SC clears way for NCAP; EDSA rehab begins in June

The Supreme Court has lifted the temporary restraining order (TRO) that paused the implementation of the no-contact apprehension policy (NCAP) by the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) and local government units.

Solicitor General Menardo Guevarra confirmed this development on Tuesday — a big step toward improving traffic flow and curbing corruption among enforcers.

The TRO was first issued back in August 2022 after several transport groups challenged the policy’s legality, including organizations like Kapit, Pasang Masda, Altodap, Acto, and lawyer Juman Paa, who personally felt the sting of the heavy fines under the NCAP.

Paa’s complaint stemmed from the fines he faced over pedestrian lane violations, which he had to pay before he could register his vehicle.

Critics argued the NCAP had no solid legal backing under the MMDA Charter and the Land Transportation and Traffic Act.

But Guevarra was clear: “The right to use vehicles on public roads is a privilege. With that privilege comes the duty to ensure the safety of everyone and a collective obligation to make our roads work for the economy and for all of us.”

He emphasized that this shared responsibility involves cooperation across all levels of government.

The Supreme Court’s recent resolution partially lifted the TRO — specifically the MMDA’s resolution — allowing the NCAP to be enforced on major roads like C5 and EDSA, effective immediately.

This comes as the Department of Transportation (DoTr) and other agencies finalize traffic rerouting plans ahead of the long-awaited full rebuild of EDSA, Metro Manila’s main highway.

Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon told reporters the project, delayed multiple times, is set to begin by mid-June.

“This isn’t just a repair – it’s a total rebuild of EDSA,” Dizon said.

The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has highlighted the scale of the task, with so much work needed after decades of wear and tear.

To minimize traffic during construction, authorities will soon announce detailed rerouting and other mitigation measures. The Guadalupe area, in particular, is expected to see minimal disruption thanks to a planned network bridge.

Dizon confirmed the NCAP will be fully reinstated during the construction period.

“With the NCAP in place, traffic can keep moving while we catch violators using CCTV cameras. We need this system especially while the rebuild is ongoing,” he said.

The DPWH aims to finish the Pasay-to-Guadalupe stretch by the end of the year, a key route expected to be heavily used during the 2026 ASEAN Summit hosted by the Philippines.

Public Works Secretary Manuel Bonoan said the work will be done lane-by-lane, starting with the southbound busway.

After years of delay and legal challenges, the combined efforts to revive the NCAP and rebuild EDSA signal a major push to finally ease Metro Manila’s notorious traffic woes.