Scam Watch Pilipinas commends NCAP integration into eGovPH, calls for all government agencies to follow

• Photo courtesy of MMDA

Scam Watch Pilipinas has welcomed the integration of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority’s (MMDA) No-Contact Apprehension Policy (NCAP) into the eGovPH Super App, saying the move validates the group’s 2025 call to reduce reliance on standalone government websites and URLs that can be exploited by cybercriminals for phishing and spoofing attacks.

The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) and the MMDA recently launched the NCAP Online Violation and Payment System within the eGovPH Super App, allowing motorists to check traffic violations, view apprehension evidence, file appeals, monitor payment status, and settle fines through a single government platform.

The integration addresses concerns raised by Scam Watch Pilipinas in June 2025 when the group cautioned against directing motorists primarily through QR codes and shortened links to access the MMDA’s NCAP online appeal system. While supporting the agency’s digitalization efforts, the group warned that shortened links and standalone URLs make it easier for cybercriminals to imitate government websites and deceive the public.

Jocel de Guzman, Co-Founder of Scam Watch Pilipinas and President of Truth360 Inc., said the NCAP integration demonstrates why government services should be consolidated into a trusted national platform.

“The government should progressively make eGovPH the primary digital gateway for public services. National government agencies, local government units, government-owned and controlled corporations, and other public institutions should integrate their digital services into the platform instead of relying on standalone websites and URLs. The more citizens are directed to different links across the internet, the more opportunities cybercriminals have to create convincing fake websites and launch phishing and spoofing attacks. A single, trusted government platform strengthens both public convenience and digital trust,” De Guzman said.

He clarified that Scam Watch Pilipinas has never opposed the use of QR codes or direct links.

“Our concern has always been about digital trust. Citizens should have a simple way to verify that they are transacting with the government. When users cannot easily distinguish an official government service from a fake one, cybercriminals gain an advantage,” he said.

De Guzman said the NCAP integration should serve as a blueprint for the rest of the government as more public services move online.

“We hope this becomes the direction for the entire government. Whether it is a national government agency, a local government unit, a government-owned and controlled corporation, or another public institution, digital services should increasingly be delivered through eGovPH. Citizens should not have to guess which website is legitimate every time they transact with the government,” he said.

He added that QR codes and direct links may still be used for convenience, but these should direct users to trusted government platforms rather than becoming the primary gateway to public services.

“The goal is to create a digital government ecosystem where Filipinos instinctively know that official government transactions begin through eGovPH. That not only improves convenience but also reduces opportunities for phishing, spoofing, and other online scams,” De Guzman said.