Following the Supreme Court’s dismissal of the consolidated petitions challenging the No Contact Apprehension Program (NCAP) in Metro Manila, 1-Rider Party-list Representative Rodge Gutierrez has called on local government units (LGUs) to enforce stricter guidelines for automated traffic monitoring.
Gutierrez, who is the senior vice chairperson of the House Committee on Transportation, clarified that the High Court threw out the cases primarily because they had become moot due to the enforcement of the Metro Manila Traffic Code of 2023 (MMTC 2023), rather than because the court had resolved the fundamental constitutional issues raised against the system.
“Nirerespeto po natin ang procedural na dahilan kung bakit na-dismiss ang mga petition, pero gusto ko pong linawin na ang mga pangunahing concerns tungkol sa due process, privacy, at karapatan ng mga motorista ay hindi pa rin nalutas sa substance ng kaso,” Gutierrez said.
While recognizing that the digital apprehension system is still evolving, the lawmaker praised the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) for its willingness to adjust and adopt essential modifications based on public feedback.
“1-Rider Party-list recognizes that the MMDA has made substantial improvements in updating the system. The new uniform framework under MMTC 2023 incorporates better safeguards, clearer procedures, data privacy measures, and fairer adjudication processes,” Gutierrez said.
Given these developments in Metro Manila, Gutierrez challenged independent LGUs implementing their own versions of the NCAP to upgrade their systems to guarantee fairness for all drivers.
“We urge all LGUs to step up and adhere to the same high standards of fairness, transparency, and accountability in traffic enforcement programs. Motorists deserve consistent, equitable, and corruption-free enforcement across the entire region,” he added.
The congressman concluded by emphasizing that his party-list will maintain strict oversight to ensure that traffic management initiatives do not violate civil liberties.
“Patuloy na babantayan ng 1-Rider Party-list ang NCAP. Sinusuportahan namin ang mga hakbang para maibsan ang trapik at magkaroon ng disiplina sa kalsada. Ngunit nananatiling priyoridad namin ang proteksyon sa karapatan ng mga motorista at ordinaryong mamamayan,” Gutierrez said.