In the Philippine immigration system, a "hit" occurs when a traveler’s name matches an entry in the Bureau of Immigration (BI) derogatory database. This database includes individuals on the Blacklist (BL), Watchlist (WLO), or those issued a Hold Departure Order (HDO). Due to the prevalence of common surnames and given names, innocent travelers often face delays or off-boarding because they share a name with a person of interest.

The Not the Same Person (NTSP) Certification is the official legal document issued by the Bureau of Immigration to certify that the applicant is not the same individual listed in the derogatory records.

Who Needs an NTSP Certification?

Any individual, whether a Filipino citizen or a foreign national, who has been previously flagged by Immigration Officers at a port of entry or exit due to a "hit" should apply for this certification. It serves as a preemptive clearance to ensure smooth travel in the future.

Documentary Requirements

To apply for an NTSP Certification, the applicant must submit the following documents to the BI Main Office in Intramuros, Manila:

Letter of Request: A formal letter addressed to the Commissioner of Immigration requesting the issuance of an NTSP Certification.
Affidavit of Denial: A notarized document where the applicant formally declares under oath that they are not the person mentioned in the BI derogatory record.
National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Clearance: A recently issued "Multi-Purpose" NBI clearance.
Passport Copy: A photocopy of the biographical page and the page showing the latest arrival or departure stamp.
PSA Birth Certificate: For Filipino citizens, a copy issued by the Philippine Statistics Authority.
Marriage Certificate: (If applicable) Specifically for married women who have changed their surnames.
Photographs: Usually two (2) recent 2x2 colored pictures with a white background.
Special Power of Attorney (SPA): If the application is filed by a representative, a notarized SPA is required.

The Application Process

The procedure for obtaining the certification generally follows these steps:

1. Filing and Assessment

The applicant or their authorized representative submits the complete folder of requirements to the Verification and Compliance Division (VCD) or the designated window at the BI Main Office. An officer will review the documents for completeness.

2. Payment of Fees

Once the application is assessed, a Payment Slip will be issued. The applicant must pay the corresponding fees at the BI Cashier. These fees typically include:

Certification Fee
Legal Research Fee
Express Fee (if applicable)

3. Verification and Clearance

The Bureau will conduct an internal verification against their database. This process involves checking the details of the "hit" (such as birthdate, birthplace, or middle name) against the applicant's civil documents to confirm that they are distinct individuals.

4. Approval and Issuance

If the verification confirms the applicant is not the person on the derogatory list, the NTSP Certification is drafted, signed by the authorized official, and issued to the applicant.

Legal Significance and Validity

The NTSP Certification is a vital travel document for those with common names. However, it is important to note:

Non-Permanence: An NTSP Certification does not "delete" the hit from the system. The hit remains because a person with that name is indeed blacklisted. The certification simply serves as proof that this specific person is cleared.
Presentation at Airports: When traveling, the holder should always carry the original or a certified true copy of the NTSP Certification to present to the Immigration Officer if a hit occurs during processing.
Validity Period: While many NTSP certificates do not have a strict expiration date, the Bureau may require a renewal if the traveler’s circumstances change or if a significant amount of time has passed since issuance (typically every 6 months to 1 year is recommended for certain visa categories).

Common Challenges

Common Names: If an applicant has a name like "Jose Rizal" or "Maria Santos," they may encounter multiple hits, requiring a more thorough verification of their middle name and birthdate.
Active Court Cases: If the hit is due to an active court case (HDO), the applicant cannot get an NTSP; they must instead secure a Lift Order or a Certificate of Finality from the court that issued the order.

By securing an NTSP Certification, travelers can avoid the stress of secondary inspections and ensure that their right to travel is protected despite administrative name matches.