Magic your way to beat NCAP
Inspired by our Editor-in-Chief’s Autoindustriya.com article, “6 Magical Solutions for your EDSA NCAP woes,” it struck me: why not explore this topic from the motorcycle rider’s point of view? After all, many riders, including myself, are understandably concerned about the potential financial impact of the MMDA’s No Contact Apprehension Policy (NCAP) on our wallets due to various traffic violations. (Know how NCAP works here.)
I’ll be honest, I’m also not a saint, so my own less-than-perfect riding habits along EDSA could lead to some hefty fines under NCAP, too.
So, if you’re a motorcycle rider like me who regularly navigates EDSA — be it for MC taxi gigs, deliveries, or just getting from point A to B — you’ve probably wondered how to beat this remote NCAP system, which is operated from the MMDA’s Pasig Command Center. Well, we’ve got a few magical ideas:
1)Tamper/cover your plate
This method is arguably the most direct way to bypass NCAP. The system’s effectiveness relies on CCTV cameras capturing your motorcycle’s license plate when a violation occurs, which is then cross-referenced using the LTO’s Information Query Facility. Naturally, if your license plate is tampered with or covered, this verification process becomes impossible.
It’s important to note, however, that being caught in the act of obscuring your plate will result in up to a PHP 10,000 fine and a FREE 2-year stay in prison under RA 11235.
2)Hide from the cameras
Motorcycles, by design, are inherently agile and can filter through traffic with remarkable ease. This advantage can be exploited, especially with smaller scooters or underbones, by strategically riding alongside large vehicles or delivery vans to ‘hide’ from the MMDA’s CCTV cameras. However, the practical application of this method is a bit more complicated in real life, demanding precise knowledge of all CCTV locations and their specific fields of view.
3)Use the power of social media
Social media has proven itself to be a powerful tool for expressing opinions, emotions, and everything in between. So, post your rants, share your thoughts, and consider adding constructive suggestions as alternatives to NCAP. Maybe, just maybe, these posts and sentiments could reach the MMDA and ultimately lead to the program being scrapped for good.
This is also a chance to influence your motorcycle groups and their leadership to join the movement and amplify your actions against NCAP.
4)Padrino system
The narrative of an underdog challenging a powerful oppressor holds significant appeal for Filipino audiences in movies or telenovelas. These stories frequently incorporate a key plot device: a powerful figure working discreetly behind the scenes, providing the crucial support needed for the underdog to ultimately prevail.
This narrative actually mirrors the “padrino system”—a practice deeply embedded in Filipino culture. It’s like an open secret: need a government job? Call your padrino. Facing regulatory hurdles? Call your padrino. Tired of NCAP? Well, call your padrino.
5)Don’t be a kamote rider
Want the easiest and most effective way to avoid NCAP fines? It’s surprisingly simple: just follow traffic rules and don’t be a kamote rider. In essence, it’s ‘beating the system’ by playing by its rules. Traffic regulations are designed to be clear and were part of the curriculum in LTO seminars (for long-time drivers) or driving schools before we ever held a license. So, unless a fixer helped you get your license, these traffic signs/rules should be second nature. A little refresher could be all you need to confidently navigate EDSA, even with NCAP in full swing:
