President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. said Sunday that no major construction works will be done along the stretch of Epifanio de los Santos Avenue (EDSA) unless the government is able to come up with a comprehensive rerouting plan for motorists.
Last week, Marcos suspended the planned two-year EDSA rebuild to give agencies time to explore modern technologies that could shorten the estimated two-year construction period.
He ordered the Department of Public Works and Highways, Department of Transportation, Metropolitan Manila Development Authority, and other concerned agencies to develop and finalize plans that could reduce the construction timeline to six months.
“Until I see solid rerouting plans and LGUs are fully ready, we shouldn’t proceed. Let’s fix the plan first,” the President said in his vlog on Sunday.
The EDSA rehabilitation is a flagship initiative under the administration’s infrastructure program. However, it has been met with concerns over potential traffic gridlock and the capacity of local governments to manage rerouting.
The project aims to overhaul one of Metro Manila’s major arteries, with roadworks initially scheduled to begin on 13 June.
Marcos also highlighted his administration’s progress in transportation, peace and order, and food security.
The Management Association of the Philippines earlier expressed support for a phased implementation of the EDSA rehabilitation. This aligns with Marcos’ call to review the project, citing its urgency and long-overdue status.
“In fact, we are glad that EDSA is being given focused attention,” MAP president Al Panlilio and Eduardo Yap, chair of MAP’s Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, said.