WHAT IS THE EXACT PURPOSE OF ONLINE RENEWAL PROCESS?
I needed my NBI Clearance renewed. So I went online, set an appointment, set up a pick up point, and paid at a Bayad Center.
January 5, 2018 at noon [appointment time], I went to the appointed pick up site at the NBI Outlet, SM Center, Las Pinas; expecting to just pick up my renewal. Lo and behold, it was packed! To my surprise, all 3 attendants at the door, told me to get a number and get in line for the bio metrics and photo.
I was taken aback as to why this had to be done all over again. I have explained to all three that I have done that previously and this is just a renewal of my clearance. Yet, they insisted that I fall in line and repeat the process over again despite my presentation of my ID's and NBI Clearance forms.
There are two types of citizens going to NBI for a clearance. 1. a new applicant - which ALL process have to be done, from photo taking, finger printing, payment, to releasing.
2. Renewal - which all the process have been done previously, and assuming no changes were made to their fingers and faces.
I have search and researched countless articles and instructions on line regarding renewals, and all advised of an easier and faster process. It is in these news articles that gave the impression to the citizens that an online portal was created for renewals to ease the traffic at the offices, and ease the stress on the citizens.
My experience said otherwise. There was no distinction between New Applicants and Renewals. ALL WILL HAVE TO FALL IN LINE AND REPEAT THE EXACT SAME PROCESS.
So again I ask, WHAT IS THE EXACT PURPOSE OF ONLINE RENEWAL PROCESS? I will tell you: apparently none.
Even if you file a renewal online, you will still repeat the process: Go the office, get a number, get your photo taken, get your fingerprint scanned, present you paid receipt, and then get your clearance. This process also completely NEGATED the appointment set up. Regardless of time appointed, upon arrival you will have to wait for your turn along with the first time applicants. You will, however, have to pay MORE at a Bayad Center only to repeat the whole process.
I am being unfair. There are points in which the site is beneficial. The useless portal, in fact, do two things effectively:
1. Cost the government/citizens money to run the site, and
2. Cost the citizens extra P25 for the whole process.
I did an online renewal process this past year. I followed the instructions well. I went online, competed the forms, set up a pick up site, and paid my bill. Upon arriving at the office, I presented my ID's, the form, and the receipt of payment. To my astonishment, I was asked to sit for a while, and less than five minutes later, my name was called and was given my clearance. Despite a long line of New applicants, it seemed that this new program was working! Now what changed from then to now?
I am not selfish enough to just be ahead of the line. I am more than willing to wait in line just like every other Filipino citizen, as long as that is the protocol. This is to put into focus a system that either: was tried ones and failed; or the NBI office no longer adhere to the new set protocols. If so, sadly were back to square one.
I offer simple solutions: Remove the Online Renewal process and save the citizens money on running the site, or DO what it was created for in the first place. Set up two reception tables, one for Renewals and one for New Applicants.
Lastly, GET THE DAMN PROTOCOL STRAIGHT SO WE ALL KNOW!
