The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) has asked the Land Transportation Office (LTO) to lift the tagging and alarm of vehicles apprehended under the agency's No Contact Apprehension Policy (NCAP) after a temporary restraining order was issued by the Supreme Court for its implementation.
MMDA Acting Chairman Carlo Dimayuga III said the move is to ensure that no vehicle owners would be inconvenienced when they renew the registration of their vehicles.
"A significant number of motor vehicle owners and/or buyers whose vehicles are tagged and placed under an alarm with the LTO under the MMDA's NCAP cannot renew and/or transfer the registration of their motor vehicles since the Authority cannot accept their payment for fines imposed in light of the temporary suspension of the policy," said Dimayuga in his letter addressed to the LTO.
“Without violating the Supreme Court TRO and with the higher interest of public service, the MMDA hereby requests the Stradcom Corporation to temporarily lift the tagging and alarm of the affected motor vehicles under the MMDA's NCAP. This will allow the owners and/or buyers to renew and/or transfer their registration with the LTO," he added.
On Aug. 30, the Supreme Court issued a TRO on NCAP implementation based on the petition filed by transport groups which claimed that the policy violates the rights to privacy and due process.
Immediately after the TRO issuance, the MMDA announced that it would suspend NCAP implementation but those previously caught under NCAP must still settle their penalties.
Based on MMDA records, over 1,300 motorists were monitored to have violated traffic rules via NCAP. Most of the violations include rules on number coding, illegal parking and obstruction.
Dimayuga, however, emphasized that the request is until such time that the Supreme Court issues a final ruling on the matter.
He said such violationsmonitored via NCAP will be reinstated if, and only if, the High Court rules in favor of NCAP.
Also covered by the temporary lift of alarm and tagging are vehicle owners apprehended by the MMDA NCAP who have yet to settle their fines even before the Supreme Court issued the TRO on the policy last August 30.