PHILIPPINES: Travelers with very common Filipino names are advised to secure a Certificate of Not the Same Person before heading to the airport, especially if flying abroad for work or long-term travel.
The issue affects individuals whose names match someone listed in the Bureau of Immigration’s database of Hold Departure Orders, Watchlist Orders, or Blacklist Orders. Even if a traveler has no legal case, a name match alone can trigger further inspection at the immigration counter.
What Happens at the Airport
When a passenger presents a passport, the Bureau of Immigration runs the name through its system. The initial screening flags names, not birthdates or photos.
If a match appears, the traveler may be pulled aside for questioning. In some cases, departure can be delayed or denied until identity is clarified. Immigration officers make the final decision at the port of exit based on existing guidelines.
For many, the problem only becomes clear on the day of travel.
What Is a Certificate of Not the Same Person?
The Certificate of Not the Same Person is an official document issued by the Bureau of Immigration. It confirms that the holder is not the individual named in a derogatory record.
This document is different from an NBI Clearance. An NBI Clearance certifies that a person has no criminal record. The NTSP, on the other hand, addresses mistaken identity due to name similarity.
The certificate may also be required for:
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Overseas job applications
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Visa applications with strict background checks
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Certain government clearances
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Legal or notarial proceedings
How to Apply
Applications must be filed at the Bureau of Immigration Main Office in Intramuros, Manila.
General requirements include:
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Duly accomplished application form
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Notarized Affidavit of Denial
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Photocopy of passport data page and latest travel stamp
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Recent 2×2 photo
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Additional court or agency clearance if the name appears in a Hold Departure, Watchlist, or Blacklist Order
Applicants must pay a ₱500 processing fee. Once approved, the certificate does not expire. However, it only covers existing records at the time of issuance.
If you have a very common name and plan to travel soon, especially for work abroad, securing the certificate in advance may help avoid delays at immigration.
It is not required for everyone. But for those flagged due to name similarity, it can mean the difference between boarding on time and missing a flight.