Metro Manila, Philippines — Ahead of the reinstatement of the No Contact Apprehension Policy (NCAP) in six Metro Manila cities on Monday, Oct. 5, two concerned groups said this is not the appropriate time to resume the policy.
Transport group MANIBELA said resuming the traffic policy is tone-deaf to the soaring expenses shouldered by motorists due to increased pump prices amid the ongoing Middle East crisis.
It also stressed the need for public consultations before implementing the measure anew to clarify concerns, including the hefty violation fees and the due process that erring motorists will undergo.
“Nanawagan tayo sa lahat ng mga LGU’s na may NCAP na ipagpaliban muna ang pagpapatupad nito dahil sa kinakaharap nating krisis sa langis na kung saan ay napakataas ng presyo ng mga produktong petrolyo idagdag pa ang [napakamahal] na bilihin at serbisyo na siyang nagpapahirap sa mga motorista at sa taong bayan,” the group said in a statement.
[Translation: We are calling on all local government units that will implement NCAP to postpone its implementation in light of the current oil crisis, which has driven up the prices of petroleum products, as well as the high cost of goods and services that heavily burden motorists and the public.]
The group also expressed concern over the possibility that private contractors could be tapped to implement the reinstated traffic policy.
“Kailangan muna sanang makunsulta ang mga stakeholders bago ito ipatupad upang maging malinaw ang sistema,” MANIBELA said, noting that it is not against disciplinary policies but opposes contractors profiting from motorists.
Lawyers for Commuters Safety and Protection (LCSP) echoed the sentiment, saying public consultations should have been conducted across local government units first to inform motorists about the type of NCAP that will be implemented.
LCSP argued that following the adoption of the Metro Manila Traffic Code of 2023, local governments should no longer implement their own NCAP, which is already enforced by the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority.
“Ibig sabihin ay hindi na dapat nagpapatupad ng kanikanilang NCAP ordinance ang mga LGU sa Metro Manila dahil nga may unified traffic framework na ang MMDA,” LCSP said in a statement.
[Translation: It means that local government units in Metro Manila should no longer implement their own NCAP ordinances because there is already a unified traffic framework under the MMDA.]
The group likewise flagged the lack of information about the due process mechanism under the new NCAP and the absence of a public hearing before its implementation.
“Dapat munang linawin ng mga LGUs kung ang NCAP na kanilang ipatutupad ba ay may contractor provider na kikita sa multang ibabayad ng motorista,” LCSP said.
[Translation: The local government units should first clarify whether the NCAP they will implement will involve a contractor provider that will profit from the violation fees paid by motorists.]
Similar to MANIBELA, the lawyers’ group said it does not oppose road measures intended to promote discipline among motorists but is critical of who will implement them.
“Hindi tutol ang LCSP sa disiplina sa lansangan kaya nga walang tutol sa NCAP ng MMDA. Pero kapag iba na ang magpapatupad gaya ng mga LGUs na may pribadong contractor at pagkakakitaan ang multa ng motorista ay negosyo na ito at hindi disiplina.”
[Translation: LCSP is not against discipline on the roads, which is why it does not oppose the MMDA’s NCAP. But when the policy is implemented by LGUs with private contractors that could profit from motorists’ violation fees, it becomes a business rather than a disciplinary measure.]
The Supreme Court in 2022 issued a temporary restraining order against NCAP in response to petitions filed by transport groups challenging its legality. A partial lifting of the restriction was issued in May 2025, allowing the MMDA to enforce the policy on thoroughfares under its jurisdiction.
The consolidated petitions were dismissed as moot in July this year following the adoption of the Metro Manila Traffic Code of 2023.
