Metro Manila mayors firm on no-contact apprehension despite TRO bid

Metro Manila mayors remain firm in their decision to keep the implementation of the no-contact apprehension program (NCAP) despite a petition challenging the policy before the Supreme Court.

In a joint statement on Wednesday, the mayors also vowed to continuously improve infrastructure and road conditions for a safer environment for their constituents.

“We, the undersigned Local Chief Executives, have joined together on a common stance to continue the implementation of NCAP within our respective territorial jurisdictions,” the mayors said.

For them, the implementation of NCAP never disregarded due process for motorists since local governments have their traffic adjudication boards where the motorists can contest and protest their violations.

“We, therefore, collectively urge all relevant government agencies stand with us in pursuing and continuously innovating this international-proven program for effective traffic management,” they said.

The statement was signed by Valenzuela City Mayor Wes Gatchalian, Parañaque City Mayor Eric Olivarez, Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte, Manila Mayor Maria Sheila Lacuna, and San Juan City Mayor Francis Zamora.

Transport groups have asked the SC to issue a temporary restraining order against local ordinances related to the NCAP in five cities in the National Capital Region.

SC spokesperson Brian Hosaka said the petition was filed against the City of Manila, Quezon City, Valenzuela City, Parañaque City, Muntinlupa City, and the Land Transportation Office (LTO).

LTO chief Teofilo Guadiz III earlier called on the concerned mayors to sit down with the LTO and Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) to create uniform guidelines for the policy.

Some mayors, however, have already voiced their opposition to the proposed suspension of the policy.

According to the LTO, one of the “most hotly contested aspects” of the policy is the payment of fines where the registered owners of the vehicles are the ones who are asked to pay for the violations of their drivers.

Meanwhile, Muntinlupa City Mayor Ruffy Biazon backed the use of technology “to provide modern solutions” to the traffic problems.

On Facebook, Biazon said he did not sign the joint statement as NCAP has yet to be implemented in Muntinlupa.

The ordinances and contracts for the policy have been approved under his predecessor, but Biazon said his administration is still reviewing its implementing rules and regulations.

“Ganunpaman, nakikiisa ako sa layunin ng mga mayors ng Manila, Valenzuela, Parañaque, Quezon City at San Juan na gumamit ng teknolohiya para mabigyan ng makabagong solusyon ang problema sa traffic,” his social media post read. 

(Nevertheless, I support the advocacy of the mayors of Manila, Valenzuela, Parañaque, Quezon City, and San Juan to use technology to provide modern solutions to traffic woes.)

“Naniniwala ako na ang makabagong paraan na ito, bukod sa magbibigay solusyon sa pagdidisiplina sa mga gumagamit ng kalsada, mababawasan, kundi tuluyang matatanggal, ang pagkakataon ng pangongotong at makakadagdag sa revenue ng lokal na pamahalaan,” he added.

(I believe this modern technique will not only discipline motorists but will also lessen, if not eradicate, the chances of extortion and boost the local government’s revenues.)

Biazon further said local government units have the authority to regulate roads and raise funds for this purpose under Republic Act 7160 or the Local Government Code of 1991.

“Habang sinusuri pa ang implementation natin ng NCAP sa Muntinlupa City, idadagdag natin ang mga argumento, points of view at legal opinions na lumalabas dulot ng kontrobersya ngayon sa ating pag-aaral tungo sa isang mas balansyado, patas, makatarungan at tapat na programa,” he added.

(While we’re still reviewing the implementation of NCAP in Muntinlupa City, we will include the arguments, points of view, and legal opinions brought about by the controversies in our study to provide a balanced, fair, just, and honest program.)—with Sundy Locus/KBK/VBL, GMA News