METRO MANILA witnesses a unifying support for the No Contact Apprehension Policy (NCAP) as transport groups like the Taguig transport group stand in solidarity with this groundbreaking initiative. Led by Ricardo Alde, the FTI Taguig transport group, comprised of over 100 jeepney and bus drivers, extends its endorsement, joined by Councilor Nicky Supan, the committee leader of Taguig’s transportation sector.
During the grand opening of WALI second-hand cars and auto supply in Panam Village, Taguig City, Councilor Supan highlighted the significance of lifting the Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) on NCAP. “Taguig is aligned with the Metro Manila Council in championing the NCAP. We swiftly embraced and supported the NCAP due to its advantageous outcomes for our drivers, which in turn positively impacts both traffic conditions and passenger experiences,” Supan affirmed. He further emphasized that the NCAP serves as a robust deterrent for traffic violators and upholds the importance of disciplined driving, a core principle upheld by Taguig City.
Councilor Supan’s endorsement echoed through the voices of other influential figures present during the event, including Enrico Caluen, president of Guadalupe—FTI Jeepney Drivers Association; Conrad Synshioco, LTFRB Liaison Officer; Epe Lepasana, Mobility Officer; Sonny Osorio, Chief of Transportation in Taguig; and Danilo Canabiral, Chief of Traffic Management Office in Taguig.
Since the issuance of the TRO, the collaborative efforts of the technical group, in cooperation with key stakeholders such as the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) and Metro Manila Council, have led to significant improvements in the implementation of NCAP. The transportation community’s unwavering endorsement of NCAP stems from its impartial and fair approach to enforcing traffic laws, minimizing the influence of individual traffic enforcers’ discretion. During its active implementation, studies have demonstrated NCAP’s success in alleviating traffic congestion and enhancing road safety.
A strong supporter of NCAP, the transport advocacy group The Passenger Forum (TPF) sees it as a transformative step toward creating more pedestrian, commuter, and cyclist-friendly road environments. According to TPF Convener Primo Morillo, “NCAP initiates a journey towards safer roads for all and encourages greater motorist accountability. This policy ensures that traffic rules act as protectors of individuals and enablers of responsible driving. It’s a promising stride towards the right direction.”
Morillo highlighted how NCAP’s merit goes beyond fostering road safety and motorist discipline. It also removes subjectivity from the enforcement process, curbing the potential for biased apprehensions by traffic enforcers.
Joining the chorus of endorsements, the Motorcycle Rights Organization of the Philippines (MROP) acclaimed NCAP as a “vital measure” to enhance road safety and secure motorcyclists’ welfare. MROP acknowledged the positive impact of NCAP in reducing motorcycle-related accidents before the TRO was imposed.
As NCAP’s eventual implementation looms on the horizon, all motorists and stakeholders stand to benefit. The Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) announced its plan to integrate body-worn cameras into traffic enforcement, a move supported by MMDA Chairman Artes as a potent tool to combat corruption and extortion in the enforcement process.
