By Xander Ledesma
In a move to enhance public access to government services, the Philippine National Police (PNP) has officially launched its Police Clearance Service at the Lingkod Pinoy Center, located on Level 2 of Robinsons Tacloban in Marasbaras. This service center aims to provide a convenient and accessible way for residents to obtain police clearances, which are essential documents for various legal and administrative purposes.
The opening ceremony was attended by officials, including Police Colonel (PCOL) Raymundo P. Graveles, Chief of the Regional Investigation and Detective Management Division, and Jennifer Puno, Regional Operations Manager of Robinsons Malls Eastern Visayas. Ronald Rosales, the Mall Manager of Robinsons Tacloban, was also present. This collaboration between the PNP and Robinsons Malls is part of an ongoing effort to streamline government services and improve public accessibility.
The new service center acts as a one-stop shop for obtaining police clearances, which are necessary for employment applications, business permits, travel, and other legal matters. With the PNP’s facility located inside a popular shopping mall, residents can avoid the hassle of traveling to distant police stations or waiting in long queues.
The Lingkod Pinoy Center, which serves as a hub for various government services, now hosts the National Police Clearance Center, offering residents a streamlined and hassle-free process for obtaining police clearances. The center is open from Monday to Friday, 9 AM to 6 PM, and also has additional hours on Saturdays from 9 AM to 12 Noon, making it more accessible for those with busy schedules.
The demand for accessible police clearance services has been a long-standing issue for many Filipinos. Prior to the introduction of the Police Clearance Service at Robinsons Tacloban, many residents had to visit police stations, often enduring long waits and complicated procedures. This new service aims to address these challenges by providing a more efficient and user-friendly process.
This initiative is part of a broader national effort to modernize government services and make them more citizen-centered. The Philippine National Police has been working to improve its service delivery through initiatives like the National Police Clearance System (NPCS), launched in 2016. The NPCS aims to create a centralized database for police clearances, making the process faster, more secure, and more efficient for Filipinos nationwide.
The collaboration between the PNP and private sector partners like Robinsons Malls supports this modernization effort by making government services available in public spaces that are easily accessible. Similar initiatives have been rolled out across the country, establishing government service desks and kiosks in shopping malls, transportation hubs, and other high-traffic areas.
Obtaining a police clearance at the Lingkod Pinoy Center is a straightforward process. Applicants need to fill out a form and provide the necessary identification and documentation. Once the application is processed, the police clearance will be issued after a background check is completed. This process is designed to be faster and more efficient compared to the traditional method of visiting a police station.
For residents of Tacloban, the availability of the service at Robinsons Mall marks a significant step forward in making public services more user-friendly and accessible. This service is expected to save time for residents who previously had to travel to far-off police stations and wait in long lines.