By Benjamin Cuaresma
MANILA — During the Kapihan sa Manila Bay forum with Marichu Villanueva, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) unveiled a two-pronged strategy to address Metro Manila’s traffic and waste problems: expanding its No Contact Apprehension Policy (NCAP) to target littering while finalizing new carpooling guidelines aimed at easing the impact of rising fuel prices.
MMDA General Manager Nicolas Torre III said the agency will use CCTV and AI-enabled cameras to catch individuals illegally dumping garbage along EDSA, major roads, and waterways. Footage will be forwarded to barangays for identification of violators, who will be issued notices of violation.
Those who fail to comply may face charges and possible imprisonment, with bail set at P2,000. Torre said an information drive and press briefing will precede enforcement, which is set to begin this week.
The initiative comes as the MMDA collects about 7,000 tons of garbage annually from creeks alone, with waste contributing to clogged drainage systems and worsening floods. Torre said even a few apprehensions could “instill fear” and improve compliance with anti-littering ordinances.
Meanwhile, MMDA Chairman Romando Artes said carpooling guidelines will take effect in the coming days to help commuters cope with high fuel prices.
The program aligns with President Marcos Jr.’s directive for “immediate solutions” to improve mobility.
“We don’t want this to be a license to legitimize colorum vehicles,” Artes stressed. “Hindi po ito trap.”
Under the proposed guidelines drafted with the LTFRB, DOTr, LTO, and PNP-HPG:
Companies, offices, factories, and private vehicle owners may participate, but it will not be open to the general public.
Operations will be strictly point-to-point — one pick-up, one drop-off, with no roadside loading, intermediate stops, or walk-ins.
Services will be limited to one trip in the morning and one in the afternoon.
The system will operate on a non-profit or cost-recovery basis, with per-head fare collection prohibited. Contracts must be monthly or lump-sum agreements between employers and operators.
Vehicles must secure an LTFRB Special Permit or QR code, be no more than five years old, and display route details. Applicants are required to submit route plans, fleet lists, vehicle information, and passenger manifests.
The goal is to reduce private vehicle volume, cut fuel consumption, and avoid competition with jeepneys, buses, and UV Express services.
Artes cited ongoing global developments affecting energy supply, while Torre noted a 5–7% drop in vehicles along EDSA due to fuel costs.
UV Express drivers reportedly now earn around P200 daily, down from P700 to P1,000 before recent fuel hikes.
The LTFRB said fare collection per trip will not be allowed, but a cost-recovery mechanism is being finalized. Ride-hailing firms Grab, Angkas, JoyRide, and MoveIt participated in the planning discussions.
Both programs rely heavily on technology and strict monitoring. NCAP will continue using CCTV and body-worn cameras under the “Swift Traffic Action Group” to enforce traffic and anti-littering rules, while the carpooling system will use QR-coded permits and manifest checks to prevent abuse.
As of September 2025, the MMDA has logged nearly 66,000 NCAP violations, with 36,000 validated. The same digital enforcement system will now also be used to track littering violations and carpool compliance.
The MMDA said final carpooling rules will be released in the coming days, with applications to be processed through the LTFRB. Details on NCAP expansion will also be announced in a separate briefing prior to full rollout.
