Metro Manila, Philippines – The odd-even vehicular restriction rule will no longer be pursued in the rehabilitation of the Epifanio delos Santos Ave (EDSA), as the government tests new technologies that would make the project hassle-free, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) said.
In a chance interview on Monday, July 7, MMDA Chairman Romando Artes said the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) is looking at two technologies for the long-overdue makeover. Artes said these new ways have already been tested in at least one portion of the major highway.
“Definitely hindi na because either of these two that they are looking at, mukhang hindi na kailangang magsara ng kalsada,” he said when asked whether the controversial odd-even scheme, which would ban private vehicles on the thoroughfare for certain days based on the last digit of the license plate, will proceed.
[Translation: Definitely not anymore because either of these two that they are looking at, it looks like there’s no need to close the road anymore.]Artes said road closures may happen between 10 p.m. to 5 a.m.
Public Works and Highways Secretary Manuel Bonoan earlier said the overhaul will likely begin in 2026.
