MMDA calls for lifting of NCAP suspension as it imposes higher fines on EDSA bus lane violators

Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, November 13) — The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) again called for the lifting of the suspension of the No Contact Apprehension Policy to intensify efforts against motorists illegally using the EDSA bus lane and other traffic violations.

MMDA acting chairman Romando Artes said the illegal use of EDSA bus lane worsened since the NCAP was suspended. The MMDA started imposing higher fines on bus lane violators on Monday.

Artes said there is a need to lift the NCAP suspension so the agency can better monitor the roads.

“Sana maaksyunan na po dahil kailangan talaga namin ‘yung tulong ng technology para mabantayan ang lansangan ng Metro Manila. Hindi namin po kayang bantayan ng 24/7 na mano-mano ang lahat ng kalsada sa amin jurisdiction,” he told reporters.

[Translation: We hope there will already be immediate action because we really need technology to monitor the roads of Metro Manila. We cannot guard all roads under our jurisdiction for 24/7 manually.]

With the NCAP, the MMDA and local government units can enforce traffic rules using traffic management technology, including advanced camera systems operated by computer vision artificial intelligence.

The Supreme Court issued a temporary restraining order against the NCAP in August 2022 based on a consolidated case that stemmed from separate petitions filed by four transport groups and lawyer Juman Paa challenging the policy.

So far, over 300 EDSA bus lane violators were apprehended after stiffer penalties took effect at 6 a.m. on Monday, Artes said.

The new fines range from ₱5,000 for the first offense up to ₱30,000 for the fourth offense along with the revocation of driver's license.

The MMDA official urged motorists to follow the policy. He also warned that those who will attempt to escape will automatically be subject to a third offense with a ₱20,000 fine and one year suspension of driver's license.

Land Transportation Office (LTO) Chairman Vigor Mendoza reminded violators that there will be other fines on top of those imposed by the MMDA.

“Sa LTO, puwede namin i-revoke, cancel, suspend ‘yung rehistro ng sasakyan whether government car ‘yan o pribadong vehicle