As traffic in Metro Manila returns to the pre-pandemic level, calls for the re-implementation of the shelved No Contact Apprehension Policy (NCAP) are also mounting.
In many ways, the NCAP will help solve the problems that perennially hound commuters in Metro Manila, according to think tank Stratbase – Albert del Rosario Institute for Strategic and International Studies (ADRi).
Stratbase-ADRI Chief Executive Officer Dindo Manhit cited Thursday, Nov. 24, the results of a recent survey by Pulse Asia showing that eight out of 10 Filipinos are in favor of NCAP.
In the survey commissioned by Stratbase, majority of Filipinos agree that NCAP "will be effective in achieving its objective of disciplining motorists to improve road safety."
Manhit said that the NCAP will promote a culture of discipline as drivers are reminded and encouraged to follow existing traffic rules, knowing that improved surveillance systems are in place.
Manhit noted that this effect can be seen on roads in Subic where stop-and-go policy is strictly implemented, and on parts of Skyway 3 where 60kph speed limit is enforced.
"Motorists know that these roads are monitored, and they willfully abide knowing the consequences of violating the rules," he explained.
This is especially crucial as traffic in Metro Manila has returned to pre-pandemic level, according to the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA).
The think tank executive added that NCAP will also help eradicate corruption and bribery in the streets.
"Since the NCAP remotely monitors traffic violations without the need for physical apprehension by traffic enforcers, it thereby reduces the occurrence of ‘kotong operations’ in the streets,” Manhit said.
Manhit added that the flow of traffic will be smoother with the implementation of NCAP.
"The no contact policy decreases obstructions in traffic flow as there is no need to apprehend or stop vehicles along the road," he said.
The concept for the NCAP was introduced in 2009, according to the MMDA, but it was only fully implemented in 2016.
However, the Supreme Court (SC) issued a temporary restraining order (TRO) against the implementation of NCAP by several local government units (LGUs) in Metro Manila on Aug. 30, 2022.
This, after a petition was filed by transport groups Kapit, Pasang Masda, Altodap, and the Alliance of Concerned Transport Organizations on Aug. 3 which questioned the validity of the policy. A second petition was filed by Manila-based lawyer Juman Paa before the High Court on August 17.
Shortly before the SC issued a TRO against NCAP due to the legal challenges, five local chief executives from Metro Manila – Valenzuela City Mayor Wes Gatchalian, Parañaque City Mayor Eric Olivarez, Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte, City of Manila Mayor Honey Lacuna, and San Juan City Mayor Francis Zamora – issued a joint statement saying NCAP enforcement has resulted in several positive things such as the "minimization of human intervention in traffic enforcement, thereby eliminating corruption, creation of a culture of discipline among motorists and the improvement of driving behavior; and ensuring road safety which is proven effective in reducing traffic violations and traffic-related accidents."