Calls for Fair No Contact Apprehension Policy Enforcement
On Monday, May 26, Senate President Francis “Chiz” G. Escudero urged the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) to guarantee a fair and transparent implementation of the No Contact Apprehension Policy. This call aims to ease motorists’ concerns and fears regarding the policy’s enforcement.
The request comes after the Supreme Court lifted the temporary restraining order on the No Contact Apprehension Policy, although this partial lifting only applies to major thoroughfares. Escudero highlighted that the reactions to the policy’s resumption have been mixed, with some drivers questioning the fairness of apprehensions and whether due process will be followed.
Addressing Concerns on Notice Delivery and Due Process
One key issue raised involves the speed at which Notices of Violation (NOVs) are delivered. According to information from the MMDA, the process currently takes time, which Escudero recognizes could lead to complications. He emphasized that “evidence should be clear and as much as possible, indisputable. Enforcement of traffic rules and regulations should be consistent.”
Moreover, Escudero stresses that the rules must apply equally to everyone without exceptions. “This is how programs such as the No Contact Apprehension Policy will be justified and later on, accepted by all,” he explained.
The senator also pointed out the importance of dispelling the notion among motorists that the policy is merely a revenue-generating scheme for the MMDA or the government. He said, “Dapat matanggal sa isip ng mga motorista na ang NCAP ay isang paraan lang para kumita ang MMDA o gobyerno at ang pagsasaayos ng pagpapatupad nito at ng mga batas trapiko ang pinaka-importanteng hakbang para maging katanggap-tanggap para sa lahat ang programang ito.”
Improving the Notice of Violation Process
Escudero highlighted that one significant area the MMDA needs to improve is the delay in releasing NOVs. “Lumalabas na matagal ang buong proseso at via snail mail pa ang pagpapadala ng NOVs,” he noted, pointing out that the current system relies on slow postal delivery.
This delay can cause motorists to forget the alleged violations by the time they receive the notices. He suggested that the process should be expedited: “Maaaring pag dumating na ang NOV ay hindi na matandaan ng motorista ang umanong violation. Ang dapat dito ay araw lang ang bilang—mas mabilis mas maganda.”
To speed up the process, the MMDA should also consider using motorists’ email addresses if available in their database. This would help prevent delays and lost notices, which can lead to accumulating penalties for non-payment.
For more news and updates on No Contact Apprehension Policy implementation, visit Filipinokami.com.