Metro Manila, Philippines – President Bongbong Marcos hit the brakes on the June 13 EDSA rebuild, a plan that met consecutive delays over the past few months.
In a chance interview on Sunday, June 1, Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon said the president ordered the public works and highways and transportation departments as well as the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) to come up with a plan that will speed up rehabilitation works.
“Sabi nga niya, kung kaya ng anim na buwan gawin nating anim na buwan na lang,” he said.
[Translation: The president said if we can finish it in six months, then do it in six months.]
The DPWH earlier said the entire rehabilitation works in EDSA will last until 2027.
Asked why the president postponed the June 13 target, Dizon said Marcos listened to concerns of residents in Metro Manila who will be affected by the two-year overhaul.
“He has listened to experts who have informed him na merong mas epektibong paraan at bagong teknolohiya sabi nga nila na pwede natin gawin ito nang mas mabilis,” he said.
[Translation: He has listened to experts who told him that there’s a more efficient way and new technologies that will hasten rehabilitation.]
A number of senators lauded the president’s order.
In a statement, Sen. JV Ejercito said “an honest to goodness economic benefit assessment is needed for this project.”
“This is why I strongly propose that the total EDSA rehabilitation be deferred until both the North-South Commuter Line and the Metro Manila Subway System are fully operational. I believe these will serve as efficient alternatives to private vehicles, making such a large-scale rehabilitation less disruptive to the public,” he said.
Sen. Grace Poe also supported the postponement, saying more consultations with stakeholders must be held for the rehabilitation plans.
Odd even scheme canceled
Meanwhile, Dizon added that the dry run of the odd-even scheme in EDSA scheduled for June 16 will also not push through.
The traffic management plan would ban private vehicles on the highway for three days a week, depending on the last digit of their license plates.
The MMDA, which is responsible for the policy, confirmed the scheme’s cancellation, saying the existing number coding will still prevail.
“The postponement will give us time to look for other traffic mitigating options for the EDSA Rebuild which will be less than burdensome to motorists and the commuting public,” said MMDA Chairperson Romando Artes in a press statement.
