How Do I Clear My Name On The Philippines Bureau Of Immigration?
I was once questioned at immigration when, apparently, “my name” was listed in the hold departure list for the first time. In that particular instance, they allowed me to travel after verifying that I am not the same person. They figured that if I were a fugitive, I wouldn’t be out of the country and back home a lot of times (I was then doing regional work and traveled out almost every week). I was told that, to avoid inconvenience, I should go to the Burueau of Immigration and secure a document called “NOT THE SAME PERSON”. I did that and I have since kept the original and a photocopy in my passport jacket. I show the document to Immigration everytime. You need to present valid IDs, photographs, NBI clearance, and proof of residency (bring with you your PLDT or Meralco bill). I forgot how much I paid then, but it wasn’t huge. It was a reasonable amount for processing the documents.
