The city government of Manila is deploying more traffic enforcers on the road to ensure traffic rules are followed after the Supreme Court issued a temporary restraining order (TRO) on the implementation of the No Contact Apprehension Policy (NCAP).

In a statement issued on Wednesday, Manila Mayor Honey Lacuna-Pangan insisted on the benefits of NCAP to the city’s residents and motorists.

However, she reiterated that the city government respects the order as she assured that the city will abide by it.

“Bagama’t naniniwala tayo na maraming magandang nadulot ang NCAP sa daloy ng trapiko at pagsasa ayos ng disiplina sa ating lungsod, ang Pamahalaang Lungsod ay susunod sa alituntunin ng Korte Suprema at handa sa pagpapahinto ng NCAP sa Maynila (Although we believe that NCAP has brought a lot of good to the traffic flow and discipline in our city, the city government will follow the guidelines of the Supreme Court and is ready to stop the NCAP in Manila),” she said.

She said based on data, the number of traffic violations went down, and that discipline has been instilled among motorists to prevent vehicle gridlocks in the city because of the NCAP.

Earlier, the city government cited data from the Metro Manila Development Authority, published in its Metro Manila Reporting and Analysis System 2021 Annual Report on road safety showing that the number of fatal and non-fatal injuries due to traffic accidents went down by 47 percent in 2021 after NCAP was implemented in the city.

Manila Police District data also showed that recorded road accidents in the city dropped by 62 percent.

Lacuna-Pangan added that the number of recorded traffic violations also dropped by 90 percent based on the daily average recorded per traffic camera in the city.

“The evidence shows that NCAP keeps traffic flowing smoother and faster, and keeps motorists, bicycle users, and pedestrians safe on the city roads and streets,” she said.

While complying with the TRO, she said the city government will take measures to benefit all stakeholders.

“Regardless of the suspension of the NCAP, the Manila Traffic and Parking Bureau will continue to strictly enforce traffic regulations to maintain order, discipline, and safety along the roads,” she said. (PNA)