Senator Joseph Victor “JV” Ejercito has renewed his suggestion for authorities to consider conducting a trial period for the No Contact Apprehension Program (NCAP) to fix any glitches in the system. 

Ejercito noted that the first day of the implementation of the NCAP yielded the most common traffic violations.

“Lumabas na ang mga karaniwang violations ay pagsuway sa traffic signs at ilegal na paggamit ng busway. Pwedeng ibig sabihin nito'y kailangan pang paigtingin ang disiplina sa kalsada (It emerged that the most common violations were disobeying traffic signs and illegally using the busway. This could mean that road discipline needs to be tightened),” Ejercito said in a statement.

“Kung makakatulong  ang NCAP sa layuning ito ay suportado natin ito—gaya ng suporta natin sa iba pang hakbang na makakatulong sa pagsasaayos ng sistema ng trapiko sa Metro Manila at iba pang urban centers (If NCAP can help in this goal, we support it—just as we support other measures that will help improve the traffic system in Metro Manila and other urban centers),” he said.

Ejercito said the Department of Transportation (DOTr), Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) and even the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) should use this time to ensure the proper implementation of the NCAP.

This would ensure that the rights of motorists and passengers won’t be sacrificed or trampled with the NCAP’s implementation.

“Maging gabay sana ito hindi lang para sa mga motorista para  sumunod sa batas-trapiko, kundi wake-up call din para sa mga ahensya na gampanan nang maayos ang kanilang mandato (I hope this should not only be a guide for motorists to obey traffic laws, but also serve as a wake-up call for agencies to properly fulfill their mandate),” he said. 

For one, the lawmaker said it is imperative to ensure there is proper infrastructure and proper traffic signs and road markings.

It is also necessary to use this time to strengthen motorists’ education drive and ensure that local ordinances and guidelines regarding penalties and fines are in line. 

“Ang pag-implement ng motorcycle o shared lanes ay pwedeng subukang ipatupad sa mga piling lugar. Pero dapat muling pag-aralan at i-reconsider ang pagbabawal sa mga motorsiklo sa mga overpass at underpass (The implementation of motorcycle or shared lanes can be attempted in selected areas. However, the ban on motorcycles on overpasses and underpasses should be re-examined and reconsidered),” he said. 

“Having said these, I suggest that a reasonable trial period be done before the actual implementation of this program,” Ejercito said.