I. Introduction

The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Clearance is a vital government-issued document in the Philippines used for employment, travel, visa applications, business transactions, and other legal purposes. With the digitization of the NBI Clearance Online System, individuals are required to register and verify their accounts using a valid mobile number. However, many Filipinos face challenges renewing their NBI Clearance after losing access to their old phone number.

This article provides an in-depth legal and procedural discussion on how to renew an NBI Clearance without the old registered number, grounded in the relevant Philippine data privacy and identification laws.

II. Legal Basis and Policy Framework

A. Republic Act No. 10867 (NBI Reorganization and Modernization Act)

This law empowers the NBI to maintain a centralized criminal records database and implement an electronic clearance system. The online renewal process, including verification through a mobile number, stems from this authority.

B. Republic Act No. 10173 (Data Privacy Act of 2012)

The NBI, as a personal information controller, must protect users’ data, including phone numbers, and allow for updates or corrections under Section 16(c) of the Act. Thus, users have the right to request modification or updating of their registered contact information if they no longer have access to their old number.

C. Implementing Rules and Internal Procedures

The NBI adheres to internal policies aligned with government digital identity verification standards, including one-time passwords (OTPs) and identity proofing for user account recovery.

III. Common Scenario: Lost or Deactivated Mobile Number

If your old phone number is lost, deactivated, or inaccessible, the OTP required for renewal cannot be received. Because of this, your previous NBI account cannot be automatically verified or accessed. However, several lawful and recognized remedies are available.

IV. Step-by-Step Guide to Renewal Without Old Number

Step 1: Check Whether You Still Have Your Old NBI Clearance

Locate your previous NBI Clearance document, if available. Note the NBI ID Number printed on it, as this may be used for cross-referencing during manual renewal or identity verification.

Step 2: Create a New NBI Account

If access to the old number is impossible, the practical solution is to register a new NBI account through the NBI Clearance Online portal.

Use your current, active phone number and a valid email address.
When asked, select “NO” when the system asks if you have a previous NBI clearance.
Re-enter your personal details accurately as they appear in your previous clearance.

Note: Creating a new account is legally permissible as long as the information matches your government-issued identification. Duplicate records are automatically reconciled during biometric verification.

Step 3: Schedule an Appointment and Payment

Proceed with the normal online application flow:

Choose an NBI branch and appointment date.
Select a payment option (GCash, Maya, 7-Eleven, or bank over-the-counter).
Keep the reference number and payment receipt.

Step 4: Biometric Verification at the NBI Office

During your personal appearance, inform the NBI personnel that you lost access to your old number and created a new account.

Bring at least two (2) valid government-issued IDs.
Present your old NBI Clearance, if available, to help link your records.
The NBI’s biometric system will detect any matching fingerprints from previous records and consolidate them under your new account.

This ensures continuity of your record without duplication or violation of data privacy provisions.

Step 5: Claim or Download the Clearance

Once your renewal is processed and cleared, you can either:

Download the digital clearance through your new account, or
Claim the printed copy at the branch, if physical release was chosen.

V. Alternative Remedies

If system verification fails or discrepancies arise:

Submit a written request at the NBI Main Clearance Center (UN Avenue, Manila) to update your contact information.
Present valid identification and a sworn affidavit of loss explaining why you no longer have access to your old number.
The NBI may allow manual updating or merging of your records under your new contact information.

VI. Legal Considerations

Data Integrity: Under Section 11 of the Data Privacy Act, personal data must remain accurate and up-to-date. The NBI’s process of allowing account re-registration complies with this requirement.
Identity Verification: Only the original data subject (the applicant) may request record updates. Representation requires a Special Power of Attorney (SPA).
Fraud Prevention: Multiple NBI records using different credentials may trigger system flags. Therefore, accuracy and consistency in personal details are crucial.

VII. Key Takeaways

Losing your old phone number does not prevent you from renewing your NBI Clearance.
You may create a new online account and undergo biometric re-verification to link your previous records.
Bring valid IDs and, if possible, your old clearance to facilitate matching.
For complex cases, direct assistance from the NBI Main Office or an official email inquiry is the proper recourse.

VIII. Conclusion

Renewing an NBI Clearance without access to your old mobile number is a common issue addressed within the Philippine legal and administrative framework. Through lawful re-registration, biometric verification, and compliance with data protection standards, applicants can successfully renew their clearance without violating the integrity of the NBI database.

The key principle is identity continuity, not phone number continuity — the law and procedure ensure that every Filipino can maintain a legitimate and verifiable clearance record regardless of changes in contact information.