I was actually having second thoughts of posting an entry about this but perhaps I need to share helpful tips and reminders to our fellow citizens. It's been nearly four years since I last had my NBI clearance, so technically, I wasn't aware of the recent "major" changes. I'm not even sure if these were recent. I got mine last Tuesday via their satellite office in Mandaluyong City Hall. Prior that morning, I had a quick research on the requirements I need to carry just to make sure I have everything on hand. Please refer to this link for helpful details, to save time and effort, before deciding to visit any satellite office. I somehow freaked out when I saw that two valid IDs are required as I only have one with my married name on it.
Anyhow, I still decided to push through with one recent ID and the rest (like my passport) with my maiden name still printed. Exactly 7:30am when I got there and mind you, there were already about two hundred people on site! I saw some people lined up near the booth and the first person was sleeping, almost lying on the floor, with his jacket on. Seriously, he looked like he was there as early as 3 or 4am. I immediately went to the counter to fill out the form but the lady asked me to sign it first. Ladies and gents, please don't ever forget to bring a black pen. I always have one in my bag but my daughter probably took it so I am forced to buy one for 10pesos. They won't let you borrow their pens so imagine if you only have the exact amount to pay for your clearance! Tsk.
After filling out the form, I was ushered by someone to a mini gate, with a staircase behind it, where the line seemed unending. There's this old man who somehow whispered, "Ma'am, di nyo naman po kailangan pa pumila kung gusto nyo", in a very soft but clear voice. (What he meant was I don't need to fall in line if I wish.) Well, what else can I say, that's pretty common here in the Philippines, unfortunately. So I just ignored him and did quick steps as I look for the last person on queue. The line reached the 2nd floor up to the parking area of that building. Take note, I stood for nearly three hours. Horreur! Glad that I brought my headset and something to read.. but, I forgot to bring water! Please don't ever forget to bring one in reusable containers, as much as possible.
It was about 830am when we finally moved slowly and like I said three hours of waiting time just to get to the cashier's booth. I chose for travel purpose and paid Php115. After that, a funny man in a very loud voice will start calling your last names as he leads you to your proper seats. Take note, you still need to constantly move as the seat is also on queue going to the encoding section. It took me about 30mins to finally reach the window. You will then need to present your ID (one ID will do) and confirm from the flat-screen monitor facing you if the details entered were all correct.
The same scenario went on, we were called again and proceeded to the image capture area, which nearly took another 30minutes. Thankfully, we can now leave with clean hands as our fingerprints are now scanned and the person taking our photo is now well-informed to count one-two-three smile! Sosyal na nga! ^^ I'm sure we all had our old NBI clearances with horrible photos. Don't deny!
If you have no namesake, your NBI clearance will be printed right after and released on the same day. However, in my case, since I am now using my spouse's last name, I was requested to return after two weeks for the release. Exactly 12:30noon when I finished all the procedures and I was dead hungry because of skipping breakfast!
FAQs:
1. Is is true that there is a certain limit of applicants they can accommodate? - Yes, in Mandaluyong City Hall they accommodate 500 people so you really need to be there as early as you can to save your number. There were people who came in around past 10 and were asked to try again the following day. However, come past 11am, someone just screamed that forms are again available. Poor those people who were shooed away earlier.
2. Do they require Cedula or Community Tax Certificate? - No, but I have seen applicants with CTC with them. Again, please refer to item #3 regarding requirements.
3. Do they still have the famous satellite office in SM Megamall? - No. Please refer to item #5 from this link. I'm actually surprised that a few Robinson Malls are now used as satellite offices.
4. Can a resident from a different place apply for an NBI clearance in a different city? - Yes. Since I can't avoid not to talk for more than an hour, I spoke with some people next to me and they were from Binangonan, Rizal applying for a clearance in Mandaluyong.
5. What time do they usually open? - Staff were already there as early as 7am to provide you the forms but the payment section opened in between 830 - 9am.
So there, I hope I have helped you with these few details. I just really wish they can extend their major changes to something like an appointment system like what DFA implemented, where most procedures are properly coordinated. This will definitely save lots of waiting time most especially to working citizens.
Good luck if you're soon getting one!
xx,
OneGutsyMom
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