The short answer: No, barangay roads are not under the full jurisdiction of the Land Transportation Office (LTO). Barangay roads are managed and controlled by Local Government Units (LGUs) — meaning the city or municipal government, together with the barangay council. They are the ones who classify these roads, maintain them, and create speed limit ordinances.
But here’s the part many people miss: Even if barangay roads are under LGUs, the LTO can still enforce national traffic laws inside these roads, because these are public roads. It’s like a shared responsibility: LGUs manage the road and the LTO enforces national driving rules. If you are still feeling confused, here’s a more detailed guide on who is in charge of barangay roads.
Many drivers think that barangay roads are like “private” roads where national laws don’t apply. This is a misunderstanding. These roads fall under the authority of local government units (LGUs) such as the city or municipal government and the barangay council. But the LTO can enforce national traffic laws on them. The difference between “management” and “enforcement” is where confusion usually begins.
Here’s a detailed guide on who is responsible for what while on the barangay roads:
Local Government Units (Main Authority)
LGUs handle anything related to:
Road classification
Road maintenance
Setting and approving speed limits through ordinances
Keeping barangay roads safe and orderly
Following DILG directives on road clearing and management
Cities and municipalities have the power to regulate traffic “in all streets and bridges within their territorial boundaries,” according to the Local Government Code (RA 7160) and RA 4136. This means that when it comes to policy-making, repairs, signage, and speed rules, LGUs are the boss.
In short, the LTO can apprehend violators on barangay roads if the violation involves national laws (unregistered vehicles, no license, dangerous driving, etc.).
Can LTO Apprehend Me Inside Barangay Roads?
Yes. Because these are public roads, the LTO is allowed to enforce national traffic laws and apprehend violators on barangay roads. Their authority does not disappear once a driver enters a smaller or local road.
Some examples of LTO-apprehendable violations inside barangays include:
Driving without a valid license
Driving an unregistered or expired vehicle
Using illegal modifications
Violating national speed limits (if no local ordinance exists)
Restrictions on driving without license, illegal accessories, colorum operations
No OR/CR
Illegal modifications
Unauthorized lights
Drunk driving
Note: If you commit an LTO-covered violation anywhere that counts as a public road — barangay, municipal, city, provincial, or national — you can be apprehended. This means that LTO officers or deputized agents can legally issue apprehensions on barangay roads for violations covered by national law.
Local enforcers (e.g., barangay tanods) can also issue LTO penalties if they are properly deputized by the LTO. The LTO does not control construction, maintenance, or the classification of barangay roads, but the LGU enforcers can issue tickets, especially if their LGU has properly enacted ordinances or if they are properly deputized by the LTO.
Think of it like this: LGUs manage the road. LTO manages the driving. Both apply to you.
NCAP fake links and NCAP online scams are fraudulent schemes that pretend to be official violation notices from the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA). These scams trick drivers into clicking harmful URLs, sharing private details, or paying false penalties. Criminals often send text or email messages that look real and even use the same sender name as government agencies to appear like real NCAP violation notices, making them look convincing enough to put your privacy and money at risk.
Understanding how these scams work and knowing how to report these fake NCAP links helps you protect yourself from losing money and stop scammers from targeting more people. This guide explains where to file complaints about fake NCAP links, how to recognize fraudulent notifications, and what to do if you receive one, all so you can respond quickly, safeguard your information, and share accurate advice with others.
Here are the key features of official NCAP notifications you should check before taking any action:
Official MMDA Sender Name or Email: Texts or emails come from MMDA-approved channels, not random mobile numbers.
Complete Violation Details: Includes your plate number, date, time, location, and type of traffic violation.
Unique Notice Number: Each notice carries a specific case or reference number for tracking.
No Clickable Payment Links: Official messages do not ask you to click a link for payment or personal information.
Direct Website Reference: Points only to the verified NCAP portal https://mayhulika.mmda.gov.ph/ for checking violations.
Professional Formatting: Uses proper grammar, clear layout, and MMDA logos without spelling errors or odd characters.
Payment Instructions Through Authorized Channels: Advises payment via MMDA-accredited banks or official counters, never through personal accounts.
How to Spot Fake NCAP Notifications
Photo credit: One News
Scammers often send messages that look like real NCAP violation notices, but they have telltale signs.
Look for poor grammar, odd spelling, or links that do not match the official MMDA website.
Be cautious of messages that demand quick payment or threaten legal action to pressure you.
Always verify the source before clicking any link.
Real NCAP violation notices can also be checked at the official MMDA portal: https://mayhulika.mmda.gov.ph/.
Avoid using any other site or link sent through text or email.
Verify the sender: Scammers can mimic the “MMDA” sender name, so treat every message with caution.
Cross-check with MMDA: If in doubt, visit the official website directly or call the MMDA hotline instead of clicking the message link.
Who Needs to Know About This
This information is useful for anyone who might receive or encounter NCAP-related messages online. It is particularly useful to:
Vehicle Owners and Drivers: Anyone who drives or owns a vehicle in Metro Manila and receives NCAP violation notices may encounter fake links or scam messages.
MMDA Commuters: Regular users of roads and public transport can also be targeted by fraudulent NCAP notifications.
Parents and Guardians: Those managing vehicles for family members need to know how to verify real NCAP violations.
Employees Handling Fleet Vehicles: Companies with multiple vehicles should train staff to recognize and report fake NCAP links.
General Internet Users: Even if you don’t drive, being aware of scams helps protect your personal data from fraudsters.
Requirements for Filing Complaints Regarding Fake NCAP Notifications
When reporting fake NCAP links or scam messages, you will need the following to speed up the investigation by the I-ARC, CICC, NPC, or PNP ACG and help prevent further scams.
Copy of the Suspicious Message or Link: Screenshot or save the text, email, or URL that you received. This helps authorities trace the source.
Sender Details: Note the phone number, email address, or sender name that the scammer used, even if it looks like it comes from MMDA.
Date and Time of Receipt: Record when you received the message or link. This assists in tracking the incident timeline.
Your Contact Information: Provide your name, phone number, and email so authorities can follow up if needed.
Any Action Taken: Mention if you clicked the link, entered information, or ignored the message. This helps authorities assess potential risks.
Device Information (Optional): If relevant, include the device type (mobile, PC, tablet) and operating system where you received the message.
How to Handle Fake NCAP Links or Scam Messages
If you receive a fake NCAP link or scam message, here’s what you need to do to protect your personal information and reduce the spread of NCAP-related scams.
Step 1. Do Not Click the Link
Avoid interacting with any suspicious NCAP link. Do not enter personal information or make any payments.
Step 2. Report to Hotline 1326 (I-ARC)
Call the Inter-Agency Response Center (I-ARC) Hotline 1326 to report the scam. This centralized service handles complaints related to online scams and NCAP fraud.
Step 3. Report to CICC
Visit the Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC) website at cicc.gov.ph to submit details about the suspicious link or message.
Step 4. Notify the National Privacy Commission (NPC)
If your data may have been compromised, send a complaint to complaints@privacy.gov.ph or use the NPC portal at privacy.gov.ph.
Step 5. Contact the PNP Anti-Cybercrime Group (ACG)
Report the scam to the PNP ACG hotline (02) 8723-0401 or email acg@pnp.gov.ph for investigation.
Step 6. Report Suspicious URLs to Google
Use Google’s Safe Browsing Report Form at safebrowsing.google.com/safebrowsing/report_phish/ to block malicious sites.
Step 7. Verify Through Official Channels
Always check NCAP violations on the official MMDA website: https://mayhulika.mmda.gov.ph/ and confirm any notices directly with the MMDA hotline.
Step 8. Alert Others
Inform friends, family, or colleagues about the scam to prevent them from falling victim.
Where to File Complaints for Fake NCAP Links
If you receive a fake NCAP link or scam message, immediately report it to the Inter-Agency Response Center (I-ARC) by calling Hotline 1326. This hotline is a joint effort of the DICT, CICC, NPC, and NTC to handle online scam reports. You can also visit the Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC) website at cicc.gov.ph to submit details about the suspicious link.
For cases where your data might have been exposed, contact the National Privacy Commission (NPC) by emailing complaints@privacy.gov.ph or use their online complaint form at privacy.gov.ph. Additionally, report the scam to the Philippine National Police Anti-Cybercrime Group (PNP ACG) through their hotline (02) 8723-0401 or email acg@pnp.gov.ph for investigation and follow-up.
Reporting Fake Links to Google
Aside from government channels, you can help stop scams by reporting fake NCAP links to Google. Use the Safe Browsing Report Form at safebrowsing.google.com/safebrowsing/report_phish/ and provide the suspicious URL. This helps Google block malicious sites and protect other users from the same threat.
How Scammers Use the Same Sender Number
Fraudsters can make their messages appear as if they come from the same sender number as official agencies. This trick, known as SMS spoofing, allows fake texts to appear alongside real messages in the same thread. Because of this, even texts that seem to come from “MMDA” or a trusted government contact might be fraudulent.
To protect yourself, do not click any links inside suspicious texts, even if they seem to come from a familiar sender name. Instead, verify the notice by visiting the official MMDA website directly or calling their hotline for confirmation.
Staying Updated with Official NCAP Details
Only trust the official MMDA website for NCAP violation information: https://mayhulika.mmda.gov.ph/. Bookmark this site and avoid checking violations through links sent via text or email. Keeping this website as your main reference prevents you from accidentally visiting scam pages.
Video: MMDA Warns Against Fake NCAP Notifications
Learn how to guard against fake NCAP links by watching a step-by-step video guide on reporting scams and spotting fraudulent messages. The video explains where to file complaints, how to use Google’s Safe Browsing form, and how to confirm genuine NCAP notices. Share it with family and friends so they know how to protect themselves from NCAP-related scams.
Starting October 15, 2025, the Land Transportation Office (LTO) will enforce a nationwide policy requiring the same-day release of Official Receipt (OR), Certificate of Registration (CR), and license plates for brand-new vehicles. This move aligns with the President’s directive to improve government service delivery and address long-standing delays in plate distribution.
Previously, the Department of Transportation (DOTr) and LTO targeted a three-day release timeframe, but the new guideline cuts this period down further. With the updated LTO Memorandum, car buyers will no longer face long waiting times before they can legally drive their newly purchased vehicles on public roads.
The policy stems from the President’s 2025 State of the Nation Address (SONA), which directed the DOTr and LTO to speed up the issuance of plates and registration papers. According to LTO Chief Assistant Secretary Atty. Vigor Mendoza II, the agency assessed that releasing these documents and plates could be done on the same day a vehicle is handed over to its new owner.
This step also aims to prevent a repeat of the massive backlog in license plates, which once reached over 12 million but was cleared by June 2025. The LTO emphasizes that with this system, no brand-new vehicle or motorcycle will be released by dealers without its OR, CR, and license plates already included.
Legal Basis and Guidelines
The same-day release directive is outlined under LTO Memorandum Circular No. VDM-2025-4665. It reinforces Republic Act 4136 (Land Transportation and Traffic Code), which requires vehicles to be registered before use, and Section 17 mandating the issuance of plates.
The policy also aligns with the Ease of Doing Business Act (RA 11032), which requires government agencies to streamline processes and reduce delays. Once the memorandum takes effect, accredited dealers must comply strictly—meaning units cannot leave showrooms without complete documentation and attached plates.
Benefits
Some of the benefits associated with this policy include:
Faster vehicle registration: Car owners can receive their OR, CR, and license plates on the same day, allowing immediate legal use of their new vehicles.
Reduced backlog: The system prevents the return of previous delays that once left millions of car owners waiting for plates.
More efficient transactions: Streamlined procedures between LTO and accredited dealers minimize paperwork and waiting time.
Improved accountability: Dealers are now responsible for proper documentation and plate release before turning over any vehicle.
Enhanced transparency: Buyers can verify that their vehicles are officially registered and roadworthy upon release.
Better compliance with the law: The policy enforces Republic Act 4136, ensuring that all vehicles on the road are properly registered.
Convenience for buyers: Owners no longer need multiple visits to LTO offices, saving time and travel expenses.
Boosted confidence in government service: The immediate release of documents reflects improved efficiency and reliability within the LTO system.
Improved road monitoring: With all new vehicles properly tagged with license plates, authorities can better manage traffic and law enforcement.
Support for business operations: Fleet and transport companies can deploy new units without delay, improving productivity and service delivery.
Who Needs This
This guide is especially useful for the following groups:
Brand-new car buyers: Individuals purchasing new vehicles who want to understand how and when they will receive their OR/CR and license plates.
Car dealers and sales agents: Accredited dealerships responsible for complying with the new LTO memorandum on same-day registration and plate release.
Motorcycle buyers and dealers: Those selling or buying brand-new motorcycles who must also follow the same registration and release procedures.
Fleet owners and car leasing companies: Businesses acquiring multiple vehicles that need efficient registration and plate release for operational use.
Financing and car loan companies: Institutions involved in vehicle financing who must coordinate with dealers for timely registration and documentation.
LTO-accredited representatives and liaison officers: Personnel tasked with submitting registration documents and ensuring proper implementation of LTO policies.
Public transport operators: Owners of new taxis, UV Express, or TNVS units that must be registered immediately to start operations legally.
Car insurance providers: Companies that issue insurance policies requiring proof of vehicle registration.
Motor vehicle enthusiasts and advocacy groups: Individuals monitoring government reforms in transportation and registration systems.
Media and motoring journalists: Reporters and content creators covering transportation policies, vehicle registration, and public service improvements.
Dealer Responsibilities and Requirements
Accredited dealers play a central part in implementing the same-day release system. Before they can process transactions, they must:
Submit authorization letters, IDs of representatives, and enrollment forms to the LTO Central Office.
Provide an Affidavit of Undertaking confirming the authenticity of all documents submitted.
Manage their plate inventory through the Plate Management Information System (PRMIS) and Online Dealer Submission Facility (ODSF).
Dealers will also be accountable for reporting available plate stocks, requesting new inventory, and handling release procedures. Non-compliance can lead to suspension of accreditation, penalties, and even double-cost fines for lost or damaged plates.
How It Works
For new vehicle owners, here’s how the process will work under the same-day release system:
Step 1. Sales Completion
The dealer prepares a sales invoice with buyer details and assigned plate number.
Step 2. Document Submission
Dealers submit the Certificate of Stock Report (CSR), invoice, insurance, and other required documents to LTO through ODSF.
Step 3. Validation
The LTO validates the records and approves the initial registration.
Once approved, the OR/CR is issued, and plates are released and attached before the vehicle is turned over to the buyer.
This procedure ensures that buyers leave dealerships with all the necessary documents and plates on the same day.
Fees
The registration fee for brand-new vehicles under the same-day release system generally ranges from ₱1,000 to ₱2,000, depending on the vehicle type and engine displacement. This amount covers the issuance of the Official Receipt (OR), Certificate of Registration (CR), and license plates. All fees must be paid by the vehicle buyer, either directly to the LTO through online or over-the-counter payment, or through the authorized dealer, which may collect and remit the payment on behalf of the buyer.
Penalties for Non-Compliance
The LTO has laid out sanctions for accredited dealers that fail to follow the guidelines. Violations such as withholding plates or releasing vehicles without OR/CR may result in suspension or deactivation of accreditation.
Dealers will also shoulder penalties for lost or damaged plates, with costs doubled as fines. For example, a lost car plate will incur a penalty of ₱900, while motorcycle plates will result in a ₱240 fine per unit.
Video: LTO Implements Same Day Registration and Release
In this video, we’ll walk you through the new LTO Memorandum on the same-day release of OR/CR and plates. You’ll see how the system works, what documents are required, and how dealers will handle transactions. This guide will help car buyers understand what to expect from October 15, 2025, when the policy starts to take effect:
