EASY STEPS IN GETTING YOUR POLICE CLEARANCE

I need to secure a police clearance, as one of the 'kilometric' requirements, for this new job I was offered. I tried searching the net for tips on how to get one but my first attempt was a fail. 

As I was advised by some of the things I've searched over the internet, first thing to do was to get a barangay clearance and proceed to the nearest police station. And so I went to the police station near our area, the one along Welcome Rotonda, beside UDMC only to find out that I went to the wrong place. The officer there was kind enough to advise me to go to the police district along U.N. Ave., Ermita since my present address was under their jurisdiction. 

I learned my first lesson. Make sure that you’re going to the right police station to get your clearance otherwise you’ll be wasting your time, money and enery. I’ve attached a link to this post for those who are planning to go to Manila Police District. In case, you are having a hard time with the map, just make sure to get to the U.N. Ave then ask the people around for directions.

STEP # 1

Upon entering the police district, you’ll notice a tarpaulin at the far left side of building. Along the ‘eskinita,’ you’ll notice people (in disarray lines) filling out a form. Get this form and provide all the needed information then hand it over to the person in charge together with your P 10.00 coin as a payment for  the ‘cedula’ or the community tax certificate.   

STEP # 2

After paying for your cedula, go to the cashier’s office (this time you have to fall in line because there is an officer looking over). Present your cedula and pay P 20.00 (for local employment and 100 for abroad) Pay them and get your O.R.

STEP # 3

Then go back to the ‘eskinita,’ enter the open door and proceed to the fingerprinting area. You’ll end up paying another P 5.00 if you wish to avail the wet cotton to remove the ink from your finger tips. You may opt not get one.  (To be honest, I think they are charging too much for that.)

STEP # 4

After your finger prints have been taken, go to the releasing area. It’s on the same room. It’s two steps away from STEP # 3 area. Now, here’s the catch, if you want to get to your police clearance on that same day you need to pay P 50. 00 for that. (Do not expect an O.R. for this.) I wanted to get mine immediately so even though it felt that was being ripped off, I had to pay them.

STEP # 5

Since I opted to get mine immediately, I was asked to wait outside. I went back to that narrow lane and took a seat. After thirty minutes, my name was finally called. I checked all the information on that piece of paper they handed. At last, I’m almost done. (If in case, some information on your police clearance are incorrect, you will be ask to go back inside to have it retyped ) Before your picture have to be taken, you have to pay another P 10. 00 first (No O.R.). I did ask the personnel there if I can just paste my picture since I still have a spare. But, he advised me that they are the ones who have to take my picture and so I complied(sigh, sure felt another ripped off ). Once your picture has been printed, the last thing you need to do is put a left thumb mark on the paper and sign your police clearance. Since your thumb had ink marks again, you are offered the wet cottons. This time, I opted not to get one because it’s worth another P 5.00 for one thumb!

Although it seemed like it’s a long process, it was actually just an hour of my time spent on that place. What took most of my time was waiting for my name to be called but everything else were running smoothly. This is what I’ve been through in my area. The requirement and the process might differ in other location so be sure to do your own research.

I am not a government employee, more so a police officer, so I would not be able to answer any of your questions. Again, this is just based on my own experience.

TIPS!

https://maps.google.com.ph/maps?q=manila+police+district&ll=14.583936,120.986295&spn=0.010466,0.017917&fb=1&gl=ph&hq=manila+police+district&hnear=manila+police+district&cid=0,0,15294804390964257383&t=m&z=16&iwloc=A

1. 1.      Make sure you have your own ballpen. If in case you don’t have one and no one wants to lend theirs, be prepared to pay P 10.00 for it.
2. 2.      Do not forget to bring money with you.
3. 3.      Bring bottled water and a fan. ( The industrial fan there can’t compete with the hot weather. You may want to bring a book or your phone to divert your attention while waiting.)
4. 4.       Do not be afraid to ask for directions. It’s better that way rather than doing the wrong thing or going to the wrong place.
5. 5.      Do not lend your phone to strangers. If someone approaches you asking if he/she can use your phone to call a friend, do not, give your phone because instead of you getting a police clearance you’ll end up having a police report. Stay safe everyone!