The Supreme Court has temporarily suspended the NCAP

The No Contact Apprehension Program (NCAP) has been a highly debated topic over the past few months since its implementation. Some motorists appreciate the new system in the sense of order that it brings as drivers are now more cautious, others think otherwise as the system still has exploitable loopholes that need to fix. Not to mention, that the system also has compounding fines that can cost you an arm and a leg if you let the violations build up over time without paying for them immediately.

That being said, the Supreme Court (SC) has decided to step in and put a temporary stop to its implementation and has set two petitions questioning the program’s legality for oral debates. 

The SC Public information office has released a statement that the court during its banc session has issued a temporary restraining order, effective immediately and until further orders from the Court, enjoining all respondents from the implementation of the [NCAP].”

The office has also stated that “The court also said that any apprehensions through NCAP programs and ordinances related thereto shall be prohibited until further orders from the Court,”

The Land Transportation Office and all parts involved in the NCAP are also instructed to disseminate this information to all local government units, cities, and municipalities enforcing the NCAP program and ordinances. 

The high court set the petitions filed by transport groups and a lawyer for oral arguments on January 24, 2023.

As a side note, The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory also asked for the suspension of the implementation of NCAP, pending clear guidelines, however, Metro Manila mayors, with the backing of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority, stood firm on enforcing the program.

It is now a waiting game to see what will happen to the NCAP to see if it will be implemented again in the future with better and clearer guidelines or if it will be removed in favor of something else down the road.