EDSA rehab paused until rerouting plans, tech upgrades finalized—Marcos

June 9 ------ President Marcos affirmed that the government will not resume the suspended EDSA rehabilitation project until authorities have come up with solid rerouting schemes and consider the use of newer, faster technologies to minimize public disruption.

In his latest vlog, the President reiterated his instruction to delay the overhaul works to not inconvenience those using Metro Manila’s busiest thoroughfare. “We will find a better way na hindi masyadong mahirap para sa ating mga commuter (We will find a better way that won’t be as burdensome for our commuters),” he said. Marcos cited the absence of finalized rerouting plans and readiness among local government units as the main reason for the pause. “Hangga’t wala akong nakikitang solid na mga rerouting plans at masiguro na handang-handa na ang mga LGUs, huwag muna natin gawin,” he said.

The President first announced the suspension during the launch of the “Family Fare 1+3” free ride program on MRT-3 and LRT-2 on June 1. He said public concerns about heavier traffic, longer commute hours, and the lack of mitigating measures had prompted him to step in. “Ang daming mali, nag-aalala na papano yung trabaho namin, e kung ang pag-commute namin ay napakatagal na, madadagdagan pa ng isang oras, dalawang oras, wala na talaga, hindi na kami uuwi,” Marcos said.

Originally scheduled to start on June 13 and run until 2027, the EDSA rehabilitation project will undergo a month-long review, according to the President. He has tasked Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Manny Bonoan and Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon to re-evaluate the project timeline, with the possibility of shortening it significantly. “Mas maganda kung maayos natin ngunit ang laking sakripisyo ng dalawang taon,” he said, proposing instead a six-month to one-year timeline using updated technologies not previously considered in the original planning. Marcos also emphasized the need for a proper cost-benefit analysis before proceeding. The government is also reviewing innovations that may reduce construction time and costs. “Pag-aralan natin itong mga bagong teknolohiya na nakikita natin…baka naman imbes na dalawang taon, magawa natin ng anim na buwan,” he said.

The President acknowledged the urgent need to repair EDSA but maintained that the welfare of commuters and motorists remains a priority. He assured the public that infrastructure will move forward, but not at the expense of convenience and quality of life. “Ang sabi ko nga ay masyadong matagal naman 'yung dalawang taon para maabala ang mga kababayan natin (As I said, two years is too long for our citizens to be inconvenienced),” he said.

Source: mb.com.ph