MMDA files complaints vs over 50 motorists over covered license plates

The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) has filed complaints against over 50 motorists for covering their license plates to avoid getting caught under the No Contact Apprehension Policy (NCAP).

In Joseph Morong’s Monday report on “24 Oras,” the licensed plates of motorists were seen covered with various objects including a face mask, paper plate, leaves, and underwear.

A motorist was also caught using the EDSA busway without a license plate, but upon inspection, authorities found that he had hidden it in the compartment of his motorcycle.

“Hindi lang po mga motorcycles, but now to the extent even four-wheel vehicles. Deliberately tinatakpan po ang mga plaka just to escape the mere apprehension of the NCAP,” said Gabriel Go, head of MMDA special operations group.

(We also filed a complaint not just against motorcycle riders but also four-wheeled vehicles. They deliberately cover their license plates just to escape the mere apprehension of the NCAP.)

Meanwhile, the Land Transportation Office (LTO) will send a show cause order to the violators to hear their explanations.

The MMDA and LTO warned motorists that they may face criminal charges for covering their license plates.

They may face a fine of P5,000 for violating the Motorcycle Crime Prevention Act.

“May pagkakulong po ito na six months and one day to two years. Sumunod na lang po tayo sa batas para po hindi lumaki ang problema ninyo,” LTO executive director Greg Pua said.

(They may be imprisoned for six months and one day to two years. Just follow the traffic rules to minimize your problems.)

He added that motorists cannot use the excuse that they have yet to receive their license plate since there is no backlog.

“Kung wala pa silang nakuha na plaka, dapat nakalagay sa likod nila yung MB file number. Without the plate po, we can also apprehend para malaman bakit wala ka pang plaka,” Pua said.

(If they don't have the license plate yet, the MB file number should be placed on the back of the motorcycle. We can apprehend them to know why they don't have their license plate yet.)

Motorists may also check the plate number tracker if their plates are already available. The license plates can be delivered to their homes.

Since the implementation of NCAP last May 26, about 700 motorists a day have been caught violating traffic rules.

However, none have been given a notice yet since MMDA personnel are still validating the cases.

Meanwhile, the Stop NCAP Coalition held a protest to call for its suspension until roads and signage are fixed.

They will file a temporary restraining order against NCAP before the Supreme Court.

In a petition filed before the Supreme Court, the petitioner is seeking clarification on where the NCAP should be implemented. — Mariel Celine Serquiña/BAP, GMA Integrated News