LTO forms TWG to fix ‘no-contact apprehension policy’

Ahead of its meeting with Metro Manila's local officials, the Land Transportation Office (LTO) announced on Wednesday the creation of a technical working group (TWG) to resolve questions on the no-contact apprehension policy.

LTO chief Assistant Secretary Teofilo Guadiz III said the TWG will tackle possible proposals to "anticipate and iron out possible kinks or loopholes in the policy," which is an initiative of the local government units.

The LTO, Metropolitan Manila Development Authority and city officials of Metro Manila are expected to meet in the coming days to come up with fair and acceptable guidelines.

Earlier, the LTO called on local government units (LGUs) to suspend and review the policy amid complaints from drivers about hefty fines for traffic violations.

At least two mayors, however, sought justification to stop the implementation of the no-contact apprehension.

Guadiz said the meeting will be the "best way forward" to address issues surrounding the policy.

"We deem the NCAP (no-contact apprehension policy) as a noble, timely and necessary action that will help realize the objective of digitalizing government services through technology. But just like any other policy, implementation will always be a key issue, and putting the policy into practice should be based on the tenets of the law," he said.

"We hope the LGUs and their mayors will be more open to receiving input on how best the NCAP shall be implemented," Guadiz added.—Sherilyn Untalan/LDF, GMA News