After the Supreme Court (SC) lifted the temporary restraining order (TRO) against the no contact apprehension policy (NCAP), Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) Chairman Atty. Romando “Don” Artes has emphasized its critical role in improving Metro Manila traffic flow, especially with the upcoming rehabilitation of EDSA.
In a Dos Por Dos interview on Wednesday, May 21, Artes explained that physically apprehending violators along EDSA could worsen traffic due to the delays caused by issuing tickets and potential disputes between motorists and enforcers.
“Imagine niyo, paparahin yan minsan may pagtatalo, iisyuhan ng ticket. Minsan alam naman po natin may mga instances may magbabribe o suhol…so nakakabagal po ‘yun,” he explained.
He added, “Unlike po kung may NCAP, hindi na namin physically huhulihin through CCTV cameras na lang.”
Artes also pointed out that the MMDA has already addressed concerns raised by petitioners regarding NCAP, including the imposition of standardized penalties for common traffic violations and the establishment of new guidelines for enforcement.
“Yes, standard na po sa 20 common violations,” he confirmed, adding that reforms were designed to prevent excessive fines and ensure fair implementation.
He clarified that the lifting of the TRO would not only apply to EDSA but to other major roads under the MMDA’s jurisdiction such as C-5, Commonwealth, Ortigas Avenue, Roxas Boulevard, and all designated Mabuhay Lanes.
He further shared that they are working with the Land Transportaion Office (LTO) to ensure accurate and updated vehice registration records.
“Meron po tayong agreement with LTO… Kung may mga violations po ‘yung sasakyan, hindi niya po marerenew ang registration,” he stated. “Pinag-uusapan po rin namin ang stricter penalties — kung expired po ‘yung rehistro, pwede pong automatic na i-impound ang sasakyan.”
Meawhile, similar to the systems implemented in other countries, the agency is also pushing for faster notification systems for traffic violations, including the possibility of text alerts sent to vehicle owners.
Artes underscored the effectiveness of NCAP by comparing before and after implementation violation rates. According to MMDA data, monthly traffic violations dropped from around 40,000 to less than 10,000 when NCAP was in place.
The implementation of the NCAP will be effective on Monday, May 26, 2025.
In august 2022, the SC issued a TRO halting the implementation of NCAP following several petitions citing legal and procedural concerns.
Since then, local government unit (LGUs) and the MMDA have pushed for its reinstatement, arguing its value in enforcing traffic rules without adding to road congestion.
'Not only for traffic used'
Artes also emphasized that its extensive CCTV network and advanced surveillance capabilities are not only used for traffic management but also can be used in crime prevention and public safety.
"Tayo po ay [may] coordination sa mga law enforcement agencies. In fact from time to time po pumupunta sila sa atin to request CCTV footages," he said.
"Minsan nagkocoordinate po sila sa atin for monitoring purposes lalo na kapag may malalaking okasyon, pagdiriwang tulad ng translaction at iba pa pong mga rallies, so tinututukan po natin yan kasi meron din po tayong mga deployable cameras na pwede dalhin kahit saan at namomonitor po yan real time sa ating command center," Artes added.
In addition, the MMDA chairman proudly shared that the agency currently operates 100 body-worn cameras for their personnel, capable of transmitting real-time footage and audio directly to the command center.
"Ganun po tayo ka-hightech," said Artes.
EDSA Rehabilition
Following the lifting of the TRO, MMDA Chairman Artes announced that the rehabilitation of EDSA will commence late at night on June 13.
He also stated that full details of the project will be shared during a press briefing scheduled for 9:00 a.m. on Monday, May 16.
The press conference will feature three key discussion, which are the construction details will be outlined by Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Manny Bonoan.
Moreover, public transportation augmentation plans will be presented by Department of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Vince Dizon, and the traffic management plans will be explained by MMDA Chairman Artes.
