The month of August has been quite dominated by news related to the No-Contact Apprehension Program (NCAP). Earlier this month, amid concerns from the motoring public, as well as various transport groups, the Land Transportation Office (LTO) called for NCAP’s immediate suspension until the issues are fixed.
The LTO also went on to say that if NCAP is not suspended as the agency appeals, they may call on the help of the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) to intervene.
Well, the mayors of the cities that implement NCAP have issued a joint statement, saying that NCAP will stay. The mayors argued that the program is in line with President Bong Bong Marcos Jr.’s mandate of digitalization of government services. These cities are Valenzuela, Paranaque, Quezon City, San Juan and Manila.
For LTO, they will assemble a Technical Working Group (TWG) in preparation for the discussions with the mayors, which, according to the agency, will push through in the next few days.
As for the MMDA, NCAP will stay.
“The Metropolitan Development Authority fully supports the No-Contact Apprehension Program (NCAP) which is being implemented by some Metro Manila Local Government Units (LGUs) and stands in solidarity with them in this respect.”
The statement also adds that the agency’s use of CCTVs in traffic enforcement has been an effective force multiplier for their traffic personnel, and has also been an effective tool for instilling discipline on the road.
The MMDA also maintains that they are open to “future collaborative and constructive discussions” with stakeholders to make NCAP better.
