Surigao del Norte Rep Robert Ace Barbers asked the House of Representatives to investigate the complaints of some drivers and motorists against the No Contact Apprehension Policy or NCAP that is already being implemented in some cities in Metro Manila.
In his privilege speech this Tuesday night, the congressman explained that the House also needs to find out if the NCAP implemented by the LGUs and the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) is under the law.
While the No Contact Apprehension Policy is well-intentioned to discipline motorists and drivers, Barbers said there is a need to ensure that the program cannot be used or abused.
“This NCAP system is laudable since the intent is to discipline erring, abusive or wayward drivers. But the implementors, I was told, are imposing excessive fines and could be violating the Constitution since there is no due process of law,” according to the congressman.
“Likewise, there is no law, ordinance, or regulation prohibiting vehicle registration due to non-payment of fines for traffic violations,” he continued.
Barbers asks House to look into ‘No Contact Apprehension Policy’
Because the name of the person registered on the vehicle is the one that is sent the letter when caught violating, Barbers also wants to know who the letter is sent to when a “red plate” or government vehicle is caught in NCAP.
Barbers also criticized that the MMDA is the only place the driver who has a complaint about his arrest can appeal.
“MMDA would be the only forum where drivers can file their grievances, complaints, and protests, then the agency would virtually become the accuser, judge, and executioner,” the lawmaker said.
Earlier, the Land Transportation Office (LTO) requested the local governments to first suspend and review the No Contact Apprehension Policy due to the complaints of public utility vehicle operators regarding the payment of fines for traffic violations committed by their drivers.
The LTO explained that the LGUs and MMDA implement the NCAP. The LTO is said to be only helping by sending an alarm about a vehicle with a traffic violation.
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