The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) is considering community service as a penalty for motorists caught violating traffic rules under the No Contact Apprehension Policy (NCAP). This new approach aims to ease the burden on drivers, especially those whose daily income may not match the fines imposed.
MMDA Chairman Don Artes revealed the plan during a dialogue with motorcycle rider groups on June 20 at the MMDA office in Pasig City. He emphasized the need to balance enforcement with compassion, suggesting community service as an alternative to monetary fines.
Community Service Considered for NCAP Violations
“As you said, what you earn in a day is not commensurate. We are already thinking of a way, just like our President ordered to clean the water roads. Maybe you can just do community service, especially on your day-off so that instead of losing time in your livelihood or instead of paying what you should be feeding your family, just do community service,” Artes said.
The MMDA is now studying the appropriate types and durations of community service for each recorded NCAP violation. This approach aims to help violators fulfill their penalties without severely impacting their livelihood.
Adjusting Hours for Full-Time Riders
Artes also acknowledged that some motorcycle riders work full-time without days off. To accommodate these individuals, the MMDA is exploring shorter community service hours. “Sabi nga po, yung iba full-time, walang day-off. So baka instead na, kunyari—sa P1,000—instead na 8 hours, gawin nating 3 or 4 hours [na community service],” he explained.
“We’ll discuss whether the hours can be shortened so that even after community service, they can still work,” he added, showing the agency’s flexibility in implementing the plan.
No Reduction in NCAP Violation Fines
Despite the consideration of community service, the MMDA clarified that fines for NCAP violations will not be lowered. Artes pointed out the importance of maintaining penalties to ensure fairness and discourage habitual violations. “We won’t reduce the fee because the penalty, you’re not the only ones affected by that. What about the rich ones? Like those who violate number coding, you’re exempted from number coding,” he said.
He also noted that some well-off drivers might prefer to pay fines rather than face community service, which makes keeping fines intact necessary to deter violations across all income levels.
NCAP Enforcement and Online Tools
Reimplemented on May 26, the No Contact Apprehension Policy operates 24/7 on 10 major radial roads in Metro Manila, including Edsa, Commonwealth Avenue, Roxas Boulevard, Taft Avenue, and Aurora Boulevard.
To assist motorists, the MMDA launched an online platform called “May Huli Ka” on June 16. This website allows drivers to check if they have been cited for traffic violations under NCAP, making it easier to settle fines or file appeals.
For more news and updates on the No Contact Apprehension Policy, visit Filipinokami.com.