PASIG CITY, Philippines — Manila Mayor Francisco “Isko” Moreno Domagoso expressed support for the continued implementation of the No Contact Apprehension Policy (NCAP), saying the system could help prevent road accidents and save lives.
“Second, this will save lives,” Isko said. “By following traffic lights, by following traffic rules, it will save lives.”
Speaking to reporters on Tuesday at the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) headquarters in Pasig City, Isko said technology could promote more consistent enforcement of traffic rules while reducing human discretion.
“I will pursue NCAP. There's nothing wrong with that,” Isko said.
He cited Taft Avenue and Quirino, Nagtahan Interchange and España as areas with numerous incidents on the city's accident heat map, which he linked to violations of traffic rules.
Isko said the system could also address complaints involving traffic enforcers and ensure that motorists are treated equally under traffic rules.
“Through NCAP, the rich, the powerful, the poor, the powerless, the strong, and the weak are all treated as equals,” he said in Filipino.
He cited a recent dry run in Manila during which two cameras recorded 190 violations.
“With the NCAP, there is no introduction of human discretion. Human discretion was eradicated by the technology,” Isko said.
He also expressed support for the MMDA's implementation of NCAP following the Supreme Court's action on the policy.
"As long as the law is valid, we thank the Supreme Court for putting an end to the issue, and many thanks to the MMDA," Isko said in Filipino.
Emergency situations could still be considered when reviewing violations, according to Isko.
“For example, if there is an emergency, a proven emergency, then you cross the red light, then we will reconsider. Why? Life is life,” he said.
Isko added that NCAP would apply the same rules regardless of the vehicle being driven.
“The one driving a Mercedes-Benz and the one driving a jeep, the technology will give the same decision if they are at fault or committed a violation,” he said.
The mayor said he would continue to support NCAP and proceed with its implementation in Manila after the dry run.
