No Contact Apprehension Policy Resumes to Enhance Motorist Discipline
The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) recently welcomed the Supreme Court’s lifting of the temporary restraining order (TRO) on the No Contact Apprehension Policy (NCAP). According to the MMDA, this move is a significant step toward reinforcing discipline among motorists. The agency emphasized that the reinstatement of the NCAP will help manage expected heavy traffic along major roads like EDSA, especially during scheduled rehabilitation works.
“As the implementation of NCAP resumes, we hope to instill road discipline among motorists. Rest assured that the single ticketing system and new NCAP guidelines have addressed concerns raised in the petition,” the MMDA said in a statement.
Background on the No Contact Apprehension Policy
The NCAP was initially introduced by the MMDA and five Metro Manila local government units — Manila, Quezon City, Valenzuela, Muntinlupa, and Parañaque — following a resolution passed in February 2016. It allows traffic authorities to apprehend violators through cameras without physically stopping them.
While traffic enforcers have praised the policy for its efficiency, some motorists and transport groups raised concerns about its legality and implementation. These groups questioned whether NCAP aligns with existing laws, arguing that it lacks explicit authorization under Republic Act 7924, which governs the MMDA, and Republic Act 4136, which created the Land Transportation Office.
Legal Challenges and Supreme Court Intervention
Opponents of NCAP filed petitions claiming the policy is unconstitutional because it does not have a clear legal basis. They argued that at the time the MMDA resolution was passed, there was no law allowing the agency to expand traffic rules or hold vehicle owners liable for violations committed by other drivers.
Furthermore, transport groups highlighted that the policy’s presumption—that registered vehicle owners are responsible for violations—violates due process principles. They also criticized provisions that withhold vehicle registration renewal until fines are paid, which they say unfairly penalize innocent third parties.
In response to these challenges, the Supreme Court issued a TRO in August 2022, temporarily halting NCAP implementation by the MMDA.
Traffic Management and the Path Forward
The recent lifting of the TRO applies specifically to the MMDA, clearing the way for NCAP enforcement along EDSA and C5 Road. Last week, the Office of the Solicitor General filed a Motion for Reconsideration urging the Supreme Court to lift the TRO to better address traffic congestion on Metro Manila’s major thoroughfares and protect the safety of road users.
With the policy reinstated, the MMDA aims to strengthen traffic management by using closed-circuit television cameras and digital imaging technology to record violations and issue citations effectively. This approach is expected to improve compliance and reduce traffic violations without direct confrontations.
The NCAP represents a modernized effort to enforce traffic rules and promote safer roads amid growing urban congestion. Its renewed implementation signals the government’s commitment to disciplined road use through technology-driven solutions.
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