No NCAP means MMDA back to full contact apprehension

The (blue) boys are back in town

The controversial No Contact Apprehension Program (NCAP) may have been issued a temporary restraining order (TRO) by the Supreme Court yesterday, but that doesn't mean we're getting away with disregarding traffic rules.

After honoring the Supreme Court's order, the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) is deploying its traffic personnel back on the roads to enforce traffic rules and return to physical apprehension of violators.

MMDA Acting Spokesperson and Head of Legal Service Atty. Cris Saruca, Jr. said the enforcers shall be assigned to cover the areas where NCAP used to be implemented. As such, major thoroughfares like EDSA, Commonwealth, Quezon Avenue, Roxas Boulevard, C-5, and Macapagal Boulevard will see more of MMDA's personnel being deployed to manage traffic.

But for those who have been charged with traffic violation tickets through NCAP, MMDA says the apprehensions that happened prior to the TRO will still be subject to corresponding fines and penalties. The Supreme Court's directive issued yesterday was not a retroactive order, and thus, it only covers the date from yesterday to whenever the order will be lifted.

NCAP cameras are being suspended for the time being, so don't be surprised if more MMDA officers are out on the road in the coming days. Let's just hope they are able to manage the traffic situation well.