The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) recorded 1,112 traffic violators on the first day of the reimplementation of the No Contact Apprehension Policy (NCAP).
Edniel Parrosa reported that the majority of the violators were caught disregarding traffic signs and using the EDSA Busway, based on MMDA's initial assessment.
The MMDA said this figure is significantly lower compared to the more than 3,000 violators recorded on the same date last year. However, not all of them were issued tickets, as some were only monitored through cameras when NCAP was previously suspended.
"Natakot ang mga motorista sa pagbabalik ng dating polisiya," MMDA Chairman Atty. Romando Artes said.
NCAP is a traffic enforcement strategy that uses CCTV cameras, digital sensors, and other surveillance technologies to detect traffic violations without the need for physical apprehension by traffic enforcers.
Artes earlier said that the reimplementation of NCAP will help improve traffic flow in Metro Manila, especially in preparation for the upcoming EDSA rehabilitation project set to begin on June 13.
In a press briefing on Monday, Artes said President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. had directed the agency to manage traffic and implement mitigating measures to avoid a potential "carmageddon" during the EDSA rebuild.
Top on the list of mitigation measures, according to Artes, is the implementation of a 24-hour odd-even scheme along EDSA, starting with a dry run on June 16.
Under the scheme, vehicles with license plates ending in odd numbers (1, 3, 5, 7, 9) will not be allowed to use EDSA on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. Conversely, vehicles with even-numbered plates (2, 4, 6, 8, 0) will be prohibited from using EDSA on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays.
"With the enforcement of the odd-even scheme, we are expecting a 40% reduction in the number of vehicles along EDSA," Artes said.
Another traffic mitigation measure includes the banning of provincial buses, trucks carrying perishable goods, garbage trucks, and aviation fuel delivery trucks from using EDSA.
Identified alternate routes will also be cleared of illegally parked vehicles and other obstructions to ensure smoother traffic flow.
Department of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Vince Dizon said the agency will implement several measures to ease commuter movement, including adding more units to the EDSA Bus Carousel system to encourage the use of public utility buses, increasing the number of MRT-3 trains, and waiving toll fees on certain sections of the Skyway Stage 3 in coordination with the Toll Regulatory Board and San Miguel Corporation.
Meanwhile, Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Manuel Bonoan said the EDSA rebuild aims to replace existing pavement with a more durable one. Several contractors will work at the same time to speed up the project.
The NCAP was previously suspended in August 2022 after the Supreme Court issued a Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) in response to a petition filed by Atty. Juman Paa, who questioned the program's legality and fairness.
Cities affected by the TRO included Manila, Parañaque, Valenzuela, Muntinlupa, and Quezon City.
The Supreme Court lifted the TRO on May 20, following a formal request from the MMDA in anticipation of the EDSA rehabilitation.
