MMDA clarifies fake advisory on resumption of NCAP

The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) shot down reports that the controversial no-contact apprehension policy (NCAP) will be reimplemented anytime soon. 

The MMDA denies announcing that NCAP will be reimplemented on November 15

In a post on its Facebook page, the agency denied issuing an announcement on the NCAP’s resumption that has made the rounds online. “Ang mensahe na kumakalat sa social media tungkol sa umano’y muling pagpapatupad ng No Contact Apprehension Policy (NCAP) simula November 15 ay peke at hindi nanggaling sa MMDA.”

[The message spreading over social media regarding the supposed reimplementation of the No Contact Apprehension Policy (NCAP) starting November 15 is fake and not from the MMDA.]

Its caption accompanied a screenshot of the alleged message which claims that motorists will again be monitored by CCTV cameras. 

NCAP uses cameras in lieu of field enforcers to monitor and record traffic violations

“Huwag basta maniwala sa mga natatangap na mensahe. Mabuting alamin muna ang pinanggalingan ng impormasyon o iberipika mula sa lehitimong sources,” the MMDA said, adding that the public can call its Hotline 136 or send a message to its official social media channels. 

[Don’t believe every message you receive. Find out where the information came from first or verify it from legitimate sources.]

The NCAP is a traffic management system that uses strategically placed CCTV cameras in lieu of traffic enforcers to monitor vehicular traffic, with violations recorded on video. 

Using the erring vehicle’s registration records, the MMDA or local government will send a summons to the registered owner along with a link to the video clip as evidence. The owner of the vehicle will have seven days to either settle the fine through a variety of payment options or contest the apprehension via the MMDA’s Traffic Adjudication Division (MMDA-TAD). 

The policy has been the subject of complaints from both transport operators and private motorists 

The NCAP has been met with complaints from motorists and transport operators as well as lawmakers, citing concerns over erroneous apprehensions and privacy issues. The Land Transportation Office (LTO) has also called for its review. In a successful challenge to the policy, the Supreme Court suspended the NCAP’s implementation in August 2022, setting oral arguments for January 24, 2023.  

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