Cebu City councilor pushes for NCAP adoption

A CEBU City Councilor is pushing for a No Contact Apprehension Policy (NCAP) to improve traffic enforcement and motorist discipline.

Neophyte City Councilor Winston Pepito told SunStar Cebu on Thursday, July 24, 2025, that the implementation of NCAP would be similar to the policy implemented by the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) in select cities within the National Capital Region.

This traffic management system uses surveillance cameras to monitor, detect, and identify real-time traffic violations. It allows for the issuance of notices and traffic citation tickets without direct interaction between enforcers and motorists.

“I’m pushing for NCAP to discipline our drivers, especially katong mga badlungon, and to help improve our traffic flow and safety,” Pepito said in a text message to SunStar Cebu.

In his resolution during the Regular Session on Tuesday, July 22, Pepito explained that NCAP aims to reduce corruption and improve traffic flow through technology-enhanced enforcement.

He stressed that Cebu City, like several Metro Manila cities, can implement its own NCAP version.

“Although naa pa ta sa initial stages, we have to conduct thorough study on its legality and feasibility,” Pepito said.

He also suggested a private-public partnership to avoid city government expenses.

“Pwede ra pud ni siya i-private-public partnership arun walay gasto ang city (government),” he added.

CCTO Prepared for Technical Implementation, Awaits Legal Framework

Kent Francesco Jongoy, deputy chief of the Cebu City Transportation Office (CCTO), told SunStar Cebu in a separate interview that the agency is technically prepared for NCAP.

However, developing a legal framework remains a significant challenge.

Jongoy said CCTO has existing Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) cameras at major intersections operating 24/7. These cameras, similar to those used in other NCAP systems, can be expanded to other intersections.

“When it comes to no contact apprehension, I think we are more or less prepared," said Jongoy, adding that existing technology could be enhanced with artificial intelligence to detect specific traffic violations, such as no-entry offenses, and automatically transfer footage to the system.

Outdated Traffic Code Poses Hurdle

However, the city’s 60-year-old traffic code lacks any provisions for NCAP.

Amendments or passing a separate ordinance would be a "very long process," according to Jongoy.

He cited the recent temporary restraining order (TRO) on NCAP implementation in Metro Manila as an example of the legal complexities, especially regarding electronic footage as evidence.

Jongoy suggested that any proposed amendment should explicitly include electronic data as documentary evidence for traffic violations. This would prevent future injunctions and strengthen the legal basis for prosecution.

"We need to take into consideration that we don't want the same arguments raised by those petitioners who are successful in requesting for the injunction," he said.

Data Integration with LTO and Future Plans

Another suggestion involves integrating CCTO's data with the Land Transportation Office (LTO) system. This integration would allow CCTO to identify the registered owners of vehicles that violate traffic rules.

Jongoy revealed that CCTO has secured a favorable opinion from the LTO legal office for a connectivity agreement as part of LTO’s active data-sharing initiatives with various local government units (LGUs) nationwide.

Jongoy expressed hope that the City Council will prioritize the adoption of this initiative.

If passed, initial NCAP enforcement could begin on specific national roads, like Colon Street and Osmeña Boulevard, particularly on dedicated Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) lanes. This would help ensure these lanes are used exclusively by buses.

In initial talks with Pepito, who chairs the Committee on Transportation, there were plans to benchmark best practices from other cities, including Metro Manila's Valenzuela and Bacoor, which were part of the MMDA's initial NCAP rollout.

NCAP in Metro Manila faces challenges including legal issues concerning electronic evidence and the liability of vehicle owners (not only drivers), delays in notifying violators, and concerns about fairness due to potential technical errors or unclear road signage.

As of May 2025, the Supreme Court partially lifted a temporary restraining order, allowing the MMDA to resume its NCAP on major thoroughfares under its jurisdiction.

However, the TRO remains in effect for NCAP ordinances implemented by individual local government units. (EHP)