The No Contact Apprehension Program (NCAP) of Manila is a violation of the constitutional right to due process, Manila mayoral candidate Atty. Alex Lopez said on Saturday, March 19.
"I think it violates the constitutional right to due process," Lopez told Manila Bulletin.
"It’s been applied all over the world successfully but differently. So all over the world there is an adjudication mechanism na ‘yung na apprehend (that those who got apprehended) can complain. Kasi dito pagkakuha mo ng spot, automatic multa ka na (When you get the spot, you have to automatically pay for the fine)," he said.
The NCAP is currently being implemented in major thoroughfares of Manila. Cameras were placed on selected roads to spot traffic violators and capture photos of their license plates.
Lopez estimated that at least 10 to 20 percent of motorists were unjustly apprehended, noting "that's what's against the Constitution."
"Having failed that, we should declare null and void the non contact apprehension and repeal the law, if not, totally abrogate it, the ordinance," he said.
"If we will go to the courts and declare it void ab initio from the start, there should be a refund mechanism," Lopez said.
Lopez is running for the position of mayor in the City of Manila.