Barangay clearance is one of the steppingstones for getting another document issued by the local government to a resident.
It has a minimal fee but is waived for first-time job seekers who are just starting in their adult life.
If you want to know how to get barangay clearance in the Philippines, check out all the details down below.
What is barangay clearance?
A barangay clearance is essentially a certificate of good moral character issued by the lowest unit of government in the Philippines.
It is a mandatory requirement when applying for a license or permit from the municipal or city government.
It is usually a requirement when applying for local businesses, but it is mandatory for a police clearance.
Steps on getting barangay clearance in the Philippines
Here are the steps on how to get a barangay clearance in the Philippines:
Step 1: Go to the barangay hall in your place of residence.
Step 2: Fill out the form issued by your barangay, which is not standard and may change per specific barangay.
Step 3: Depending on the local barangay, a picture and thumbprint may be taken.
Step 4: Pay for a Community Tax Certificate or Cedula, as well as the fee for barangay clearance itself.
Step 5: In a few more moments, you can now get your barangay clearance.
The fee for the whole process would be a minimum of not less than P50 for the community tax certificate, up to usually not more than P150.
How do I know that a copy of barangay clearance is legitimate?
The punong barangay should sign all barangay clearances, so the name of the punong barangay should also be present in the document.
In addition, there must be a dry seal, date of issuance, and stated purpose in the barangay clearance.
Other details that are supposed to be there would be the name and address of the applicant, and some that may or may not be included are signature and thumbprint
The community tax certificate is also constantly being issued with the barangay clearance if you have not acquired one recently to be attached to the barangay clearance.
Is barangay clearance different from barangay certificate?
Yes, barangay clearance and barangay certificate are different from one another.
Barangay certificate is also known as barangay certificate of residency, which should be issued to long-term residents of the barangay.
If you do not have a valid ID, it may be issued to you by the barangay only if they know you as a resident, and it may also serve as a valid ID for other government transactions.
I am a new resident in the barangay, can I get a barangay clearance?
If you are just a new resident and no one in the barangay knows you, you might not be able to get a barangay clearance.
In this case, you should get one from your previous barangay of residence.
If you are a new resident in a barangay with a large population, make sure to visit your barangay hall and get to know your neighbors.
Can I be rejected in the barangay clearance application?
Yes, you might not be able to get a barangay clearance just because the barangay chairman of staff refuses to do so.
The main reason why you may not be given a barangay clearance is that you have violated a barangay ordinance or a national law given the barangay.
Your next recourse would be to appeal to the municipal or city government, but it would more likely just be a waste of your effort.
Furthermore, there may be a delay in getting your barangay clearance since section 152 (c) of the Local Government Code states that it may be issued within seven days.
Is there a barangay clearance law?
No, there is no barangay clearance law, but the barangay clearance’s issuance falls under the Republic Act No. 7160 or the Local Government Code of 1991.
As such, pertinent details are in-line with the powers and functions of the barangay.
How long is barangay clearance valid?
The barangay clearance is usually valid for up to 6 months from the date it is issued to you just like other documents, but there is no fixed expiry date.
If it is a requirement for something important, you would usually need to get a new one, especially when requested and if it has been more than six months since the last issuance.
Is the barangay clearance a valid ID?
It may be accepted as a valid ID, but only as a secondary one and when included in the list of accepted IDs for a particular transaction or government agency.
You can use it, though, to get other valid IDs.
Where is barangay clearance required?
Barangay clearance is a requirement when applying for a police clearance.
Therefore, you cannot apply for an NBI clearance if you do not have a barangay clearance.
Opening a new bank account usually requests barangay clearance as well.
If you are conducting business or other activities in your municipality, you also need a barangay clearance when applying for licenses or permits.
Can I get a barangay clearance online?
No, getting a barangay clearance requires appearing at the barangay hall.
Some barangays may have application forms uploaded online, but you need to process your application personally to get your barangay clearance.
Beware of scammers or fixers offering to give you a barangay clearance with delivery.
Ensure that your barangay clearance has a dry seal and signature of the punong barangay as proof of authenticity.
Where can I use my barangay clearance to get another valid ID?
Together with other requirements, you can use it to apply for the following IDs or documents:
- NBI Clearance
- Passport
- Police Clearance
- Postal ID
- UMID
Conclusion
Getting a barangay clearance is pretty easy if you are a law-abiding resident of your barangay.
Get it for free in your nearest barangay when you have just graduated and are now looking for work.
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