Steps in Securing an NBI Clearance at Robinson’s Cybergate Cebu
Whether you go applying for a job locally or abroad, one would always need the ever reliable National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) clearance. This is a proof that you are not convicted or wanted for any crime in the country. Back then, NBI clearance can be renewed yearly. But now, there is no such thing as a renewal anymore. You need to file for a clearance yearly—a new one.
One of the best places to process for a clearance is in Robinson’s Cybergate Cebu. It operates on mall hours, so it opens also at 10 AM. Early this year, I processed for one there. I stood on line outside the mall as early as 7 AM, and yet I’m already the 45th person! NBI Cybergate processes by batch in groups of 50 people. By 10 AM, the first 50 people were led to the NBI center at the 3rd floor of the mall. They do this to provide order and synchrony among applicants. Not bad compared to their previous methods. Once you are all seated, you fill up forms together as guided by person in-charge. This prevents further delay caused by having wrong entry on the form. Once done, the following steps are undertaken:
Step 1: Payment
• You are to pay 115 PHP for each NBI clearance form you request. If you want one for travel abroad, that’s 115 PHP. If you also want one for local employment, that’s another 115 PHP. So you will have two clearance forms with different purposes stated. Better bring a smaller amount to avoid delay in looking for a change. You will then be issued a receipt. Proceed to the Data Check counter. Of course you need to bring with you one valid ID.
Step 2: Data Check
• An encoder types your personal data on the computer while you continuously check the data encoded on a screen. Be alert for any wrong entry to avoid redoing the steps.
Step 3: Quick Search
• In here, your details are verified for any namesake or none. Electronic fingerprint capture is done too. No need for messing your fingers with any ink. Image capture is also done here.
Step 4: Releasing
• If you are cleared, your NBI clearance form is released in around 3 to 5 minutes. But if you are on a “hit” status, you will also be informed here and asked to be back after 2 weeks. Better go there after 3 weeks just to be sure that it’s already done. Some are even asked to go to NBI main branch for an interview prior to release of the clearance form. The funny thing is, if you were a “hit” the year before but eventually cleared, there is a very high chance you will be a “hit” again the next year. Talk about a faulty system.
Hint: You can try going there around 4PM. I accompanied a friend once and I was surprised to see a very short line and the process needed no more excessive waiting.
