MANILA, Philippines — There’s no need yet to pay fines for traffic violations committed before the Supreme Court’s suspension of the no-contact apprehension policy (NCAP) of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) and local governments.
MMDA spokesman Crisanto Saruca Jr. made this clear when asked in a television interview what concerned motorists should expect now that the high court has issued a temporary restraining order on the controversial policy.
In an interview with “The Chiefs” on Cignal TV’s One News, Saruca said it’s best to wait for further pronouncements from the high tribunal.
The SC issued TROs on the NCAP on Aug. 30 in response to separate petitions questioning its constitutionality.
Saruca maintained there was “no conflict” in the pronouncements made by the MMDA and the SC on how to deal with notices of NCAP traffic violation before the TRO was released last Tuesday.
“We’ve already mentioned that anything prior to Aug. 30 issuance pursuant to the MMDA NCAP would remain subject to further pronouncements from the Supreme Court,” he said.
He noted the TRO was “immediately effective and continuing until further orders from the high court.”
He also assured motorists with existing NCAP notices that no interest would be added to their fines.
Under MMDA’s NCAP, drivers who violated its number coding rule would be fined P300. Disregarding traffic signs is punishable with fine.
Asked if MMDA would abide by a possible SC order to refund motorists fined, Saruca maintained they would “comply with any decision the Supreme Court will hand down eventually.” He admitted it would “take a lot of funds to refund the fines.”