Poe: Systems must be in place for NCAP rollout

Sen. Grace Poe said an integrated system must be in place for the effective implementation of the No Contact Apprehension Policy (NCAP).

"Kung tama ang implementasyon at walang corruption, sa tingin ko magiging maayos ito," Poe said in a radio interview Wednesday.

The Supreme Court partially lifted the temporary restraining order on the NCAP. This paves the way for its implementation along Metro Manila's major thoroughfares, including C-5 and Edsa.

Poe, chairperson of the Senate Committee on Finance, said the increasing number of traffic violations calls for other methods of apprehension given the inadequate number of Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) personnel.

"Kulang ang ating mga MMDA personnel, kaya mabuti talaga na meron ganitong uri ng teknolohiya na makakahuli dun sa mga violators," she said.

"Kung may ganitong sistema, bawas rin sa kotong dahil pag nahuli 'yan at meron talagang pruweba o nakuhan ng video, mahirap ipagkaila," she added.

The senator said effective systems must be in place to successfully rollout the policy.

High-technology cameras should be installed to cover the subject areas.

An efficient appeal mechanism should also be available for resolve complaints.

"Katulad sa ibang bansa na ginagamit ito, pwede kang humarap sa isang traffic judge o kung meron mang board ang MMDA na may quasi-judicial function," Poe said.

"Dapat hindi rin pabago-bago 'yung mga regulasyon na hindi pinapaalam sa ating mga kababayan. Halimbawa, yung paglalagay ng no right turn o left turn, kailangang maayos at malinaw ang mga nakapaskil kung paano ang tamang daloy ng trapiko," she added.

Poe also urged the MMDA to tap a credible provider of the technology that can handle the job.

With the high court's order, the senator said she expects the Department of Transportation and the MMDA to return to the drawing board to iron out NCAP's implementation.

"Tama naman talaga gamitin ang teknolohiya para mabawasan ang korapsyon, maging maayos ang daloy ng trapiko. Pero, hindi na natin pwedeng pabayaan ang karapatan ng ating mga nagmamaneho, yung ating mga mananakay, dapat ay patas at meron talaga silang pagkakataon na kontestahin ito kung merong anomalya," Poe said.