Ombudsman to charge clearance fees

MANILA, Philippines - The Office of the Ombudsman has decided to charge clearance fees ranging from P100 to P1,000 to raise additional funds to augment its insufficient budget.

The ombudsman said processing fees for retirement purposes, rationalization, resignation and death claims would be P100 starting Feb. 1 pursuant to an office circular.

For employment, promotion, transfer, appointment, confirmation, discharge, foreign assignment and grant of benefits unrelated to the preceding purpose, the fee is P150.

For clearances for foreign travel, foreign assignment, study grant or scholarship, recognition or awards, leave application, loan application, change of name, and as part of documentary requirements of the Judicial and Bar Council, Career Executive Service Board, Civil Service Commission, Professional Regulation Commission and other agencies, the fee is P200.

Clearances for permit to carry firearms, fidelity bond and bidding requirement cost P500, while clearances for firearms licenses cost P1,000.

The anti-graft agency said payments may be made in cash or postal money order payable to the Office of the Ombudsman.