The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) should address all traffic issues first before imposing its fines on motorists via the No Contact Apprehension Policy (NCAP).
Thus, said Cavite 1st district Rep. Jolo Revilla as he raised in a statement Friday, June 6 alleged "NCAP traps" such as malfunctioning traffic lights, non-visible traffic signages, and faded road markings.
Revilla’s statement follows a viral video showing a traffic light in Manila City—reportedly along Abad Santos Avenue—abruptly shifting from green to red even before the countdown timer had ended. The clip, which sparked public outrage, highlighted how flawed traffic infrastructure can trap motorists into violations they could not reasonably avoid.
Revilla underscored the importance of fairness in law enforcement, as he stressed that NCAP should not become a revenue-generating tool that punishes drivers who fall victim to poor traffic management and outdated infrastructure.
“We should not punish drivers for the government’s shortcomings. Before imposing fines under NCAP, the MMDA must first ensure that all traffic lights, signages, and especially road markings are clear, working, and visible at all times,” he said.
The recently reelected solon stressed that road discipline must go hand-in-hand with infrastructure reliability. Many motorists, he noted, are slapped with fines due to worn-out lane lines, unmarked pedestrian crossings, and signal inconsistencies that confuse rather than guide road users.
“Let’s be fair. Drivers want to follow the law, but if they can’t see lane dividers or are misled by faulty traffic lights, that’s not a violation — that’s entrapment,” Revilla pointed out.
He called on the MMDA to immediately audit all NCAP-monitored areas, prioritize the repair of problematic traffic lights, replace outdated or missing signages, and repaint critical road markings, including stop lines, pedestrian lanes, and lane dividers.
The Cavite lawmaker also proposed the creation of a public reporting system so motorists can flag defective infrastructure without fear of reprisal.
“If NCAP is meant to make roads safer, let’s start by making them clearer. Let’s not allow technology to punish people unfairly due to negligence in basic traffic management,” Revilla said.