FridayOL

Manila, Philippines – Senators Francis “Chiz” Escudero and Grace Poe are urging the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) to swiftly address the growing concerns and implementation flaws within the No Contact Apprehension Policy (NCAP). The call for reform comes amidst mounting complaints from motorists regarding unfair ticketing practices, technical glitches, and a lack of transparency within the system.

NCAP, intended to streamline traffic enforcement and reduce corruption, utilizes CCTV cameras and automated systems to issue traffic violation tickets without direct interaction between enforcers and drivers. However, the rollout across Metro Manila has been plagued by issues, leading to frustration and confusion among the public.

Key Concerns Highlighted by Senators

• Lack of Transparency: Senators Escudero and Poe emphasized the need for greater transparency in how NCAP operates. Motorists often complain about receiving tickets without clear explanations of the violation, the location it occurred, or the evidence used against them.
• Technical Glitches and Errors: The system has reportedly suffered from technical glitches, resulting in inaccurate or delayed ticketing. Some drivers have received tickets for violations that never occurred, or for offenses committed in areas not covered by NCAP.
• Appeals Process Inefficiencies: The appeals process for NCAP tickets has been criticized as being cumbersome and unresponsive. Many motorists find it difficult to challenge tickets and obtain redress.
• Inconsistent Implementation: The application of NCAP varies significantly between different Metro Manila cities, creating confusion and inconsistencies for drivers traveling across the region.

Senators' Proposed Reforms

In response to these concerns, Senators Escudero and Poe are advocating for several key reforms:

• Enhanced Transparency: The MMDA should provide clear and accessible information to motorists regarding NCAP, including detailed explanations of violations, evidence used, and the appeals process.
• System Improvements: A thorough review and upgrade of the NCAP system are necessary to address technical glitches and ensure accuracy. This should include regular maintenance and testing.
• Streamlined Appeals Process: The appeals process needs to be simplified and made more responsive to motorist concerns. The MMDA should establish clear timelines for processing appeals and provide avenues for effective communication.
• Standardized Implementation: The MMDA should work with local government units (LGUs) to standardize the implementation of NCAP across Metro Manila, ensuring consistency and fairness for all drivers.
• Public Awareness Campaign: A comprehensive public awareness campaign is crucial to educate motorists about NCAP, their rights, and the proper procedures for appealing tickets.

“NCAP has the potential to improve traffic management and reduce corruption, but its current implementation is causing more harm than good,” stated Senator Escudero. “We need to fix these issues urgently to ensure that the system is fair, transparent, and effective.”

Senator Poe added,