A common Filipino surname can be an asset in many ways—until it matches a name on a government watchlist and suddenly becomes the reason you’re pulled out of the departure line at NAIA.
The Bureau of Immigration (BI) screens outbound passengers against three databases: the Hold Departure Order list, the Watchlist Order, and the Blacklist Order. These records flag names, and not always other identifiers like birthdates or photographs—at least not at the initial stage. The practical consequence is that travelers with names identical or similar to flagged individuals may find themselves questioned by immigration officers, or worse, prevented from boarding.
What offers protection in this situation is a document called the Certificate of Not the Same Person (NTSP). Issued by the Bureau of Immigration, it formally establishes that the applicant is a different individual from whoever appears on a derogatory record. The BI has made clear that its officers retain full authority over departure decisions. As the agency told SPOT.ph: “Kindly take note that the final assessment of the sufficiency of travel/supporting documents, as well as the purpose of travel, shall be conducted during immigration inspection. Hence, final determination of the assessment, whether a passenger is allowed to depart the country or not, based on the existing immigration, DOJ, and IACAT guidelines, rests upon the conducting immigration officer at the port of exit.”
The NTSP is distinct from an NBI Clearance. NBI Clearance confirms that a person has no criminal record or pending cases—it does not resolve questions of mistaken identity. The NTSP exists specifically for that purpose.
Beyond international travel, the certificate is also called for in OFW job placements, certain visa applications, government clearance processes, and legal proceedings that require background verification.
Where to apply
All applications are processed at the BI Main Office on Magallanes Drive, Intramuros, Manila. There is no online filing option for this certificate.
Step 1: Download and fill out the application form
The application form (CCS-C-NSTP-2016) and the documentary checklist are available for download from the BI website. Fill out every field—write “N/A” for anything that doesn’t apply to you. Blank fields can delay or invalidate an application.
One technical note: the BI’s system does not accept special characters. Names with letters like ñ, é, ü, or ç must be written without the accent marks. Muñoz, for instance, should be entered as MUNOZ.
Step 2: Gather the required documents
BI will not process incomplete submissions. The general requirements are:
- Accomplished CCS-C-NSTP-2016 application form
- Notarized Affidavit of Denial stating that you are not the person named in the BI’s derogatory order
- Photocopy of your passport (data page and most recent travel stamp)
- 2×2 ID photo, recent and taken against a white background
If your name appears directly in a Hold Departure Order, Blacklist, or Watchlist Order, additional documentation is required: a signed and sealed court clearance from the court or agency that placed the name on record, explicitly certifying that you are not the accused in the case.
All affidavits and sworn statements must be originals and properly notarized. Applicants outside Metro Manila may also be asked to include an NBI Clearance.
If you cannot appear in person, an authorized representative may file on your behalf—but they must bring a valid government-issued ID, a notarized Special Power of Attorney, and a BI Accreditation ID if one is available.
Step 3: Submit at the main office
Bring your complete set of documents to the BI Main Office in Intramuros. Staff will review your submission and, if everything is in order, issue an Order of Payment Slip (OPS).
Step 4: Pay the processing fee
Proceed to the cashier with your OPS and pay the P500 fee. Keep the official receipt—you will need it to claim your certificate.
Return to the NTSP processing window and hand over your application form, supporting documents, and the original receipt. You’ll receive a claim stub indicating your scheduled release date and time.
Step 5: Claim the certificate
On your scheduled return date, bring your claim stub to the BI office. You will be asked to sign the duplicate copy of the NTSP before the original is handed over to you along with your official receipt.
A note on validity
The NTSP does not carry an expiration date. That said, it only covers name matches that existed at the time it was issued. Should a different person with your name be added to a watchlist in the future, the certificate may no longer be sufficient and a new application would be required.
