Metro Manila Mayors remain in their decision to push through the implementation of the No Contact Apprehension Program (NCAP) despite the Supreme Court (SC) ordering a temporary restraining order (TRO) and the petitions from transport groups.
In a joint statement released on Wednesday, the mayors said they have a common stance to continue the implementation of NCAP within their area of jurisdiction and vowed to continuously improve infrastructure and road conditions for a safer environment.
They noted that the execution of NCAP brought the following results: minimization of human intervention in traffic enforcement which eliminated corruption; created a culture of discipline among motorists and the improvement of driving behavior; ensured road safety, and proved effective in reducing traffic violations and traffic-related accidents.
“The implementation of the NAP never disregarded motorists’ due process since each local government unit has their respective traffic adjudication boards where motorists can contest and file protests or appeals,” they said.
They added that effective implementation is not only about the use of technology and the enactment of the ordinance. It requires cooperation between the local government units and government agencies, particularly the Land Transportation Office (LTO).
The mayors also mentioned that President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, Jr. earlier urged the LGU to digitize its services and be more proactive in joining Joint Ventures and Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs).
This is also the reason why the mayors decided to continue the internationally-proven NCAP program.
The statement was signed by Valenzuela Mayor Wes Gatchalian, Paranaque Mayor Eric L. Olivarez, Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte, Manila Mayor Honey Lacuna, and San Juan City Francis Zamora.
The SC on Tuesday, Aug. 16, ordered the five Metro Manila LGUs to stop the enforcement of the NCAP after transport groups filed petitions.
Surigao del Norte 2nd district Rep. Robert Ace Barbers earlier called for the suspension of NCAP and sought an investigation of the complaints in Congress.
According to Barbers, there are reports of excessive penalty fees without due process, disorienting guidelines, and possible abuse of power.
