MMDA eyes NCAP on littering, illegal parking

The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority is eyeing the use of the No Contact Apprehension Policy to catch violators of littering and illegal parking in the National Capital Region.

In a Kapihan sa Manila Bay interview, MMDA General Manager Nicolas Torre III said the measure could be implemented starting next week to address the issue of improper trash disposal in Metro Manila, particularly at the barangay level, to lessen clogging in pumping stations. 

"Pag 'di sila madala sa edukasyon, heto na ngayon, may mga camera kami… ipapakita ko ang kayang gawin ng aming command center," Torre said. "Para they will be properly warned na ganito ka-powerful ang camera ng MMDA, ayusin niyo."

"Dahil 'pag kayo ay nakuhanan ng camera, papasok 'yung No Contact Apprehension Policy. 'Di lang sa kalsada 'yan. 'Di lang sa moving violation 'yan. Ang NCAP, gagamitin namin 'yan sa illegal parking, illegal waste disposal." 

Torre then detailed the process of his proposed policy, where violators caught on camera can easily be apprehended. 

"Nagtapon ka ng basura, nakuhanan ka ng camera. Ica-capture 'yan, gagawin 'yung notice of violation. Ipadadala sa inyo, bayaran mo ang multa. 'Pag 'di mo bayaran ang multa, lalabas ang warrant mo," he said. 

Torre said unresponsive violators may be fined from P500 to P2,000 and may face imprisonment with bail.

He also assured that penalties will be delivered accordingly through the help of barangay officials, artificial intelligence, and their NCAP watchers who are deaf-mute.

"Mapi-picture-an 'yan. Paiimbestigahan natin 'yan. Kasi makukuha naman ang mukha ng tao eh," he said. "Dahil AI ang ating camera, napo-program natin ang behavior na gusto natin. Kaya pag dumaan ka diyan, siguraduhin mong wala kang violation. Dahil 'pag may violation ka na nasa algorithm niyan, mapipitikan ka."

The MMDA recently launched its "Yes to Ayos" campaign, promoting discipline and civil responsibility for those in the metro.

The initiative includes pushing for habits like following traffic rules and regulations, using designated pedestrian crossings, and keeping sidewalks free of obstructions, among others.