HOLDERS of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) clearance could now use it for other legal purposes.

This, after the Department of Justice (DOJ) directed Tuesday the NBI to change the format of all NBI-issued clearance from being used for a "specific purpose" only to "whatever legal purpose."

NBI clearance, one of the mandatory identification requirements in the country, is a proof that an individual is cleared from any criminal offense or derogatory records.

Before, applicants will have to choose if it will be for the purpose of employment, travel abroad, business requirements, naturalization, among others. The old format also entails additional cost for the public, whenever they need to apply for a clearance on various matters.

The DOJ in its order has also directed the NBI to replace all existing formats of NBI clearances to a multi-purpose one, and to issue notices to the public and implement the order within 15 days from the date of publication.

According to the DOJ, the order was issued in action to the directive of President Rodrigo Duterte for the government services to be accessible to the public. (SunStar Philippines)