MANIBELA seeks NCAP delay, cites PUV burden

Transport group Manibela on Saturday urged local governments to defer the implementation of the No Contact Apprehension Policy (NCAP), saying the measure could further burden motorists amid high fuel prices and rising costs of goods and services.

Manibela called on LGUs implementing the policy to first conduct public consultations with transport groups and other stakeholders, saying motorists should be given clear information on the penalties, enforcement procedures and process for contesting violations.

“There should first be public consultations on its implementation. We need to clarify why the fines are so high, how due process will work in apprehending and adjudicating cases involving motorists who are caught, especially those using public utility vehicles,” the group said.

The appeal came two days before NCAP is set to resume in six Metro Manila cities on Monday, 5 October.

Manila, Quezon City, Valenzuela, Parañaque, Muntinlupa and San Juan have announced the return of camera-based traffic enforcement, which will operate under the Metro Manila Traffic Code of 2023.

The group raised particular concern over the explanation that LGUs would impose higher fines during the first two years to recover the cost of installing NCAP equipment.

It questioned whether recovering those expenses through traffic penalties would effectively shift the cost of the system to motorists.

“Isn’t it clear that this will burden all motorists, especially PUV drivers, as LGUs seek to recover the expenses as soon as possible, further adding to the daily burden of ordinary Filipinos, particularly motorists?” the group said.

Manibela said stakeholder consultation was necessary to make the enforcement system understandable and transparent before its implementation.

“We are not opposed to discipline. In fact, we support it if the goal is to improve traffic and discipline motorists, and not simply to make money,” Manibela said.

“We hope that the implementation of NCAP will not add to the hardships faced by ordinary Filipinos amid the crises we are facing,” the group added.