Metro Manila Mayors Push for Region-Wide No Contact Apprehension Policy

 

Metro Manila Council President Francis Zamora is proposing a region-wide implementation of the No Contact Apprehension Policy (NCAP), aiming to establish a more consistent approach to traffic enforcement across the capital.

Zamora, who also serves as San Juan City mayor, plans to discuss the proposal with fellow Metro Manila mayors. He said a unified system could complement the region's single ticketing scheme and make traffic regulations easier to enforce across city boundaries.

The proposal comes as six local governments prepare to resume their respective NCAP programs on Monday following the Supreme Court's decision to lift its temporary restraining order and dismiss consolidated petitions challenging the policy. The cities involved are Manila, San Juan, Quezon City, Valenzuela, Parañaque and Muntinlupa.

Although Zamora supports expanding the program throughout the metropolis, he acknowledged that its adoption would remain a decision for each local government.

Standardized Traffic Rules Could Support Expansion

The Metro Manila Traffic Code of 2023 provides an existing framework for harmonizing traffic enforcement. It establishes uniform fines and penalties for 20 common traffic violations, potentially making a region-wide NCAP system easier to implement.

Under the proposed approach, participating cities could use a common enforcement framework rather than relying on separate systems with varying procedures. This would complement the existing single ticketing scheme and help promote consistency in how traffic violations are handled.

NCAP uses digital cameras to document traffic violations without requiring officers to stop motorists at the scene. The Supreme Court has recognized the program's objectives of reducing road congestion and limiting opportunities for corruption in traffic enforcement.

San Juan Retains Control Over Violation Appeals

In San Juan, private technology provider QPAX will operate the equipment used for NCAP. However, the city government will retain authority over the final validation of recorded violations.

Motorists who receive violation notices will have 10 days to contest their apprehensions before the city's adjudication board.

Zamora also cautioned the public against fraudulent messages claiming to collect NCAP fines. He clarified that legitimate violation notices are delivered through physical mail, not text messages, Viber or email.

The warning comes as motorists may encounter fraudulent payment requests disguised as official traffic citations. Residents are advised to verify notices through formal government communications before taking action.

PNP to Assist Local Governments

The Philippine National Police has expressed its readiness to support local governments as they resume NCAP operations.

PNP Chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez encouraged motorists to regard the system as a mechanism for improving road safety and promoting responsible driving.

With several cities preparing to reinstate the policy, discussions on a broader Metro Manila rollout could shape the next phase of traffic management in the capital. However, any expansion will depend on the decisions of individual local governments.