Metro Manila’s traffic policies continue to face public scrutiny following renewed discussion around the Non-Contact Apprehension Policy (NCAP) and the proposed odd-even vehicle scheme.
In a recent episode of the Legendaddy podcast, hosts James Deakin, Rovilson Fernandez, and Raffy Zamora shared concerns over the implementation and impact of NCAP, citing repeated complaints from motorists and unresolved technical issues.
Watch the full video here:
“I like the idea of NCAP. The theory makes sense. It removes bribery, keeps things efficient,” said James Deakin.
However, the panel emphasized that while the concept may be sound, its real-world application has caused confusion. Delayed violation notices, limited avenues for appeal, and outdated LTO registration data have led to motorists being penalized without proper notification.
Deakin also revisited the case of drivers being fined for giving way to ambulances. “How many stories have you heard about the ambulance that was trying to get through and everybody that gave way were apprehended for changing lanes?” he said, pointing out how the system lacks situational context.
The Supreme Court issued a temporary restraining order (TRO) on NCAP in 2022, citing legal questions and public backlash. However, Deakin noted that after the TRO expired, the policy returned without visible improvements. “They just brought back the same system. Nothing was fixed,” he remarked.
He also stressed the importance of outsourcing the program to capable experts. “Pass it over to the people who have core competence,” Deakin said, arguing that implementing such a complex and technical system should be left to professionals with proven expertise.
The discussion expanded to cover the return of the odd-even scheme and new restrictions on motorcycles, including limits on overpass access. The hosts questioned the decision to enforce multiple policies at once, warning that it may overwhelm drivers—especially new motorists and essential workers such as delivery riders.
As the segment concluded, the Legendaddy hosts called for better coordination, transparency, and stakeholder involvement to ensure future traffic policies are fair, effective, and sustainable.
