Metro Manila Traffic Chokes Under New No-Contact Apprehension Policy

Commonwealth Avenue Gridlock Highlights Challenges of No-Contact Apprehension Policy in Metro Manila Quezon City, Philippines – The reimplementation of the no-contact apprehension policy (NCAP) in Metro Manila is facing early challenges, as evidenced by significant traffic congestion observed on Commonwealth Avenue on Friday, May 30, 2025. A Rappler video taken at 11:21 am vividly depicts the heavy traffic, with vehicles stretching as far as the eye can see. The footage shows a mix of private vehicles, public transport, and motorcycles, all moving at a snail's pace. "The traffic is unbearable," stated a commuter interviewed near the scene (name withheld for privacy), "It's taking me twice as long to get to work." The congestion underscores concerns about the policy's effectiveness and potential impact on daily commutes. The NCAP, aimed at improving road discipline, uses CCTV cameras to record traffic violations, eliminating the need for physical apprehension. While proponents argue it enhances fairness and efficiency, the heavy traffic seen in the Rappler video suggests potential unintended consequences. Further analysis is needed to determine the extent of the impact on traffic flow and whether adjustments to the policy's implementation are necessary. The video serves as a powerful visual representation of the challenges faced during the initial days of the NCAP's reimplementation. It highlights the need for ongoing monitoring and evaluation to ensure the policy achieves its intended goals while minimizing disruption to daily life.