President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has ordered a one-month suspension of the planned full rehabilitation of EDSA, initially set to begin on June 13, to reassess the project and explore new technologies that could shorten its duration and lessen the inconvenience to the public.
“Meron tayong nakitang mga teknolohiya na hindi natin nagamit sa pagplano sa EDSA rehabilitation. Kaya ang instruction ko kay (Transportation) Secretary Vince Dizon at saka (Public Works and Highways) Secretary Manny Bonoan, ang sinabi ko pause muna sa rehabilitation. ‘Wag ninyo na muna gagawin,” Marcos said during the launch of the 1+3 MRT fare promo at GMA-Kamuning Station on Sunday.
The President stressed the importance of weighing the costs and benefits of the two-year rehab plan, which he said would cause massive disruption to commuters and motorists along the 23-kilometer stretch of EDSA.
“Maganda sana ngunit malaking sakripisyo ang dalawang taon. Masyadong mabigat, masyadong mahigpit ang trapik,” he added.
Marcos instructed his Cabinet members to consider newer innovations that could ease traffic congestion and minimize the rehab timeline.
“We will find a better way na hindi masyado mahirap para sa ating mga kababayan,” he said.
The government had earlier proposed mitigation measures such as an odd-even traffic scheme and limited free access to Skyway Stage 3 during the construction period.