Group wants SC to reset NCAP oral arguments

MANILA, Philippines — Local government units (LGUs) implementing the no-contact apprehension policy should ask the Supreme Court (SC) to reset the oral arguments on petitions questioning the NCAP in anticipation of traffic jams along major thoroughfares in Metro Manila as the Christmas season draws near, a public policy think-tank said yesterday.

Terry Ridon, convener of Infrawatch PH, said all stakeholders, whether those for or against the NCAP, want an immediate resolution of the petitions so that LGUs can modify their respective traffic apprehension schemes.

“LGUs should ask the high court to reconsider the temporary restraining order and set the oral arguments soon instead of Jan. 23 next year. They can still do that – go back to the SC and raise that question, because Christmas season is approaching and students are back in school,” Ridon said during the Kapihan sa Manila Bay news forum.

The SC has granted an injunction sought by a lawyer and transport groups, stopping the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) and local governments from enforcing the NCAP.

The NCAP is a road safety and traffic management program being implemented by the local governments of Caloocan, Manila, Parañaque, Quezon City, San Juan and Valenzuela as well as the MMDA along EDSA.

The measure has been met with widespread opposition from public utility vehicle drivers and private motorists due to excessive fines, multiple citations for the commission of one violation, and the lack of stoplight countdown timers.

While the NCAP is suspended, the respondents and the complainants need to prepare their cases for oral arguments in four months.

“A four-month gap is a bit unprecedented. The time gap between the filing of a petition and the oral arguments is usually in a span of one month. That’s why we are a bit surprised,” Ridon, a lawyer, said.

“The oral arguments should not be prolonged in the interest of public service,” he added.