‘No-contact apprehension policy’ back in effect on EDSA, C5

The Supreme Court lifted the temporary restraining order against the no-contact apprehension policy on Tuesday, May 20, as requested by the Metro Manila Development Authority.

Supreme Court spokesperson Atty. Camille Sue Mae Ting announced that the Court granted the MMDA's motion, filed through the Office of the Solicitor General last Friday, May 16.

Ting clarified that the lifted TRO applies only to the MMDA and not to local government unit ordinances. Consequently, the MMDA is now authorized to enforce the NCAP on EDSA and C5.

The order was issued in August 2022 after several transport groups petitioned the Court, demanding that some local ordinances halt their NCAP operations because it has no legal basis to be implemented in Metro Manila.

“To date, there is no statute passed by Congress that establishes or implements a No Contact Apprehension, or adds and expands the coverage of persons, other than the offending driver, who are liable for committing traffic violations,” the petition said.

NCAP allows authorities to capture photos and videos through closed-circuit television or digital cameras and apprehend traffic violators easily.

The petition was released against Quezon City, Valenzuela City, Paranaque City, the City of Manila, and the Land Transportation Office.

However, Guevarra stated in their motion that the right to use vehicles is a privilege, and the MMDA manages regulation through the said policy.

“Through the NCAP, they [MMDA] have established a mechanism to manage traffic and hold accountable those who abuse their privilege to use our roads,” he said.