MMDA Addresses Concerns on No-Contact Apprehension Policy
The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) assured the public on May 26 that there will be no duplication of traffic violations recorded under the re-implemented No-Contact Apprehension Policy. This announcement aims to clarify concerns as the policy resumes after the Supreme Court lifted the temporary restraining order earlier this month.
MMDA officials explained that despite some major roads lacking closed-circuit television (CCTV) coverage, traffic enforcers will still issue tickets on-site where cameras are unavailable. However, the system has safeguards to prevent duplicate penalties.
“Hindi po ibig sabihin na ang ating mga enforcers ay hindi na maniniket dahil may mga portions po na mga kalsada na under our jurisdiction na hindi po lahat ay covered na ng CCTV. Ang maaassure lang po namin ay wala pong magiging duplication ‘yun,” a source familiar with the agency’s operations stated. This means that physical apprehensions will only be issued where CCTV coverage is absent, but duplication of fines will be avoided.
How the System Prevents Duplicate Violations
When a ticket is encoded into the system following physical apprehension, it automatically checks if the violation has already been captured by CCTV. If so, the system stops any redundant citation from being processed.
“Iyan naman po kapag inencode sa system ‘yun pong physical apprehension ng aming enforcers, lalalabas naman po kung nacapture na ng CCTV so definitely wala pong magiging duplication ng panghuhuli,” the official added.
The reimplementation of the No-Contact Apprehension Policy came after the Supreme Court lifted the temporary restraining order issued in 2022. The policy, which uses CCTV and other technologies to enforce traffic rules without direct contact, aims to improve traffic discipline in Metro Manila.
Significant Traffic Violations Recorded on First Day
As of noon on the policy’s first day back in effect, the MMDA recorded 479 traffic violations. This reflects active enforcement and public compliance efforts.
The lifting of the TRO followed the MMDA’s resolution of concerns raised by transport groups. These issues included inconsistent penalties, data privacy, methods to contest violations, and the use of artificial intelligence (AI) for reviewing offenses.
Unified Ticketing System and Data Privacy Assurances
To address penalty inconsistencies, the MMDA introduced a single-ticketing system. This means all infractions carry the same reasonable fine.
“With a single ticketing system, lahat na po iyan ay pantay-pantay na, isa na lang ang penalty at ‘yan po ay reasonable,” a source explained.
Regarding data privacy, the MMDA emphasized it uses its own system without involving third-party providers, ensuring that private vehicle owner information remains secure.
“Wala po kaming third-party provider na nakakaaccess sa pribadong datos ng mga may-ari ng sasakyan,” the official confirmed.
Convenient Violation Contesting via Website
Motorists wishing to dispute their violations can do so easily through the MMDA’s online adjudication platform. They only need to click the link, fill out a form, and submit their request without physically visiting the MMDA office.
“Ito po ay pinadali natin through our website. May iki-click lamang po silang link doon at ifi-fill up ang form. Hindi na po nila kailangan pumunta sa MMDA at pwede po nila irequest ‘yung footage ng pagkakahuli nila para makita po nila for themselves kung valid po ‘yung pagkakahuli,” the source said.
AI Technology Enhances Violation Review Process
The MMDA also highlighted the role of AI in automatically reviewing traffic violations captured by CCTV or physical enforcement. This system filters out invalid citations, such as ambulances using bus lanes or minor lane changes that are not true infractions.
“Kanina po noong umaga ako po ay nagobserve at may mga nacapture po ‘yung ating AI through our CCTV cameras na mga violations na upon review ay in-invalidate tulad po ng mga ambulansya na dumadaan sa bus way na allowed, ‘yung mga ganoon pong instance at ‘yung mga tolerable po na pagchange ng lane, ‘yun pong pagtapak sa mga linya na hindi naman po talaga violation although naka-capture ng ating AI,” the official elaborated.
This careful review ensures fairness in enforcement while maintaining traffic order.
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