MMDA to add more traffic personnel on-site following NCAP TRO

The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) announced that it will boost its traffic personnel on the ground following the temporary restraining order against the implementation of no-contact apprehension policy (NCAP).

During a press conference, MMDA Acting Spokesperson and head of Legal Service Atty. Cris Saruca, Jr. said that it will adjust the deployment of its traffic personnel to cover where the NCAP cameras are positioned.

The areas cover Epifanio delos Santos Avenue, Commonwealth, Quezon Avenue, Roxas Boulevard, C-5, and Macapagal Boulevard.

Although he attributed to the program the motorists’ behavioral shift, Saruca said that the MMDA will do its best to perform its mandate on managing traffic amid the stopping of NCAP implementation.

“Rest assured that the MMDA, through the leadership of Acting Chairman Engineer Carlo Dimayuga III, will do its best to carry out our traffic management mandate by apprehending physically and directing traffic physically, as we await final resolution on the NCAP case,” he said.

Further, the MMDA spokesperson noted that it will seek advice from the Office of the Solicitor General on its next course of action and whether it will have to intervene on the pending petition as it is not a respondent to the case.

Moreover, the MMDA said that the collection of NCAP fines for those who have been apprehended by the policy after the high court issued the order shall be stopped but motorists who were caught prior to the TRO shall still face corresponding penalties.

“The Supreme Court said that the TRO is effective immediately and shall continue until further notice, hence, it is prospective, and those who have been caught through the policy prior to the issuance of the TRO still have to pay their fines,” Saruca explained.

Saruca noted that the MMDA registered around 107,000 NCAP apprehensions from the start of the year until August 24, 2022. Common violations include disregarding traffic signs, number coding scheme, and no loading and unloading.

Furthermore, Saruca said that even without the NCAP, discipline among motorists should be maintained to ensure smooth traffic flow and for the safety of all road users.

Photos from Metropolitan Manila Development Authority, Ruben D. Manahan IV

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