Here’s a practical, Philippine-specific guide to checking for arrest warrants—what they are, who issues them, where records live, and how you (or your lawyer) can verify and deal with one responsibly. This is general information, not a substitute for personalized legal advice.

What an arrest warrant is (and isn’t)

Definition & legal basis. An arrest warrant is a court order directing law enforcement to take a named person into custody. It is issued by a judge after personally determining probable cause from the prosecutor’s filings and supporting evidence, consistent with the 1987 Constitution’s protections and the Rules of Criminal Procedure.
When a judge issues it. After a criminal Information is filed in court (following a complaint and preliminary investigation at the prosecutor’s office), the judge evaluates the record. If probable cause exists, the judge issues a warrant (except for offenses punishable only by a fine, where a summons may issue).
It doesn’t expire. Warrants generally remain valid until served or recalled by the court. Police must report on attempts to serve them, but non-service does not void the warrant.
Not the same as…
- A subpoena (an order to appear or produce documents),
- A barangay blotter entry (a report, not a case), or
- A hold-departure order (HDO) or immigration lookout bulletin order (ILBO) (travel restrictions; separate from arrest warrants).

Types you may encounter

Warrant of Arrest (regular). Issued after the judge finds probable cause.
Bench Warrant. Issued by the court when an accused (or sometimes a witness) fails to appear as required or violates bail conditions.
Alias Warrant. Reissued if an earlier warrant wasn’t served or was recalled and later reinstated.

Who issues, who holds, and where records are

Trial courts hold the official record:
- RTC (Regional Trial Court) for more serious offenses;
- MeTC/MTCC/MTC/MCTC for offenses within their jurisdiction.
Special courts (e.g., Sandiganbayan for certain public-officer cases) issue and keep their own warrants.
Law enforcement (PNP units, Sheriff/Warrant Sections) receive copies to serve and keep service returns.
Prosecutor’s offices don’t issue warrants, but their dockets tell you if an Information was filed (a strong sign a warrant could follow).

Important: The Philippines does not maintain a single, public, nationwide online list of arrest warrants. Verification typically involves contacting the right court (and, where relevant, the prosecutor’s office and police).

How to check if you have a warrant

Option A — Direct court verification (most authoritative)

Identify likely venues.
- Where did the alleged offense occur? That locality’s MeTC/MTC/MTCC/MCTC or RTC likely has jurisdiction.
- If you’re a public official and the charge is within Sandiganbayan jurisdiction, check there.
Call or visit the Office of the Clerk of Court.
- Provide full name, birth date, and any known case details (complainant, incident date, offense).
- Bring a government ID. Courts can confirm case status and whether a warrant issued. You (or your lawyer) may request a certified copy of the Information, Order issuing the warrant, or the warrant itself (be ready to show your relation/interest in the case).
If you’re far from the court.
- Your counsel can verify and secure copies for you.
- You may write the Clerk of Court (see template below) and authorize counsel/representative to pick up documents.

Option B — Check the prosecutor’s office docket (helps you know if a warrant is likely)

Ask the City/Provincial Prosecutor’s Office about any complaint resolved for filing against you.
If an Information was filed, get the case number, court branch, and date filed—then verify with that court whether a warrant has already issued.

Option C — Inquire with police (confirmatory, not primary)

The local PNP Warrant and Subpoena Section or your city/municipal police station may confirm if a warrant is on file for service, and coordinate a safe voluntary surrender plan. They won’t typically hand you copies; the court is the source of record.

Option D — Clearances (useful signals, but not definitive)

NBI Clearance and PNP National Police Clearance sometimes surface a “hit” related to pending cases.
A clear result does not guarantee you have no warrant (names can mismatch; new warrants may not yet appear). Treat this as screening, not final verification.

How to check if someone else has a warrant

Privacy & propriety. Courts are cautious about releasing details to third parties. If you have a legitimate interest:
- Bring an Authorization Letter from the person (if appropriate) and photocopies of valid IDs of both of you; or
- Have your lawyer make the inquiry on your behalf.
You may obtain publicly accessible case status, but sensitive cases (minors, certain gender-based crimes, etc.) are subject to confidentiality rules.

What to do if a warrant exists (for the named person)

Consult counsel immediately.
- Your lawyer can confirm the warrant’s basis, the recommended bail (if specified), and the court’s schedule.
Consider voluntary surrender.
- Appearing before the issuing court (or coordinating with police to escort you to court) is often the safest route.
- Voluntary surrender can positively affect bail and avoids escalation.
Bail.
- For offenses not punishable by reclusion perpetua or life (and where evidence of guilt is not strong), bail is a matter of right before conviction; for capital offenses, bail requires a hearing and may be denied.
- Bail may be cash, property, or surety from a court-accredited company. Your lawyer will prepare the application for bail and supporting documents.
- Courts typically recall the warrant upon your appearance and posting of bail.
Challenge defects (where appropriate).
- Substantive attacks usually go to the Information (e.g., a Motion to Quash Information under Rule 117) or via appropriate petitions if the warrant was issued without the constitutionally required probable-cause determination. Your counsel will pick the right remedy.
Know your rights upon arrest.
- You must be informed of the cause of arrest and your rights (including to remain silent and to counsel); you can only be detained in accordance with law; RA 7438 and related laws protect persons under custodial investigation.

Step-by-step checklists

For self-check

List all places an offense might have been filed (city/municipality).
Visit or call those courts’ Clerk of Court offices.
Ask the prosecutor’s office if an Information was filed (get case number & branch).
Request certified copies (Order issuing warrant, Information).
If a warrant exists, plan voluntary surrender + bail with counsel.
Keep receipts and stamped copies of anything you file.

For third-party checks (with authorization)

Secure a signed Authorization Letter + ID copies.
Have a lawyer or authorized representative coordinate with the Clerk of Court.
Avoid fixers and third-party “databases.”

FAQs & common pitfalls

“Will my name appear online?” Not reliably. Philippine courts do not run a public, centralized arrest-warrant search.
“Do warrants expire after 10 days?” No. The 10-day period relates to reporting on attempts to serve, not validity.
“Can I post bail without getting arrested?” Courts require that the accused be in the custody of the law, which can be satisfied by personally appearing and submitting to the court’s jurisdiction when applying for bail. Your lawyer will guide how to do this properly.
“Is a ‘HIT’ in NBI/PNP clearance a proof of a warrant?” Not by itself. It’s a prompt to investigate further at the court.
“Is an HDO the same as a warrant?” No. An HDO restricts travel; a warrant authorizes arrest. Different issuing authorities and effects.
“A police officer called me about a warrant and asked for money to make it disappear.” That’s a red flag. Never pay fixers. Verify with the court; report extortion.

Practical tips to make verification faster

Be precise with identity. Philippine names are common; provide complete name, known aliases, birth date, and parents’ names if asked, to avoid mix-ups.
Bring documents. Old subpoenas, demand letters, or incident reports help staff locate records.
Mind court hours and attire. Courts keep office hours (usually weekdays). Dress appropriately.
Respect confidentiality. Sensitive cases have disclosure limits.
Keep a paper trail. Log who you spoke with, when, and what you were told.

Minimal templates you can adapt

1) Letter to the Clerk of Court (verification)

Re: Request for Case/Warrant Verification Date: ____

The Clerk of Court $Court Name, Branch, City/Province$

Dear Clerk of Court:

I am $Full Name$, born $DOB$, with address at $Address$. I respectfully request assistance in verifying whether there is any criminal case and/or warrant of arrest issued against me in your court.

If available, please provide the case number, offense charged, and the status of any warrant. I am attaching a copy of my government ID.

Thank you.

Very truly yours, $Signature over Printed Name$ $Mobile / Email$

2) Authorization Letter (for a representative)

Date: ____

I, $Full Name$, authorize $Representative’s Name$ to request and receive information and certified copies related to any criminal case and/or warrant of arrest involving me before $Court$, including verification of case status.

Attached are copies of our valid IDs.

$Signature over Printed Name$

3) Manifestation of Voluntary Surrender & Application for Bail (skeleton for counsel)

Accused’s Name, by counsel, respectfully submits that he/she is voluntarily surrendering before this Honorable Court in connection with Criminal Case No. ___ for $Offense$. In view thereof, and pursuant to Rule 114, the accused applies for bail in the amount recommended/allowable by law, and prays that the warrant be recalled upon approval of bail.

PRAYER: As above.

$Counsel’s Name, PTR/IBP details$

When you should talk to a lawyer—immediately

You strongly suspect a warrant exists;
The offense is serious (possible non-bailable);
You live or work far from the issuing court;
You’ve received a subpoena you missed; or
You plan to travel internationally and worry about being stopped.

Quick glossary

Complaint → Preliminary Investigation (Prosecutor) → Information filed in Court → Judge determines probable cause → Warrant of Arrest (unless summons is proper) → Arrest/Voluntary Surrender → Bail/Commitment.
Bench Warrant: court order for nonappearance/violation of conditions.
Alias Warrant: reissued warrant after failed service.

If you want, tell me the city/municipality and any known details (offense, date, parties). I can draft a targeted call script and a short list of specific courts and offices to contact, plus a checklist of documents to bring for that locality.