Several transport groups, led by the Pagkakaisa ng mga Samahan ng Tsuper at Operator Nationwide (PISTON) and Manibela, launched a four-day protest in different parts of Metro Manila on Monday June 2, demanding the termination of the No Contact Apprehension Policy (NCAP).
The groups said the excessive fines being imposed by the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) on NCAP violators are unaffordable for PUV drivers struggling with low earnings.
Beyond NCAP, the rallyists also called for the junking of the oil deregulation law and the mandatory franchise consolidation under the Public Transport Modernization Program.
PISTON announced that demonstrations will continue until June 5, with planned protests actions in other cities, including Baguio, Bacolod, Cebu, and Iloilo.
In response, the MMDA said they will look into their concerns regarding NCAP.
The agency emphasized that NCAP is designed not only to mitigate Metro Manila’s traffic congestion but also to instill road discipline among motorists.
Implemented in five local government units — Manila, Quezon City, Valenzuela, Muntinlupa, and Parañaque — NCAP operates under a resolution passed in February 2016. (Patrick Garcia)
