Many Metro Manila motorists have been puzzled—and even annoyed—to see MMDA traffic enforcers issuing tickets in areas supposedly covered by the No Contact Apprehension Policy (NCAP). The MMDA recently explained that its automated system still has “blind spots” and cannot wholly replace human presence on the roads. While NCAP’s CCTV cameras monitor major thoroughfares, gaps remain—making on-site officers essential for capturing violations and serving as a deterrent.
These “blind spots” are often stretches of road that lack sufficient camera coverage or where visual infrastructure—traffic signs, lane markings—are missing or unclear. Without cameras to capture violations in these zones, enforcement relies on uniformed personnel to catch and ticket offenders directly. This physical apprehension complements NCAP’s high-tech reach and expands the overall net to ensure compliance .
A primary concern among drivers has been “double jeopardy”—receiving both an NCAP citation and an on-the-ground ticket for the same offense. To address this, the MMDA implemented a strict internal process requiring all physical tickets to undergo cross-referencing. Before any ticket is finalized, staff verify that the violation was not already captured by NCAP cameras. If it was, the ground ticket is invalidated. This system prevents duplication and ensures fairness for motorists.
In tandem, the MMDA continues its standard manual review for NCAP-recorded violations. Cameras may flag a violation, but every single one must be vetted by a human officer before a Notice of Violation is issued. Recent data revealed that of 8,586 violations caught from May 26 to June 4, only 4,100 were confirmed valid after review—meaning more than half were dismissed for being minor or unsubstantiated infractions. Many of these dismissed violations involved minor crossing into yellow boxes, brief lane intrusions, or similar issues deemed too trivial to warrant fines.
These measures are not arbitrary. When the Supreme Court partially lifted its temporary restraining order on NCAP on May 20, it allowed only the MMDA to reintroduce the policy—not local governments—with conditions including ensuring due process, proper signage, accessible violation-check channels, and no double penalties. That mandate lies at the core of MMDA’s insistence on both manual review and strict cross-checks.
Motorists can contest their NCAP or on-the-ground tickets via the MMDA Traffic Adjudication Division (TAD) or through the agency’s Facebook page and online portal. There’s no need to appear in person: disputes may be filed within 10 days after receiving the notice, and footage can be requested if needed.
The MMDA urges drivers to change their mindset: following traffic laws isn’t optional, and reliance solely on automated enforcement isn’t reliable yet. The combination of cameras and enforcers is designed to maximize compliance, cover gaps, and uphold fair treatment. The technology is improving, but for now, human judgment remains crucial.
For transparency, motorists are encouraged to use MMDA’s official platforms—not third-party links or apps that claim to show violations. The MMDA recently warned against sharing a bogus “May Violation Ba?” link. The genuine NCAP tracking app is still being prepared; until then, only MMDA channels should be used.
In short, the presence of MMDA enforcers on the streets—even where NCAP cameras operate—is deliberate and necessary. They fill in coverage gaps, prevent unjust double-ticketing, bolster fairness, and enforce standards in areas the cameras miss. As the policy matures, better technology and expanded coverage may reduce the need for physical apprehension. Until then, drivers should remain cautious, law-abiding, and trust that both systems work together—with checks in place—to ensure justice and order on Metro Manila roads.
