Obtaining a Police Clearance

Below is a comprehensive discussion of the Police Clearance in the Philippines—its nature, legal context, purposes, prerequisites, procedures, and other practical considerations. While procedures can vary slightly among local government units (LGUs), the Philippine National Police (PNP) has standardized many aspects of obtaining a police clearance, especially under its National Police Clearance System (NPCS). Always verify with the local authorities or official PNP channels for the most current requirements and procedures.

1. What is a Police Clearance?

A Police Clearance is an official document issued by the Philippine National Police or the local police station verifying whether a person has any recorded criminal or derogatory history within the jurisdiction (local) or nationwide (national). It is commonly required for:

  • Local employment or job applications
  • Business licensing or permit applications
  • Certain government transactions
  • Visa or immigration requirements (though more commonly the NBI Clearance is used internationally)

In essence, it is a certification that, at the time of issuance, an individual does not have any pending criminal case or has no criminal record on file with the PNP (for National Police Clearance) or the local police station (for local police clearance).

2. Legal and Institutional Framework

  1. Republic Act No. 6975 (Department of the Interior and Local Government Act of 1990) established the Philippine National Police (PNP) as the primary law enforcement agency. Under this law and subsequent regulations, the PNP has the mandate to maintain peace and order and to issue necessary clearances involving criminal records or derogatory information.
  2. The National Police Clearance System (NPCS)—an initiative of the PNP—centralizes criminal record checks, making it easier to verify whether a person has any pending or recorded criminal case anywhere in the Philippines.

3. Types of Police Clearance

3.1 Local Police Clearance

  • Issued by a city or municipal police station.
  • Checks criminal records that may be on file at the local station.
  • Typically required for local employment or transactions within the municipality or city.

3.2 National Police Clearance

  • Issued through the PNP’s National Police Clearance System.
  • Involves a nationwide database check for any criminal or derogatory record.
  • Increasingly required by employers, government offices, or for other formal transactions that need a broader, national-level verification.

Most LGUs now recommend or even require the National Police Clearance for uniformity and reliability of results, although some offices may still accept or require a local police clearance.

4. Requirements for Obtaining a Police Clearance

While specifics can differ slightly depending on the LGU or police station, the general requirements typically include:

  1. Government-Issued IDs
    • You usually need at least one (1) but often two (2) valid, government-issued IDs.
    • Acceptable IDs include:
      • Passport
      • Driver’s License
      • Unified Multi-Purpose ID (UMID)
      • GSIS eCard
      • SSS ID
      • PRC ID
      • PhilHealth ID
      • Postal ID (digital or old)
      • Voter’s ID/Voter’s Certification
      • TIN ID
      • PhilID (National ID)
    • Some local police stations might have their own ID requirements.
  2. Barangay Clearance or Certificate of Residency (sometimes required)
    • A few local stations may ask for a recent Barangay Clearance to ensure you are a resident in that locality.
  3. Filled-out Application Form (if required)
    • For National Police Clearance, the application is largely done online via the NPCS website.
    • For a local clearance, you may be asked to fill out a form on-site.
  4. Official Receipt of Payment (after paying the applicable fee)
    • Fees typically range from ₱100 to ₱200 (local clearance may be slightly cheaper, while national clearance costs are slightly higher). Additional fees might apply for the ID card or system fees.

5. Step-by-Step Procedure

5.1 National Police Clearance

  1. Online Registration

    • Go to the official PNP Clearance website (often cited as pnpclearance.ph or any updated domain designated by the PNP).
    • Create an account with your email address and personal details.
    • Once you have an account, log in and complete your profile.

  2. Choose a Police Station and Appointment Schedule

    • Select the nearest PNP station or your preferred station where you want to process the clearance.
    • Choose an available date and time slot for your personal appearance.

  3. Payment of Fees

    • Depending on the instructions, you can pay through:
      • Online payment channels (GCash, online banking, etc.)
      • Over-the-counter payment at certain banks or authorized payment centers
      • Payment at the police station’s cashier (some stations still allow walk-in payments)
    • Keep the official receipt or digital proof of payment.

  4. Personal Appearance

    • Arrive at the selected police station on your scheduled date/time.
    • Present your valid IDs and payment receipt or payment confirmation.
    • Undergo biometric capture: fingerprint scanning, digital photo, and verification of details.

  5. Data Verification

    • The system will check your details against the national database.
    • If you have no records or derogatory information, your clearance will be printed and issued.
    • If there are potential “hits” (e.g., pending case, name match, etc.), you may be referred for further verification and clearance may be delayed.

  6. Issuance of Clearance

    • If all is clear, you will receive the printed National Police Clearance with a unique QR code.
    • The clearance is valid for six (6) months from the date of issuance.

5.2 Local Police Clearance

  1. Visit the Local Police Station
    • You may not always need an appointment for local clearance, but some jurisdictions require it.
  2. Present Required Documents
    • Valid IDs, Barangay Clearance (if required), and any other local requirements.
  3. Payment of Fees
    • Typically ranges from ₱100 to ₱150, but can vary by LGU.
  4. Fingerprinting and Photo
    • You will be fingerprinted, and a photo will be taken for record purposes.
  5. Issuance of Clearance
    • Once the record check is complete, the local clearance is printed and given to you, usually on the same day.

6. Validity and Purpose

  • Validity: Police clearances (both local and national) are generally valid for six (6) months from the date of issuance, though some receiving entities may require a newer clearance if significant time has passed.
  • Usage: Often used for employment, local government transactions, business permits, or other formal applications. Some agencies or employers might request both a Police Clearance and an NBI Clearance for thorough background checks.

7. Comparison: Police Clearance vs. NBI Clearance

While both documents confirm one’s criminal or derogatory record status, there are some differences:

  1. Issuing Authority:

    • Police Clearance: Issued by the PNP (local or national).
    • NBI Clearance: Issued by the National Bureau of Investigation.

  2. Scope:

    • Police Clearance (Local): Focuses on a particular city or municipality’s records.
    • National Police Clearance: Covers the PNP’s nationwide database but is relatively new and may not capture everything if a case was not duly recorded or updated.
    • NBI Clearance: Often considered a more centralized and well-established check for pending cases nationwide (especially for legal and visa applications).

  3. Use Cases:

    • Many local employers and offices accept a National Police Clearance in lieu of NBI Clearance, but some still require an NBI Clearance specifically (especially for foreign employment, immigration, or certain licensing).

8. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

  1. Do I need a Barangay Clearance before getting a Police Clearance?

    • Some local police offices require a Barangay Clearance (also referred to as a Certificate of Residency) to confirm that you reside in that area. Check first with the local police station.

  2. How long does the process take?

    • National Police Clearance: If there are no “hits” or issues, it can be done within an hour or two at the station.
    • Local Police Clearance: Often completed on the same day, depending on the station’s workload.

  3. Can I get a Police Clearance if I have an ongoing case?

    • You may still apply, but if the system flags a “hit,” you might be referred for further verification. A clearance could be withheld if you have pending criminal cases or existing arrest warrants.

  4. What if my name appears as a “hit” even though I have no criminal record?

    • This can happen due to name similarities or clerical errors. You might be asked for additional documents or to wait for manual verification. If cleared after verification, you can still be issued a clearance.

  5. Is the Police Clearance internationally recognized?

    • For most international purposes (e.g., immigration, visa), the NBI Clearance is the standard. However, some foreign entities might accept a National Police Clearance if specifically requested or if the rules allow. Always check the foreign office’s requirements.

  6. Can foreigners or non-Filipinos apply for a Police Clearance?

    • Yes. Foreign nationals who have resided in the Philippines and need evidence of criminal record status (often for immigration or visa applications in other countries) can apply for a Police Clearance. Requirements typically include a valid passport and documentation of legal stay.

9. Practical Tips and Reminders

  1. Check Online for Updates

    • Procedures and fees can change. Always verify with your local PNP station’s official Facebook page or the PNP Clearance website if available.

  2. Bring Enough Valid IDs

    • To avoid delays, bring two or more valid IDs (preferably government-issued with photo) and extra photocopies if required.

  3. Wear Proper Attire

    • Some stations have dress codes (no slippers, no sleeveless shirts). Present yourself properly to avoid any inconvenience.

  4. Watch Out for Scams

    • Always process your Police Clearance personally at official PNP sites or legitimate online payment channels. Do not rely on fixers or unverified third-party agents.

  5. Keep Digital and Physical Copies

    • Once you obtain your clearance, secure a high-quality photocopy or scan (front and back). Some companies or agencies might accept a certified photocopy, though others require the original.

10. Conclusion

Obtaining a Police Clearance in the Philippines has become more streamlined in recent years, particularly with the introduction of the National Police Clearance System. Whether you are applying for a local or a national police clearance, being familiar with the requirements, procedures, and possible pitfalls will save time and trouble. Always stay updated on official PNP advisories and contact your local police station for any clarifications. By understanding the entire process from start to finish, applicants can more efficiently secure this important document for employment, business, or other legal purposes within the country.

Disclaimer: This content is not legal advice and may involve AI assistance. Information may be inaccurate.

Privacy Policy

Terms of Use

Lawyer Login

 
 
Privacy Policy         Terms of Use         Lawyer Login