Lawmakers Support EDSA Rehabilitation Project Suspension
Several members of the House of Representatives have expressed strong support for President Marcos’ decision to suspend the EDSA rehabilitation project. They welcome the move to pause work pending a thorough study aimed at ensuring a more efficient and less disruptive implementation. The 23.8-kilometer EDSA (Epifanio de los Santos Avenue) is Metro Manila’s main artery, making its rehabilitation critical yet sensitive.
Deputy Majority Leader Rep. Franz Pumaren, Assistant Minority Leader Rep. JC Abalos, and Rep. Marvin Rillo all recognized the wisdom behind temporarily halting the project. They noted that while EDSA urgently needs repair due to aging infrastructure, flooding, traffic congestion, and unsafe pedestrian pathways, the originally planned two-year disruption raised serious concerns.
Concerns Over Extended Disruption
Pumaren emphasized that areas like Cubao, located along EDSA and part of his district, would be among the most affected. “Cubao would be among the most affected by the proposed two-year disruption. This would have placed a serious burden on commuters, workers, and small businesses, not only in Quezon City, but across Metro Manila,” he said.
He praised President Marcos for prioritizing public welfare by suspending the project and ordering a review. “I commend President Bongbong Marcos Jr. for listening to these concerns and putting public welfare first. I fully support the President’s call for a shortened rehabilitation period of six to 12 months, which demonstrates both strong leadership and responsiveness to the needs of the Filipino people,” he added.
Practical Leadership Praised by Lawmakers
Abalos echoed the commendations, describing the postponement as an opportunity rather than a setback. “I commend President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. for his decision to reassess the EDSA rehabilitation schedule and pursue a significantly shorter completion timeline,” he said.
By aiming to reduce the project duration from two years to six to 12 months, the President shows a practical understanding of how long-term construction disrupts daily life. “Studies have long shown that Metro Manila loses billions of pesos annually due to hours wasted in traffic. Every day of delay, every minute spent in gridlock, is a blow to our economy and to the well-being of our people,” Abalos noted.
Calls for Responsive and Efficient Project Redesign
Similarly, Rillo expressed support for the government’s decision to pause and reassess the EDSA rehabilitation plan before starting. He said many commuters were surprised by the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority’s announcement of the project’s initial timeline.
“I fully support President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s decision to suspend and re-evaluate the EDSA rehabilitation project before it breaks ground. Truly, it takes great leadership to recognize when we need to pause, listen, and act in a way that truly reflects the concerns of the people,” Rillo stated.
He highlighted that the President’s push for new technologies and a focus on minimizing inconvenience aim to deliver a faster, better alternative. “With the new technologies being considered and a renewed focus on minimizing inconvenience, the President is now pushing for a faster, better alternative – one that could be completed in as little as six months to a year,” Rillo added.
The directive to review and redesign the project within a month demonstrates the government’s willingness to listen and act decisively. “That kind of quick and effective responsiveness is what good governance is about,” said the outgoing lawmaker.
For more news and updates on EDSA rehabilitation project, visit Filipinokami.com.