SC temporarily stops no contact apprehension program

The Supreme Court has ordered to temporarily stop the no contact apprehension program being implemented in Metro Manila roads. INQUIRER file photo / GRIG C. MONTEGRANDE

MANILA, Philippines — The Supreme Court (SC) temporarily stops the implementation of the no contact apprehension program (NCAP).

In a briefer issued Tuesday, the SC said the temporary restraining order is “effective immediately and until further orders from the Court.”

“Any apprehensions through the NCAP programs and ordinances related thereto shall be prohibited until further orders from the Court,” read the SC briefer.

The restraining order covers ordinances issued by the local government units of Manila, Quezon City, Valenzuela City, Parañaque City, Muntinlupa, and the Land Transportation Office (LTO).

The LTO, according to the SC, is enjoined from “giving out motorist information to all LGUs, cities, and municipalities enforcing NCAP programs and ordinances.”

The TRO is due to a consolidated petition. The first was filed by several transport groups such as the Kilusan sa Pagbabago ng Industriya ng Transportasyon Inc. (KAPIT), Pangkalahatang Sagguniang Manila and Suburbs Drivers Association Nationwide (Pasang-Masda), Alliance of Transport Operators and Drivers Association of the Philippines (ALTODAP), and Alliance of Concerned Transport Organization (ACTO). The second petition was filed by lawyer Juman B. Paa.

READ: Lawyer who gets P20K worth of no-contact apprehension penalty seeks SC help

Meanwhile, SC Spokesperson Atty. Brian Keith Hosaka said the restraining order only enjoin the respondents in the two petitions. He added that the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) is also covered by the restraining order.

“Upon verification with the Clerk of Court, I was informed that the MMDA is covered by the TRO in the NCAP case,” Hosaka said.

The oral argument is set on January 23, 2023.

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JPV