No Contact Apprehension in Iloilo

By Engr. Ray Adrian Macalalag

Picture a typical day along Iloilo Diversion Road. You are driving, running late, and accidentally beat the red light. A traffic enforcer flags you down, and you spend precious minutes explaining your situation before receiving a citation ticket. But what if that entire process could change?

With the use of artificial intelligence-powered cameras, the no contact apprehension policy, or NCAP, presents a new approach. Instead of roadside stops, motorists can review violations at their convenience, dispute them if necessary, and settle fines online.

Although Iloilo City and the rest of Western Visayas have not yet adopted this system, valuable lessons can be drawn from the experience in Metro Manila—even just days after it was re-implemented. Based on Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) Resolution Nos. 02-49 and 09-02, the policy aimed to reduce congestion caused by on-site apprehensions and to improve traffic flow. However, it has faced considerable public debate. In 2022, the Supreme Court issued a temporary restraining order due to concerns about the right to due process. Now, in 2025, the order has been lifted. In just two days, the MMDA recorded 600 violations, and early observations suggest that drivers are becoming more cautious. Videos circulating online show quicker movement and more efficient public transportation, but slower movement of private vehicles.

Doubts remain. Critics argue that NCAP still falls short in communicating with violators and offering a transparent process for contesting violations. Representative Rodge Rodriguez, who voices the concerns of many motorists, believes that early implementation without proper preparation can result in public confusion, a decline in trust, and possible legal disputes. In a separate report, MMDA Chairperson Romando Artes announced the development of a mobile application that will allow motorists to monitor their own traffic violations. With the technology now available, this solution seems plausible, timely and necessary.

This brings us to the key question: Would the people of Iloilo embrace such a system, or would they view it with suspicion? Moreover, is the current city traffic management team prepared to implement a system like NCAP—or even design a better one that avoids the pitfalls seen in the capital?

A major requirement for NCAP to succeed is the presence of reliable infrastructure. Roads must have clear markings, consistent signage, and a design that allows drivers to intuitively follow rules. Without this foundation, the policy risks generating more confusion than clarity. Those who implement NCAP must be ready to address challenges and defend its principles with confidence and fairness. Otherwise, the program could end up creating more doubt among the public.

We must also reflect on a deeper issue. Do our roads meet the standards required to support this kind of system? From a driver’s perspective, it is essential to understand that driving is not an entitlement but a responsibility that must be earned. If a person cannot commit to safe and law-abiding driving, then perhaps it is better to reconsider their place on the road. Traffic enforcers have already faced enough difficulty dealing with uncooperative violators. It is time to move forward with clarity and purpose.

NCAP offers a promising path toward safer and more efficient roads, but only if it is grounded in fairness, transparency and strong infrastructure. Metro Manila should ensure the gaps are filled ASAP. And for us spectators in the growing metro areas in the regions, we should carefully assess our readiness—not just in terms of technology, but in fostering a culture of accountability, responsibility and trust. The decision ahead is not just about enforcement—it is about the kind of road community we want to build.