The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) in the MIMAROPA region has announced it will dramatically reduce processing times for criminal clearance certificates, cutting standard wait times to just five minutes.

In a press briefing, NBI Regional Director Gelacio Bongngat said the agency has streamlined its procedures to process clearance requests “in less than a minute,” with documents ready for release shortly after.

For cases requiring additional verification due to name matches on criminal records, the waiting period will be reduced to two days from the previous five to seven days, Bongngat told a Philippine News Agency media forum.

The agency is implementing an online application system to expedite the process.

Applicants can either register at NBI offices or use a mobile application to submit their requests.

“We’re expanding our reach to serve residents better,” Bongngat said, announcing plans for new satellite offices in Marinduque, Romblon, and Occidental Mindoro provinces.

The criminal clearance certificate, which costs P135 pesos, is required for passport applications, visa processing, and employment purposes, particularly for overseas work.

Bongngat warned against using unauthorized intermediaries, emphasizing that the streamlined process makes such services unnecessary.

Applicants with previous court cases must provide judicial certification of case dismissal to obtain clearance.