM
No. of applicants that can be accommodated: 500 persons  350 persons


Ever Gotesco Grand Central (3rd floor, Cinema 5)
Rizal Avenue Extension (Monumento), Caloocan City
MONDAY TO FRIDAY - 8:00AM TO 5:00PM
SATURDAY - 10:00AM TO 7:00PM
No. of applicants that can be accommodated: 500 persons

Ever Gotesco Manila Plaza (3rd floor, Cinema 3)
C.M. Recto Avenue, Manila
MONDAY TO FRIDAY - 8:00AM TO 5:00PM
SATURDAY - 10:00AM TO 7:00PM
No. of applicants that can be accommodated: 500 persons

CITY HALL

Quezon City Hall
Mandaluyong City Hall
Muntinlupa City Hall

Disclaimer:

Above information are correct at the date of posting. For updated information check the latest NBI press release and news updates.

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Related News and Articles, Sources of Facts:

» Sandy Araneta “Recruiters: OFWs losing jobs over delayed NBI clearance” The Philippine Star psoted: August 14, 2011  [Retrieved: 24 August 2011]

» “Tips in getting an NBI clearance” Loqal.ph Article [Retrieved: 24 August 2011]

»  Ducky Paredes. “That All-Important NBI Clearance”

» Tetch Torres. “NBI apologizes for major clearance applications snafus, Points to ex-technology partner Mega Data as culprit” Inquirer.net

» Macon Ramos-Araneta. “NBI chief decries tech provider’s infractions; firm denies BOT deal” Manila Standard Today 

» Sandy Araneta  “NBI sees delays in clearance release after contractor's pullout” The Philippine Star

» National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Official Website