SC resets NCAP hearing to December 6  

MANILA, Philippines — Following calls from transport advocates, the Supreme Court (SC) has reset the oral arguments on petitions questioning the legality of the no-contact apprehension policy or NCAP to Dec. 6.

In full session on Tuesday, SC justices decided to reschedule the oral arguments to an earlier date instead of Jan. 24, 2023.

The preliminary conference is set on Nov. 4.

The SC had earlier stopped the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) and five local governments from enforcing the NCAP, saying it issued the temporary restraining orders without giving due course to the petitions.

The other respondents are the local governments of Manila, Muntinlupa, Parañaque, Quezon City and Valenzuela.

“Any apprehensions through the NCAP and ordinances related thereto will be prohibited until further order from the court,” the SC said.

The high court also barred the Land Transportation Office from sharing motorists’ information with local government units enforcing the NCAP.

The SC also ordered the MMDA to file its comment on the petitions within 10 days.

Transport groups have asked the high court to resolve the NCAP issue in anticipation of traffic jams in Metro Manila as the Christmas season nears.

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

The measure has been met with widespread opposition from public utility vehicle drivers and private vehicle owners due to excessive fines imposed on motorists even for minor traffic violations.