SC partially lifts TRO on No Contact Apprehension Policy

The Supreme Court (SC) has partially lifted the temporary restraining order (TRO) against the No Contact Apprehension Policy (NCAP), allowing its implementation by the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) to resume along major thoroughfares effective immediately.

Solicitor General Menardo Guevarra confirmed that the SC acted on a petition related to NCAP, while SC spokesperson Camille Sue Mae Ting announced the development in a press conference on Tuesday, May 20.

The partial lifting of the TRO issued in August 2022 allows the MMDA Resolution No. 16-01 to be implemented again but excludes local government units and fines for now.

Some local government units (LGUs) and the MMDA launched NCAP to enforce traffic rules using advanced camera systems with artificial intelligence technology, citing a need for stronger enforcement measures.

Petitioners like Kilisan sa Pagbabago ng Industriya ng Transportasyon, Inc. (KAPIT), challenged the policy in 2022, arguing that it violated existing laws and lacked legal basis.

MMDA chairman Don Artes announced on Monday, May 26, new guidelines for NCAP to address petitioners' concerns, including a single ticketing scheme with common penalty rates and an email protest system.