No Contact Apprehension Policy Is Back: Here’s What You Need to Know
Heads up, motorists! The MMDA No Contact Apprehension Policy (NCAP) is back in Metro Manila. Here’s what you need to know to stay compliant and avoid fines.
Metro Manila motorists should once again watch out for traffic cameras on major thoroughfares as the No Contact Apprehension Policy (NCAP) is back starting May 26.
This reinforcement follows the Supreme Court’s decision to partially lift the temporary restraining order (TRO) on the NCAP of the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA).
Supreme Court Lifts NCAP TRO
SC Spokesperson Atty. Camille Sue Mae Ting confirmed the development on May 20.
“In the case of KAPIT et al v. City of Manila, the Supreme Court granted the urgent motion filed by the Office of the Solicitor General on behalf of the MMDA, partially lifting the TRO issued last August 30, 2022. Insofar as enjoined the MMDA from implementing MMDA Resolution No. 16-01 or its No-Contact Apprehension Program,” she said.
However, this partial lifting does not include the implementation of local government units and fines. The MMDA resolution and local city ordinances were subjected to the TRO, and the order is effective immediately.
“[S]o the TRO here is only lifted with respect to the MMDA, but it still remains with respect to the LGU ordinances,” the spokesperson continued.
The Supreme Court is yet to decide its finality, and the partial lifting will only last until the court decides to fully lift the TRO, and whether the No-Contact Apprehension Policy will be implemented or not.
DOTr Sec: TRO Lift a ‘Big Win’ for Road Safety
Meanwhile, the Department of Transportation (DOTr) *Secretary Vince Dizon welcomes the court order, describing it as a big win for road safety.
*As of writing, Secretary Vince Dizon has submitted a courtesy resignation to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., following his directive to all his Cabinet secretaries for a ‘Bold Reset.’
Dizon admitted that many of the country’s traffic laws are not being properly implemented, and he believes NCAP could help address this.
“Puwede na tayo, at least on a limited basis, magkaroon ng no-contact apprehension para matulungan ang ating enforcers,” he said.
He also noted that DOTr and the Land Transportation Office (LTO) will streamline the process of vehicle registration and re-registration to help the MMDA in implementing the NCAP.
Roads Where No Contact Apprehension Policy Is In Effect
Motorists should brace for traffic cameras on major thoroughfares in Metro Manila, including:
- C1: Recto
- C2: Mendoza Pres. Quirino Ave.
- C3: Araneta Ave.
- C4: EDSA
- C5: C.P. Garcia Katipunan Ave. Tandang Sora
- R1: Roxas Boulevard
- R2: Taft Avenue
- R3: South Super Highway
- R4: Shaw Boulevard
- R5: Ortigas Avenue
- R6: Magsaysay Boulevard
- R7: Quezon Avenue, Commonwealth Avenue
- R8: A. Bonifacio Avenue
- R9: Rizal Avenue
- R10: Delpan Marcos Highway McArthur Highway
“Sa aming palagay, malaki ang maitutulong nito kasi ‘yung panghuhuli natin will be through CCTV camera at wala nang physical apprehension. ‘Pag may physical apprehension, paparahin, magtatalo, minsan magne-negotiate ng suhol…’yan ay nagko-cause ng delay ng traffic,” MMDA Chair Romando Artes said.
Just like its first implementation, motorists expressed mixed reactions to the policy. The No Contact Apprehension Policy uses CCTV traffic cameras and automated systems in detecting traffic violations like illegal parking, beating the red light, and over speeding, with citations issued directly to vehicle owners when it was first implemented in 2022.
Are you in favor of the No Contact Apprehension Policy in the metro? Share your thoughts in the comments!
