If you’re familiar with George Orwell’s dystopian novel 1984, you probably know the character named Big Brother, the leader of a totalitarian state where citizens are under constant surveillance by the authorities.
Under the watchful eyes of the telescreens or cameras, Big Brother closely monitors the citizens to ensure that they follow all the rules imposed by the governing state. The telescreens also aim to catch individuals who have the tendency to go against the system which could eventually lead to an uprising.
That sounds familiar, right? While you might be thinking of a similar scenario that happened historically, the one I am pertaining to is simply the concept behind the reality TV show Pinoy Big Brother.
The idea of being watched or monitored all the time is similar to how no contact traffic apprehension works. Through the use of closed-circuit television cameras (CCTV), authorities can monitor erring motorists who disregard traffic rules and regulations.
The no-contact apprehension is a program that captures videos and images to apprehend motorists or vehicles that violate traffic laws, rules, and regulations. The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) is among the many government institutions that implement such traffic apprehension.
Recently, the Quezon City government announced that it will be fully implementing its no-contact apprehension program starting July 1, 2022. The said local government unit (LGU) shared that its CCTV cameras are equipped with artificial intelligence (AI) technology to capture, photograph, and record the conduction stickers and plate numbers of vehicles in violation of traffic rules and regulations.
The city of Manila is another LGU that implements the no contact traffic apprehension. Former Manila Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso launched the said program in monitoring and apprehending traffic violators in the said city. Similar to QC’s approach, Manila City uses CCTVs that are equipped with AI tech that captures a digital image of the vehicle’s plate number, making identification easier.
The notice of violation will then be sent to the vehicle’s registered owner through the records stored in the Land Transportation Office - Information Query Facility (LTO-IQF).
If caught under MMDA’s jurisdiction, the notices will be sent thru registered mail (Philpost) for private owners of vehicles; while the bus company's liaison officer may pick up the notice in our Records Division.
While it provides a more convenient and advanced way of apprehending traffic violators, some might argue that the no-contact apprehension could cause confusion rather than making things simple.
One instance could be that the registered owner is not the one driving the vehicle when the violation was recorded. On the other hand, the virtually apprehended vehicle is no longer owned by the registered owner. As per procedure, the notice of violation will be sent to the registered car owner. So, what now?
According to the MMDA, “the notice shall require the registered owner of the vehicle to identify its driver at the time and place indicated in the notice and his/her address.” The MMDA goes on by stating that it is the “responsibility of the current owner to have the vehicle registered under his/her name.”
If a previous owner receives the notice of violation, he or she may go to the MMDA’s No-Contact Office in Makati City, and show a notarized Deed of Sale as evidence, as well as the name and address of the current owner.
The MMDA said that you can also contact its office in case you want to make an inquiry or have any questions regarding your violation. Here are the numbers: (8)882-2629 loc. 1164/1165; (8)882-4151 loc. 1084.
That said, are you in favor of the no-contact apprehension policy? Cast your vote now in Philkotse’s Poll of the Week.