NBI Clearance “HIT” Interview in the Philippines: A Complete Legal Guide
1. Overview of NBI Clearance
The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Clearance is an official certificate stating whether a person is “No Record on File” (clear) or has a “HIT.” It is routinely required for employment (local or overseas), passport issuance, firearm licensing, adoption, corporate directorships, and many visa applications.
2. What “HIT” Means
A HIT appears when the NBI database finds a name-similarity or an exact match with:
- Pending Criminal Case (information/complaint already filed in court);
- Warrant of Arrest (from courts nationwide);
- Derogatory Record from other law-enforcement agencies (e.g., PNP, BI, PDEA); or
- Watch-List / Hold-Departure Order.
Important: A HIT does not automatically mean guilt. It simply triggers a verification procedure to ensure the clearance is not issued to the wrong person.
3. Legal Basis
| Provision | Key Points |
|---|---|
| R.A. 10867 (NBI Reorganization & Modernization Act, 2016) | Empowers the NBI to maintain criminal history databases and issue clearances. |
| NBI Administrative Order No. 002-2023 (internal) | Sets digital workflows, including HIT verification and interview. |
| Rule 131, Rules on Evidence | Presumption of regularity in official acts—NBI may presume accuracy of its database unless rebutted. |
| Data Privacy Act (R.A. 10173) | Requires NBI to protect personal data gathered during HIT processing and interviews. |
4. Flowchart of a HIT Case
Online Application & Payment
Biometric Capture / Photo — Applicant learns of the HIT on the screen or at the counter.
Issuance of 15-Day Claim Stub—Initial waiting period for database cross-matching.
SMS / E-mail Notice—Either:
- “CLEAR” (no need to appear), or
- “APPEAR FOR INTERVIEW” (the HIT Interview).
HIT Interview & Evaluation
Resolution—Clearance released or placed on Hold / Denied.
Appeal / Motion for Reconsideration (if denied).
5. Scheduling the HIT Interview
| Scenario | How to Schedule |
|---|---|
| Metro Manila | Log back in to the NBI Clearance Online portal → “Verification Appointment” → Choose NBI UN Taft Clearance Center (or any indicated branch) → Pick date/time. |
| Provincial | Call or visit the branch indicated on the SMS. Most branches allot a daily 8-slot queue. |
| Walk-in (Urgent) | Proceed to NBI Main (Taft Ave.) Verification Section before 10 a.m.; secure a Queue Number Slip at the Public Assistance Desk. |
Failure to appear within 30 days results in automatic archiving; the applicant must re-apply and pay anew.
6. Documentary Requirements at the Interview
Government-issued ID (the same ID used in the online application).
Claim Stub or Application Reference Number (ARN).
Affidavit of Denial or Affidavit of Identity (notarized).
Supporting Proof of Identity (birth certificate, company ID, school records, barangay clearance).
Court Documents (if the applicant was ever a party to a case):
- Certificate of Finality / Dismissal;
- Certificate of No Criminal Record; or
- Copy of Information & Commitment Order (if still pending).
Special Power of Attorney (if appearing through a representative—rarely allowed and only for OFWs abroad).
7. The Interview Proper
| Stage | Purpose | Typical Questions |
|---|---|---|
| Identity Verification | Confirm biometric match. | Full name variants, parents’ names, birthplace, residence history. |
| Record Clarification | Determine if the HIT truly belongs to the applicant. | “Have you been arrested?” “Were you ever charged before?” “Do you know X complainant?” |
| Document Evaluation | Authenticate court clearances or dismissals. | Officer checks docket numbers against eCourt / PNP e-Routers. |
| Sworn Statement | Applicant signs Affidavit of Explanation if needed. | “Explain why you share a name with John Doe y Santos.” |
| Final Disposition | Recommending approval, denial, or further validation. | None; applicant receives a slip with release date or additional instructions. |
Interviews are audio-video recorded under NBI AO 002-2023; data is retained for five (5) years pursuant to the NBI Data Privacy Manual.
8. Possible Outcomes
Cleared (Released)
- Clearance printed within 24 – 48 hours.
On-Hold (For Further Verification)
- Additional 5- to 30-day check with other agencies.
Denied / Forwarded to Legal Division
- Occurs when an active warrant or unresolved case matches both name and biometrics.
- Applicant is furnished a Referral Letter to the issuing court/prosecutor.
9. Remedies If Denied
| Remedy | Authority | Timeline |
|---|---|---|
| Motion for Reconsideration (MR) | NBI Clearance Chief | Within 10 days of denial. |
| Appeal to Deputy Director for Forensic & Scientific Research | NBI Headquarters | Within 15 days of MR denial. |
| Petition for Mandamus (Rule 65, Rules of Court) | Regional Trial Court (RTC) | Within 60 days, if NBI acts with grave abuse or unlawful refusal. |
| Data Privacy Complaint | National Privacy Commission | Within 1 year from cause of action. |
10. Frequently Asked Questions
| Question | Short Answer |
|---|---|
| Will paying pending fines clear my HIT instantly? | Only if the court issues a Release Order and uploads it to eCourt; present the official receipt & release. |
| Can I expedite? | There is no official “express lane” for HIT. Offers of “fixing” are criminal acts (Anti-Graft & Corrupt Practices Act). |
| Does a dismissed case stay forever? | Once verified, NBI tags the record “for purging” and you will no longer get a HIT for that particular docket number. |
| I used a married name; maiden name got the HIT. What do I do? | Bring your PSA-issued marriage certificate to prove change of name. |
| OFW abroad with HIT—must I fly home? | A duly-authorized attorney-in-fact may appear, but final printing of clearance often waits until the principal’s personal biometrics are re-captured. |
11. Best Practices & Tips
- Use Full Middle Name in online application to lessen name collisions.
- Keep Certified True Copies of past case dismissals; courts usually charge ₱100 per certification—cheaper than last-minute retrieval.
- Arrive Early—Verification Sections close intake by 2 p.m. in most branches.
- Dress Decently—Officers may refuse interviewees wearing slippers, sando, or shorts.
- Respect Data Privacy—Never post your actual NBI Clearance online; the QR code exposes your reference number.
12. COVID- and Post-Pandemic Adjustments (2020-2025)
- E-Appointment Only in Metro Manila; no more “first-come-first-served” walk-ins except humanitarian cases.
- Virtual Verification Pilot (started Q2 2024)—OFW applicants may attend interview via MS Teams; still in limited rollout.
- Digital Court Feed integration expanded nationwide by February 2025, reducing false-positive HITs by 18 %.
13. Penalties for Misrepresentation
| Act | Governing Law | Penalty |
|---|---|---|
| Falsifying Affidavit / Documents | Art. 171, Revised Penal Code | Prisión correccional & fine. |
| Bribery of NBI Personnel | Sec. 3(e), R.A. 3019 | 6-15 years & perpetual disqualification. |
| Unauthorized Disclosure of HIT Data | Sec. 72, R.A. 10173 | 3-6 years & ₱1 M-₱5 M fine. |
14. Conclusion
The HIT Interview is a safeguard, not a stigma. By preparing proper documents, respecting schedules, and understanding one’s legal rights, applicants can navigate the process smoothly. Should complications arise—especially a denied clearance—a clear trail of remedies exists, from internal reconsideration up to judicial relief.
Disclaimer: This article is for general informational purposes and does not constitute legal advice. For specific concerns, consult a Philippine lawyer or approach the NBI Legal Division.