Manila to deploy more traffic enforcers after NCAP suspension

A few days ago, the Supreme Court issued a temporary restraining order (TRO) against the controversial No Contact Apprehension Program (NCAP). The cities of Manila, Valenzuela, Quezon, San Juan, and Paranaque were ordered to suspend the implementation of NCAP immediately. Even the MMDA’s NCAP system along EDSA was also ordered to be suspended for the time being.

The MMDA has since announced that it will return to full-contact apprehension following the SC’s TRO on major thoroughfares, including EDSA, Commonwealth, Quezon Avenue, Roxas Boulevard, C-5, and Macapagal Boulevard.

Fast forward to today and Manila City Mayor Honey Lacuna has also announced that they will be deploying more Manila Traffic & Parking Bureau (MTPB) enforcers on the road after the SC issued a TRO suspending the city ordinance on NCAP.

In a press statement, Lacuna said that while they will comply with the SC’s court order, she pointed out that NCAP has helped Manila become a safer city for its residents and motorists.

“Bagamat naniniwala tayo na maraming magandang nadulot ang NCAP sa daloy ng trapiko at pagsasa ayos ng disiplina sa ating Lungsod, ang Pamahalaang Lungsod ay susunod sa alituntunin ng Korte Suprema at handa sa pagpapahinto ng NCAP sa Maynila,” said Lacuna.

[Although we believe that NCAP has brought many good things to the flow of traffic and discipline in our City, the City Government will follow the guidelines of the Supreme Court and is ready to stop NCAP in Manila]

Lacuna shared that based on data from the MMDA published in its MMARAS 2021 Annual Report on road safety, the number of fatal and non-fatal injuries due to traffic accidents went down by 47% in 2021 after the NCAP was implemented in the city.

Furthermore, the Manila Police District (MPD) also shared that the number of recorded road accidents dropped by 62% thanks to the NCAP system being implemented. Last but not least, the number of recorded traffic violations decreased significantly by 90% based on the daily average recorded per traffic camera in the city.

“The evidence shows that NCAP keeps traffic flowing smoother and faster, and keeps motorists, bicycle users, and pedestrians safe on the city roads and streets. Most importantly, the abundance of data shows that the NCAP is quite effective in keeping city traffic smooth and efficient, while also protecting the safety of pedestrians and motorists,” added Lacuna.

Lacuna assured Manila residents that despite the suspension of NCAP, the MTPB will continue to strictly enforce traffic regulations to maintain order, discipline, and safety along the roads.