A Philippine Legal Article

In the Philippines, an NBI Clearance is commonly required for employment, travel, business licensing, immigration, government transactions, professional applications, and other official purposes. For persons who have previously been charged with a criminal case, placed on probation, or whose case has been dismissed, obtaining an NBI Clearance can be more complicated because the National Bureau of Investigation’s records may still show a “hit.”

A “hit” does not automatically mean that the applicant has a pending case or a criminal conviction. It may simply mean that the applicant has a name match, a previous record, a prior case entry, or a record that needs verification. However, if the applicant was previously charged, convicted, placed on probation, or had a case dismissed, the NBI may require supporting court documents before releasing the clearance.

This article explains the process, legal implications, documents usually required, and practical considerations for obtaining an NBI Clearance after probation or after the dismissal of a criminal case in the Philippine context.

I. What Is an NBI Clearance?

An NBI Clearance is a document issued by the National Bureau of Investigation stating whether the applicant has a criminal record or derogatory record based on the NBI’s database.

It is not the same as a police clearance, barangay clearance, court clearance, or prosecutor’s clearance. The NBI Clearance is national in scope, while local clearances usually cover only a particular city, municipality, barangay, or police jurisdiction.

An NBI Clearance may show:

No derogatory record, meaning there is no record found under the applicant’s name;
A name match or “hit,” meaning further verification is required;
A derogatory record, meaning the NBI found a record connected to the applicant, such as a pending criminal case, conviction, warrant, or other recorded criminal proceeding.

II. What Is an NBI “Hit”?

A “hit” happens when the NBI system finds a possible match involving the applicant’s name or identifying details. It can occur for several reasons:

The applicant has the same or similar name as another person with a record;
The applicant was previously charged in court;
The applicant had a criminal complaint before the prosecutor’s office;
The applicant had a case that was dismissed;
The applicant was convicted and later placed on probation;
The applicant has an outstanding warrant or pending case;
The NBI database has not yet been updated;
There is an old record that has not been cleared, annotated, or verified.

A “hit” is not equivalent to guilt. It is a signal that the NBI must verify the record before issuing the clearance.

III. Probation in Philippine Criminal Law

Probation is a remedy available to certain convicted offenders under Philippine law. It allows a qualified accused who has been convicted to serve the sentence outside prison, subject to conditions imposed by the court and supervision by a probation officer.

Probation is governed primarily by Presidential Decree No. 968, otherwise known as the Probation Law of 1976, as amended.

A person on probation has already been convicted by a court. Probation does not erase the conviction. Instead, it suspends the execution of the sentence, subject to compliance with probation conditions.

This distinction is important because a person who completed probation is not in the same legal position as a person whose case was dismissed before conviction.

IV. Dismissed Criminal Case vs. Probation: Key Difference

A dismissed criminal case generally means that the case did not result in a conviction. Depending on the circumstances, dismissal may occur at different stages:

At the prosecutor’s office, before the case reaches court;
At arraignment or pre-trial;
During trial because of insufficient evidence;
After demurrer to evidence;
Because the complainant desisted, where legally allowed;
Because of settlement in cases where settlement is legally relevant;
Because of violation of the accused’s right to speedy trial;
Because of death of the accused;
Because the court found no basis to proceed;
Because the prosecution failed to prove guilt beyond reasonable doubt.

Probation, on the other hand, presupposes a conviction. A person placed on probation was found guilty or pleaded guilty, and the court rendered a judgment of conviction. The person was then allowed to undergo probation instead of serving the sentence in jail.

Practical effect on NBI Clearance

For a dismissed case, the applicant usually needs to show proof of dismissal.

For a probation case, the applicant usually needs to show proof of the judgment, probation order, compliance, termination, or final discharge.

V. Can a Person Get NBI Clearance After Probation?

Yes. A person who was placed on probation may still apply for and obtain an NBI Clearance.

However, the clearance may not be released immediately if the NBI database reflects the prior criminal case or conviction. The applicant may be required to present documents proving the current status of the case, such as:

Court decision or judgment;
Probation order;
Order terminating probation;
Order of final discharge;
Certificate of completion of probation;
Court certification that there is no pending case;
Other documents required by the NBI Quality Control or Verification Section.

The exact wording on the clearance depends on the NBI’s verification and internal policy. In many cases, the applicant may still receive a clearance after presenting proof that the probation has been completed or the court has issued an order of final discharge.

VI. Can a Person Get NBI Clearance After a Dismissed Criminal Case?

Yes. A person whose criminal case has been dismissed may apply for and obtain an NBI Clearance.

However, because the prior case may still appear in NBI records, the applicant may receive a “hit” and may be asked to submit court documents proving that the case was dismissed.

Commonly required documents include:

Certified true copy of the court order dismissing the case;
Entry of judgment, if applicable;
Certificate of finality, if applicable;
Court clearance from the court that handled the case;
Prosecutor’s resolution, if the complaint was dismissed at the prosecutor level;
Certification from the prosecutor’s office that no information was filed in court, if applicable;
Identification documents.

If the case was dismissed long ago, the applicant may need to request archived court records from the branch that handled the case or from the Office of the Clerk of Court.

VII. Why Does a Dismissed Case Still Appear in NBI Records?

A common misconception is that once a criminal case is dismissed, all records automatically disappear from government databases. This is usually not the case.

A dismissed case may still appear because:

The court did not automatically transmit the dismissal order to the NBI;
The NBI database still contains the original criminal record entry;
The record has not been updated or annotated;
The applicant has not submitted the dismissal order to the NBI;
The case was filed under the same name and identifying details;
The system still requires manual verification;
Records from law enforcement, prosecution, and court systems are not always automatically synchronized.

Dismissal of a criminal case does not always mean automatic deletion of records. Often, the person must present the dismissal order to prove that the case is no longer pending.

VIII. What Documents Are Needed After Probation?

For a person who was placed on probation, the following documents may be useful when applying for NBI Clearance:

1. Valid Government ID

The applicant must present acceptable identification, such as:

Philippine passport;
Driver’s license;
UMID;
SSS ID;
GSIS ID;
PhilHealth ID;
Postal ID;
PRC ID;
Voter’s ID or voter certification;
National ID, where accepted;
Other government-issued ID accepted by the NBI.

2. NBI Clearance Application Reference Number

The applicant must complete the online NBI Clearance application and secure a reference number before going to the selected NBI branch.

3. Court Decision or Judgment

This shows the nature of the conviction and the sentence imposed.

4. Probation Order

This shows that the court granted probation.

5. Order Terminating Probation

This shows that the probation period has ended.

6. Final Discharge Order

A final discharge order is particularly important. Under probation law, after the probationer has fulfilled the terms and conditions of probation, the court may issue an order finally discharging the probationer.

7. Certification from the Probation Office

A probation office certification may show that the probationer complied with the conditions of probation and completed supervision.

8. Court Clearance

A court clearance from the branch that handled the case may help prove that there is no pending incident or active case in that court.

IX. What Documents Are Needed After a Dismissed Criminal Case?

For a dismissed case, the applicant should prepare documents proving the dismissal and final status of the case.

1. Certified True Copy of the Dismissal Order

This is the most important document. It should come from the court branch that handled the case.

2. Certificate of Finality

This proves that the dismissal order has become final and executory, where applicable.

3. Entry of Judgment

In some cases, especially where the case was appealed or resolved with finality, an entry of judgment may be required.

4. Court Clearance

This may be requested from the court branch or Office of the Clerk of Court.

5. Prosecutor’s Resolution

If the criminal complaint was dismissed at the preliminary investigation stage, the prosecutor’s resolution may be useful.

6. Certification That No Information Was Filed

If the complaint was dismissed before reaching court, the applicant may request a certification from the prosecutor’s office stating that no criminal information was filed in court.

7. Affidavit of Desistance

If relevant, this may explain why the complainant no longer pursued the complaint. However, an affidavit of desistance alone is usually not enough. The controlling document is the prosecutor’s resolution or court order dismissing the case.

X. Step-by-Step Process: Getting NBI Clearance After Probation or Dismissal

Step 1: Create or Access an NBI Clearance Online Account

Applicants generally begin through the NBI Clearance online system. The applicant must create an account or log in to an existing account.

The applicant should ensure that the following details are accurate:

Full name;
Date of birth;
Place of birth;
Civil status;
Address;
Contact details;
Valid ID information.

Errors in personal details may cause delays or additional verification.

Step 2: Choose the Purpose of the Clearance

The applicant must select the purpose of the clearance, such as local employment, travel abroad, visa application, or other official use.

The selected purpose may affect the form or category of the clearance.

Step 3: Set an Appointment

The applicant must choose an NBI branch, appointment date, and time.

Persons with prior cases should consider selecting a main or larger NBI clearance center if possible, because these offices may be more familiar with verification procedures.

Step 4: Pay the Clearance Fee

The NBI system will generate a reference number. The applicant must pay the required fee through an authorized payment channel.

The applicant should keep proof of payment.

Step 5: Appear at the NBI Branch

On the appointment date, the applicant should bring:

Valid ID;
Reference number;
Proof of payment;
Court or probation documents;
Photocopies of supporting documents.

Biometrics, photo capture, and data verification will be conducted.

Step 6: Wait for Verification if There Is a “Hit”

If the system detects a “hit,” the NBI may require a waiting period or further verification.

If the hit is related to a dismissed case or probation, the applicant may be directed to the Quality Control or Verification Section.

Step 7: Submit Supporting Documents

The applicant should present certified true copies of the relevant court or prosecutor documents.

For dismissed cases, the most important document is the dismissal order.

For probation cases, the most important documents are the probation order, termination order, and final discharge order.

Step 8: Follow Up if Necessary

The NBI may need time to verify the documents with the issuing court or agency.

The applicant should keep copies of all documents submitted and note the name of the office or personnel who received them.

Step 9: Claim the Clearance

Once verification is completed, the applicant may be allowed to claim the NBI Clearance.

XI. What Is the Effect of Final Discharge from Probation?

Under the Probation Law, after the probationer has fulfilled the conditions of probation, the court may order the final discharge of the probationer.

Final discharge generally has favorable legal consequences. It restores certain civil rights suspended or lost because of conviction, subject to the limitations of law. However, it does not necessarily mean that all records of the case disappear from all government databases.

For NBI Clearance purposes, the final discharge order is critical because it proves that the applicant has completed probation and that the court has formally discharged the applicant from probation supervision.

XII. Does Probation Erase the Criminal Record?

No. Probation does not automatically erase the fact of conviction.

Probation is not the same as acquittal. It is not the same as expungement. Philippine law does not have a general expungement system equivalent to some foreign jurisdictions.

The conviction may still appear in court records and law enforcement records. However, successful completion of probation and final discharge may improve the applicant’s position when explaining the case to employers, licensing bodies, immigration authorities, or government agencies.

XIII. Does Dismissal Erase the Criminal Record?

Not automatically.

A dismissal means that the case has been terminated without a conviction, but the record of the filing may still exist in:

Court records;
Prosecutor’s office records;
Police records;
NBI records;
Barangay blotters, where applicable;
Law enforcement databases.

For NBI purposes, the applicant may need to present the dismissal order before the NBI updates or clears the record.

XIV. What If the Case Was Dismissed at the Prosecutor’s Office?

If the complaint was dismissed during preliminary investigation and no information was filed in court, the applicant should obtain:

A certified copy of the prosecutor’s resolution dismissing the complaint;
A certification that no criminal information was filed in court, if available;
A certification from the prosecutor’s office or Office of the City/Provincial Prosecutor;
Any related clearance requested by the NBI.

If the NBI record came from a police blotter or law enforcement referral, additional documents may be required.

XV. What If the Case Was Dismissed in Court?

If the case reached court, the applicant should obtain documents from the court branch that handled the case.

Important documents include:

Certified true copy of the order of dismissal;
Certificate of finality;
Entry of judgment, if applicable;
Court clearance;
Docket information, if needed.

The applicant should go to the court branch where the criminal case was filed. If the case has been archived or the branch has been reorganized, the applicant may need to coordinate with the Office of the Clerk of Court.

XVI. What If the Applicant Was Acquitted?

Acquittal means the accused was found not guilty after trial. For NBI purposes, the applicant should secure:

Certified true copy of the decision of acquittal;
Certificate of finality;
Entry of judgment, if applicable;
Court clearance.

An acquittal is stronger than a dismissal in the sense that there has been a judicial determination that the prosecution failed to prove guilt beyond reasonable doubt. However, like dismissal, acquittal does not always automatically remove the database entry. The applicant may still need to present court documents to the NBI.

XVII. What If the Applicant Has a Pending Case?

If the criminal case is still pending, the NBI may reflect that status. The applicant may still be able to obtain a clearance, but the record may be subject to verification or notation depending on NBI policy and the nature of the record.

A pending case is different from a dismissed case or completed probation. If the case is pending, the applicant should be careful not to represent that the matter has been cleared, dismissed, or resolved.

Documents that may be requested include:

Court certification of status;
Copy of the information;
Latest court order;
Certificate of arraignment or pre-trial status;
Proof that there is no warrant of arrest, if applicable.

XVIII. What If There Is an Outstanding Warrant?

If the NBI verification reveals an outstanding warrant of arrest, the applicant may face serious legal consequences. The NBI may coordinate with law enforcement authorities.

A person who suspects that a warrant exists should verify the matter through the court that allegedly issued the warrant and consult counsel. It is risky to ignore a warrant or assume that an old case has been dismissed without documentary proof.

XIX. What If the NBI Record Is Wrong?

Sometimes, an applicant receives a hit because of mistaken identity or a wrong record.

This can happen when:

Another person has the same name;
The record has incorrect birthdate details;
The applicant’s name was incorrectly encoded;
The applicant’s case was confused with another person’s case;
The applicant was never involved in the case appearing in the system.

In that situation, the applicant may need to undergo identity verification and submit documents such as:

Birth certificate;
Valid IDs;
Affidavit of denial;
Court certification that the applicant is not the accused in the case;
Barangay certification;
Other proof of identity.

If the mistaken record is tied to a court case, the applicant may need a certification from the court stating that the applicant is not the person charged in that case.

XX. How to Request Court Documents

To obtain documents from the court, the applicant may do the following:

Identify the exact court that handled the case;
Prepare the case title and docket number;
Go to the branch clerk of court;
Request certified true copies of the relevant orders or decision;
Pay the required certification and copying fees;
Request a certificate of finality or court clearance if needed;
Keep multiple certified copies for NBI, employment, immigration, or licensing use.

Helpful details to bring:

Full name of the accused;
Case number;
Name of complainant;
Offense charged;
Approximate year filed;
Court branch;
City or province where the case was filed;
Copies of old subpoenas, orders, receipts, or legal documents.

XXI. What If the Applicant No Longer Knows the Case Number?

If the applicant does not remember the case number, the applicant may still search for the records by providing:

Full name;
Approximate year of the case;
Offense charged;
Name of complainant;
Court location;
Prosecutor’s office location;
Police station involved;
Any previous NBI hit information.

The Office of the Clerk of Court may help locate the case using the name of the accused. However, old records may take time to retrieve, especially if archived.

XXII. What If the Court Records Are Missing or Archived?

Older cases may have been archived, transferred, damaged, or difficult to retrieve. If the court cannot immediately produce the records, the applicant may ask what alternative certification can be issued.

Possible alternatives include:

Certification that the records are archived;
Certification of case status based on docket books;
Certification that no pending case exists in that court;
Certification from the Office of the Clerk of Court;
Copy of available docket entries;
Certified photocopies from microfilm or archived files, if available.

The NBI may or may not accept alternative documents depending on the record involved.

XXIII. What If the Case Was Settled?

Settlement does not automatically erase a criminal case.

In some cases, settlement may result in dismissal, especially for offenses that allow compromise, affidavits of desistance, or civil settlement. However, the controlling document is not the private settlement agreement. The controlling document is the prosecutor’s resolution or court order dismissing the complaint or case.

For NBI purposes, the applicant should present:

Court order of dismissal; or
Prosecutor’s resolution dismissing the complaint; and
Certificate of finality, if applicable.

A private settlement agreement alone is usually insufficient.

XXIV. What If the Case Was Covered by Barangay Conciliation?

Certain disputes must first pass through barangay conciliation under the Katarungang Pambarangay system before going to court, depending on the parties and nature of the offense.

If the matter was resolved at the barangay level and no criminal case was filed in court or prosecutor’s office, it may not appear in NBI records. However, if the incident was reported to the police or prosecutor, it might still create a record.

Useful documents may include:

Barangay certification of settlement;
Kasunduan or amicable settlement;
Certification to file action, if issued;
Police certification;
Prosecutor’s certification that no case was filed.

XXV. What If the Applicant Was a Minor at the Time?

If the person was a child in conflict with the law, special rules under juvenile justice laws may apply. Records involving minors are generally treated with greater confidentiality.

The applicant may need to obtain documents from the court, social welfare office, or other relevant authority showing the status and disposition of the case.

Because juvenile records are sensitive, disclosure and access may be restricted.

XXVI. Can the NBI Clearance Be Used to Prove Innocence?

An NBI Clearance is not a court decision. It does not prove innocence in the same way an acquittal or dismissal order does.

Likewise, a “hit” does not prove guilt.

The best proof of the legal status of a case is the official court or prosecutor document:

Dismissal order;
Decision of acquittal;
Probation discharge order;
Certificate of finality;
Court clearance;
Prosecutor’s resolution.

The NBI Clearance is an administrative document based on NBI records.

XXVII. Can an Employer Reject an Applicant Because of a Prior Case?

Employment consequences depend on the employer, the nature of the job, the nature of the case, the status of the case, and applicable labor, constitutional, and anti-discrimination principles.

A dismissed case should not be treated the same as a conviction. A person whose case was dismissed has not been found guilty.

For a person who completed probation, there was a conviction, but the person may explain that the sentence was served through probation and that the court issued a final discharge.

Employers handling criminal record information should also consider privacy and data protection obligations, including lawful purpose, proportionality, and relevance.

XXVIII. Data Privacy Considerations

Criminal record information is sensitive personal information under Philippine data privacy principles. Employers, agencies, and private entities collecting an NBI Clearance should have a legitimate purpose and should process the information lawfully, fairly, and proportionately.

Applicants should avoid giving unnecessary copies of court records unless required. When submitting documents, it is wise to keep a record of what was submitted, to whom, and for what purpose.

XXIX. Can the Applicant Request the NBI to Update the Record?

Yes. If the NBI record is outdated, the applicant may request that the record be updated or annotated by submitting certified court or prosecutor documents.

The applicant should bring:

Certified true copy of dismissal, acquittal, termination, or discharge order;
Certificate of finality, if available;
Valid IDs;
NBI application reference number;
Previous NBI Clearance, if any;
Other documents requested by the NBI.

The NBI may verify directly with the court or prosecutor’s office before updating the record.

XXX. Is There Expungement in the Philippines?

The Philippines does not have a broad, automatic expungement system like those found in some other jurisdictions. A dismissed case, acquittal, or completed probation does not necessarily delete all traces of the case from government records.

However, there may be specific legal remedies depending on the circumstances, such as:

Correction of erroneous records;
Annotation of dismissal or acquittal;
Court certification;
Privacy-based requests where legally justified;
Remedies for mistaken identity;
Sealing or confidentiality protections in special cases, such as cases involving minors.

The proper remedy depends on the record, the agency holding it, and the legal basis for correction or restricted access.

XXXI. Common Problems and Practical Solutions

Problem 1: The NBI says there is a hit, but the applicant does not know why.

The applicant should ask what type of record triggered the hit and whether supporting documents are required. If the hit involves a court case, the applicant should identify the court, case number, and offense.

Problem 2: The case was dismissed years ago, but the NBI still shows a record.

The applicant should obtain certified court documents and submit them to the NBI for verification.

Problem 3: The applicant completed probation but still gets delayed.

The applicant should bring the probation order, termination order, final discharge order, and probation office certification.

Problem 4: The court cannot find the records.

The applicant should request a certification from the court or Office of the Clerk of Court regarding the status of the record, archive status, or non-pendency of the case.

Problem 5: The applicant has the same name as another accused.

The applicant may need to submit proof of identity and obtain a court certification that the applicant is not the accused in the case.

Problem 6: The applicant only has an affidavit of desistance.

An affidavit of desistance is usually not enough. The applicant should secure the prosecutor’s resolution or court order dismissing the case.

Problem 7: The case was settled privately.

The applicant should obtain the official dismissal order or prosecutor’s resolution. Private settlement alone does not clear the NBI record.

XXXII. Checklist for Applicants After Dismissal

Before going to the NBI, prepare:

Valid government ID;
NBI reference number;
Proof of payment;
Certified true copy of dismissal order;
Certificate of finality, if available;
Entry of judgment, if applicable;
Court clearance;
Prosecutor’s resolution, if dismissal occurred at prosecutor level;
Certification that no information was filed, if applicable;
Photocopies of all documents.

XXXIII. Checklist for Applicants After Probation

Before going to the NBI, prepare:

Valid government ID;
NBI reference number;
Proof of payment;
Certified true copy of judgment or decision;
Probation order;
Probation conditions;
Certificate of completion from probation office;
Order terminating probation;
Final discharge order;
Court clearance;
Photocopies of all documents.

XXXIV. Important Legal Distinctions

Dismissal

A dismissal ends the case without conviction, unless otherwise stated. The applicant should prove dismissal through a court order or prosecutor’s resolution.

Acquittal

An acquittal is a judgment that the prosecution failed to prove guilt beyond reasonable doubt. The applicant should present the decision and certificate of finality.

Probation

Probation follows conviction. It allows the offender to avoid imprisonment under court supervision, subject to conditions.

Final Discharge

Final discharge after probation shows that the probationer complied with the conditions and has been released from probation supervision.

Pending Case

A pending case means the court proceedings are still ongoing. It is not the same as dismissal, acquittal, or completed probation.

Warrant

An outstanding warrant is serious and should be addressed immediately through the issuing court and counsel.

XXXV. Frequently Asked Questions

1. Will I automatically be denied NBI Clearance if I was on probation?

No. Prior probation does not automatically prevent issuance of NBI Clearance. However, the NBI may require verification and supporting court documents.

2. Will my dismissed case still appear?

It may. A dismissed case can still trigger a hit if the database has not been updated or if the NBI needs to verify the dismissal.

3. What is the most important document after dismissal?

The certified true copy of the court order dismissing the case is usually the most important document.

4. What is the most important document after probation?

The final discharge order or order terminating probation is usually the most important document.

5. Is an affidavit of desistance enough?

Usually, no. The applicant should present the prosecutor’s resolution or court order dismissing the case.

6. Can I apply even if I have a hit?

Yes. A hit means verification is needed. It does not automatically mean denial.

7. Can I remove the record from the NBI?

The applicant may request updating, correction, or annotation by submitting official documents. Complete deletion is not automatic and depends on law, policy, and the nature of the record.

8. Do I need a lawyer?

A lawyer is not always required to apply for NBI Clearance. However, legal assistance is useful if there is a pending case, warrant, missing court records, mistaken identity, or uncertainty about the legal effect of the case.

9. Can I use court clearance instead of NBI Clearance?

Usually, no. If an institution specifically requires NBI Clearance, court clearance is only a supporting document, not a substitute.

10. Can I say I have no criminal record if my case was dismissed?

A dismissed case is not a conviction. However, when asked about prior arrests, charges, cases, or convictions, the applicant should answer carefully based on the exact wording of the question.

XXXVI. Practical Tips

Always get certified true copies, not just photocopies.
Secure more than one copy of important court documents.
Bring both originals and photocopies to the NBI.
Keep the NBI reference number and payment receipt.
Ask the court for a certificate of finality where appropriate.
Ask the probation office for proof of completion if the case involved probation.
Do not rely on verbal assurances that a case was dismissed.
Do not assume that a dismissed case has disappeared from the NBI database.
If the issue is mistaken identity, gather strong identification documents.
If a warrant is involved, address it through the issuing court.

XXXVII. Sample Explanation for NBI Verification

An applicant may explain the situation simply and factually:

“I previously had a criminal case under [case number] before [court branch]. The case was dismissed on [date]. I have brought a certified true copy of the dismissal order and certificate of finality for verification.”

For probation:

“I was previously granted probation in [case number] before [court branch]. I have completed the probation period, and the court issued an order terminating probation/finally discharging me on [date]. I have brought certified true copies for verification.”

The applicant should avoid exaggeration, argument, or unnecessary details. The NBI’s concern is usually documentary verification.

XXXVIII. Sample Document Request to Court

Subject: Request for Certified True Copies of Court Records

To the Branch Clerk of Court:

I respectfully request certified true copies of the following documents in Criminal Case No. ________, entitled People of the Philippines v. __________________:

Order/Decision dated ____________;
Certificate of Finality, if available;
Entry of Judgment, if applicable;
Court Clearance or Certification of Case Status.

The documents will be used for NBI Clearance verification.

Respectfully,

Name Contact Number Date

XXXIX. Summary

A person may obtain NBI Clearance after probation or after a dismissed criminal case, but the process may require additional verification. The key is documentation.

For a dismissed case, the applicant should secure the dismissal order, certificate of finality, and court clearance. For a probation case, the applicant should secure the judgment, probation order, termination order, final discharge order, and probation office certification.

A “hit” is not the same as guilt. It simply means the NBI must verify a possible record. A dismissed case, acquittal, or completed probation should be proven through certified court or prosecutor documents. Probation does not erase a conviction, and dismissal does not automatically delete records from all databases. The applicant’s best protection is to obtain official documents, keep certified copies, and present them clearly during NBI verification.