Fees imposed for Ombudsman clearances

CEBU, Philippines - The Office of the Ombudsman is notifying those intending to secure an ombudsman clearance that new processing fees have been imposed starting this month.

In an announcement in the website of the office, it stated that new processing fees are implemented to "augment" their funds for anti-corruption programs.

A year ago, payments for the processing fee of Ombudsman clearance was suspended, based on Memorandum Circular No. 05 series of 2012.

"Guidelines on the Issuance of Ombudsman Clearance which took effect on December 1, 2012 imposed the requirement of payment of processing fee but such requirement was suspended until such time that the assessment and schedule of processing fees have been determined upon study and recommendation by the assistant ombudsman for finance," the announcement stated.

The Ombudsman clearance obtained for retirement purposes, rationalization, resignation and death claims has a processing fee of P100 while those clearances for promotion, transfer, appointment, confirmation, discharge, foreign assignment and grant of benefits unrelated to the preceding purpose, is priced at P150.

Those securing the Ombudsman clearance for purpose of  foreign travel, foreign assignment, study grant/scholarship, recognition/awards, leave application, loan application, change of name, and as part of documentary requirements of the JBC, CESB, CSC, PRC and other agencies is priced at P200.

Further, those getting the clearance as part of their requirements for permit to carry firearms, fidelity bond and bidding have a fee of P500 while for firearm licenses is at P1,000.

Applications though filed before Feb. 1, 2014 are exempted from the increase of price for the processing fee.

An Ombudsman clearance is to certify that a person works in the government and has no pending cases. (FREEMAN)