Okay so I need to apply for an NBI clearance as it is one of the pre-employment requirements in my new job. So I went to Mandaluyong City Hall at around 8am because NBI has a satellite office there. The last time I have to apply for an NBI was eons ago and I don’t remember it being such a stressful task so I was shocked to see the long lines when I arrived. Gosh, I actually thought I was early.
Since the line is super long, I decided to just go home and get my NBI in another satellite office, Robinsons Galleria the next day. While I am in the process of getting my NBI, I kind of felt sad for my fellow Filipinos. It’s depressing that obtaining a common pre-employment form can be such a burden. So to somehow help, I’ve come up with some tips for future NBI Clearance applicants:
Do a research about the NBI Office. It pays to ask around to know which NBI office delivers faster and greater service. For example, the NBI Satellite Office in Mandaluyong has don’t give out queue numbers and the system is a little unorganized.
Unlike in Robinsons Galleria where they have a separate line for online applicants and upon arriving, the guard will give you a number that indicates the time when you can return for the processing. This means that you can drop by early to get a number then just come back to line up.
Look for connections and other faster ways. There was a time when my mother needs an NBI form asap but she got a hit and the NBI people said that it will take at least about a week to get the clearance. We really can’t wait that long so we asked the help of a police officer who is a family friend and guess what; we got the form after a day.
Also in Rob Galle, the guards already give out numbers around 9 pm for NBI processing the next day. So if you have a friend who works there, you can actually ask that friend to get you a number.
Apply Online. I think it is a must to apply online- NBI Online. At least you do not have to line up just for the form and are assured that your application will be processed.
Be there early. As I said in other NBI offices, all applicants (online and walk-ins) are required to get a number and it is on a first-come first-served basis. I think in Rob Galle, the guards stop giving out numbers to walk-in applicants at around 12pm.
I actually applied online, was at Galleria at around 9 am and my number says that I can start lining up at around 1 pm. I was done by 3pm.
Be Patient. Yes, you need tons of these. Don’t expect that it will be fast and easy and yes expect to line up. You will line up for the form, to pay, for the biometrics, and gosh even for the releasing. Well, we are yet to see the day when Filipinos would get better services from the government.
Expect to get a hit. I think there is something new with the NBI system because I feel more people are actually getting hits nowadays. Some people who get no hits before (that includes me) are surprised because they suddenly have a hit.
Try to be productive. Well, it can be really boring and time consuming so it won’t hurt if you would bring a book or other things that will allow you to be productive even while lining up.
That’s it, hope it will somehow help!
