Traffic discipline ain’t optional

Like an ex who ghosted you only to text “you up?” at 2 a.m., the No Contact Apprehension Policy (NCAP) is making a comeback — to the chagrin of habitual traffic violators — but this time, the MMDA swears it’s serious.

Starting last Monday, 26 May, NCAP once again rolled into town, bringing with it CCTV-fueled justice and a renewed hope for Metro Manila’s lawless streets. Most motorists — except, perhaps, the daring counter-flowers and stoplight deniers — are breathing a collective sigh of relief.

Welcome back, Big Brother. We missed you.

For those unfamiliar with the NCAP, it’s basically traffic enforcement minus the human drama.

No more waving down by traffic enforcers who look like they just woke up and are mad at the world. No more haggling, begging, or “pare, baka naman…” Just cold, hard cameras catching your illegal U-turns, red light running stunts, and your refusal to use the correct lane like a decent member of society. It’s clean, impartial, and painfully honest — like a CCTV-fueled confession booth.

Let’s get real. Since NCAP was suspended, Metro Manila’s roads have resembled a Mad Max reboot. Jeepneys loading in the middle of intersections, motorcyclists lane splitting like they’re auditioning for Fast & Furious: EDSA Drift, and private car owners turning yellow boxes into permanent parking.

Without fear of instant fines or digital shame, many motorists reverted to their default setting: bahala na si Batman. Order collapsed, and anarchy reigned. We didn’t just flirt with chaos — we married it and honeymooned in Cubao.

But lo and behold, during the NCAP’s earlier run, we actually saw the impossible: discipline. Motorists stopped at red lights, avoided bus lanes like they were haunted, and even — gasp — used their turn signals.

Fear of the camera turned even the most “pasaway” driver into a defensive driving champion.

People didn’t argue with enforcers because there weren’t any. The camera didn’t accept bribes, didn’t take lunch breaks, and didn’t get distracted by trending TikToks.

Of course, some critics will say it’s unfair, or that it lacks due process. But really, what’s unfair is sitting in traffic because three idiots decided they were exempt from basic road rules. What’s unjust is watching someone beat the red light while you obediently brake, only to both arrive at the next jam like it’s a group therapy session for the chronically late.

If anything, NCAP is the great equalizer. It doesn’t care if you drive a Ferrari or a tricycle — if you break the rules, it’s screenshot-and-send time.

So yes, it’s about time the MMDA dusted off the cameras and got back to business. We cannot expect traffic to improve while letting everyone do their own thing like it’s a democracy on wheels.

Traffic discipline isn’t optional; it’s oxygen for urban life. We all want faster commutes, safer roads, and fewer road rage-inducing moments. But those don’t happen by accident — they happen when people are held accountable, preferably with pixel-perfect receipts.

So smile, motorists. You’re being watched. And frankly, that might just be the best thing that’s happened to our roads in a long time.