Citing various "unresolved issues", 1-Rider Party-list Rep. Rodge Gutierrez has filed a resolution seeking a House investigation into the controversial No Contact Apprehension Policy (NCAP).
Gutierrez, a member of the "Young Guns" bloc, filed House Resolution (HR) No.2283 on Tuesday afternoon at the House of Representatives.
According to the lawyer-solon, the multiple unresolved issues of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority's (MMDA) program have caused confusion and frustration among motorists, particularly motorcycle riders.
The NCAP, designed to enforce traffic regulations through automated camera systems, has been plagued by issues, including unclear guidelines on vehicle ownership transfers, inconsistent enforcement, and persistent complaints about unclear road signages.
Gutierrez slammed the unfair penalties and delays in the program’s effective rollout, which he claimed disproportionately affected riders and other road users.
He noted that the NCAP has, until very recently, been the subject of a Supreme Court (SC) temporary restraining order (TRO).
Gutierrez emphasized the need to address these concerns before proceeding with NCAP. "The intention behind NCAP is commendable, but the lifting of the TRO does not cure the existing problems."
"Its current implementation is flawed and unfairly impacts our motorists. We need clear road signages, transparent ownership transfer processes, and a system that respects due process to ensure fairness,” he said.
In addition to filing a resolution urging the House of Representatives to probe the MMDA’s readiness to implement NCAP, the solon has also called for the postponement of its implementation.
"I am calling for a delay in NCAP’s implementation until the MMDA can demonstrate its readiness and address these critical issues,” Gutierrez said.
“Our initial talks with the LTO (Land Transportation Office) seem to confirm our concerns that the systems in place are not ready. We cannot allow a system meant to promote road safety to create more problems for our citizens," he added.
1-Rider Party-list says it remains committed to advocating for fair, transparent, and rider-friendly traffic policies that prioritize the welfare of all road users.