Has an employer asked you to get a barangay clearance as an employment requirement? Or has the BIR requested one when you are applying for a business registration? A barangay clearance is one of the most common documents needed by both government and private firms for background checks. After all, who knows you better than the people in your community?

In the Philippines, where a valid ID is required to apply for your first valid ID (no kidding!), a barangay clearance is a godsend. Because it includes your name, address, and thumbprint, it helps establish your identity in lieu of a valid ID. Additionally, it serves as proof of your residency and good moral character. In this article, we will discuss what a barangay clearance is, where to get one, and the difference between a barangay clearance and a barangay certificate.

What is a Barangay Clearance?

A barangay clearance is the simplest way to establish your identity. It also proves that you are not a threat to society and have no derogatory record in the community.

The barangay secretary issues this document, and the barangay captain signs it. To ensure its authenticity, they seal it with the barangay’s official seal. The certificate is usually valid for six months from the issuance date.

You often need a barangay clearance when applying for a job, getting a police clearance, applying for a loan, or as a requirement for business registration.

Barangay Clearance Requirements

Here are the documents you need to prepare to get your barangay clearance:

1. Application form. You can get it from the barangay secretary. Fill it out with the required information. Please write legibly and neatly.
2. A valid ID. It is often not required in close-knit barangays where everybody knows everybody. However, in larger barangays, it is frequently needed. If you do not have a valid ID, they may ask you to submit a birth certificate instead.
3. Community Tax Certificate (CTC) or Cedula. Ask the secretary if they are issuing this document. If not, you can get it at the city or municipal treasurer’s office. If you need this for local employment, inform them that you are looking for a job and have no income, so they will issue the lowest amount as your tax, which may be around 100 pesos.
4. Barangay clearance fee. The fee ranges from fifty pesos (₱50.00) to one hundred pesos (₱100.00) depending on the barangay.

If you are obtaining a barangay clearance for a business permit application, some barangays may require additional documents beyond those previously mentioned. They might ask for your DTI registration, Comprehensive General Liability Insurance policy, or a contract of lease or TCT. It is advisable to inquire in advance so you can prepare these additional requirements before going to the barangay hall.

Barangay Clearance Application Process

Once you have gathered all the necessary documents, you can head to the barangay hall to obtain your barangay clearance.

1. Visit the barangay hall during office hours and locate the barangay secretary. Inform them that you need a barangay clearance.
2. The barangay secretary will provide you with an application form and ask for the purpose of the clearance. They may also inquire about your residence within the barangay and how long you have been living there. Be sure to answer all questions truthfully. The official will then check their records for any criminal history. If your record is clear, they will allow you to obtain the clearance.
3. Pay the clearance fee and ask for an official receipt.
4. The secretary will print the clearance and ask for your signature and thumbprint. Carefully review the clearance for any misspelled words or incorrect names, and don’t hesitate to point them out. The secretary will be more than happy to reprint it for you.
5. Afterward, the barangay captain will sign the clearance and affix the barangay’s dry seal. Often, they have pre-signed and sealed clearances available in case the barangay captain is on leave or unavailable.
6. Claim your barangay clearance. Check the document once again before leaving.

Difference of Barangay Clearance and Barangay Certificate

People often confuse a barangay clearance with a barangay certificate, but they serve different purposes. A barangay clearance certifies that the individual has no criminal record or pending cases within the barangay, making it a proof of good moral character.

In contrast, a barangay certificate, also known as a Barangay Certificate of Residency, verifies that a person is a bona fide resident of the barangay. The barangay issues this document to individuals who have resided there for at least six months.

While some barangays may combine both documents into one, you just have to inform the barangay secretary of your specific needs to ensure you receive the correct document.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are the most common questions about getting a barangay clearance:

What is the validity of a barangay clearance?

A barangay clearance is typically valid for six months to one year from the date of issuance, depending on the issuing barangay. The validity period is indicated on the clearance itself, so you can easily check it.

Can I obtain a barangay clearance from a barangay where I do not reside?

No, you cannot. You need to reside in a barangay for a specific period (usually three months or more, depending on the barangay) before you can obtain a clearance. If you need the clearance for employment purposes, you should get it from the barangay where you live, not from the barangay where you work.

Can I get a barangay clearance online?

Unfortunately, no. I have yet to see a barangay that issues barangay clearances online. You must visit the barangay hall in person to obtain one.

I have been renting for less than three months. Can I obtain a barangay clearance from my current place of residence?

Some barangays are more lenient with their residency requirements and might issue a clearance to you. However, they may ask for proof of residence, such as billing statements or a rental contract.

Can a foreigner obtain a barangay clearance?

Yes, as a foreigner, you can obtain a barangay clearance as long as you meet the residency requirement and pay the applicable fees.

Conclusion

Whether you are a local or a foreigner, getting a barangay clearance here is as easy as 1-2-3. Just make sure you have all the necessary requirements. It may take only 30 minutes to an hour, depending on the availability of the barangay secretary. If you are concerned about meeting the residency requirement, give it a try anyway. Some barangays are lenient with this requirement, so you might still be able to get one. Good luck!