President Marcos Halts EDSA Rehabilitation Project
Senator Joseph Victor “JV” Ejercito welcomed President Marcos Jr.’s recent decision to suspend the EDSA rehabilitation project, emphasizing the need for “an honest to goodness economic benefit assessment” before moving forward. This call for reevaluation aims to ensure that the project truly benefits the economy and addresses Metro Manila’s chronic traffic problems.
According to sources familiar with the matter, the President has instructed transportation officials to “go back to the drawing board” and reconsider the current plans. This pause reflects growing concerns about the potential consequences of construction along one of Metro Manila’s busiest corridors.
Urgent But Careful Action Needed on EDSA Rehabilitation
Ejercito highlighted the significant economic toll caused by traffic congestion in the capital, citing studies that estimate daily losses exceeding P3.5 billion. Without intervention, this figure could escalate to P5.4 billion per day by 2035, underscoring the urgency of tackling the issue.
Still, the senator warned that rushing the rehabilitation might worsen traffic conditions temporarily. He stressed the importance of careful planning to avoid adding strain during construction. “That’s why urgent action is needed, but it must be done carefully to avoid making the problem worse,” he said.
Waiting for Rail Projects to Ease Traffic
One of Ejercito’s key recommendations is to defer the full-scale EDSA rehabilitation until the North-South Commuter Line and the Metro Manila Subway System become fully operational. These rail projects, he believes, will provide effective alternatives to private vehicle use and reduce disruption during roadworks.
The senator also pointed out that even the agencies involved acknowledge the construction will likely increase traffic congestion in the short term. Although the EDSA bus lane will remain intact, it won’t fully alleviate the impact since many commuters depend on other modes like jeeps, shuttles, and carpooling.
“Workers who depend on jeeps, shuttles, and carpooling will still face longer, tougher commutes because side roads will become more crowded,” Ejercito said. He added that these delays could harm both productivity and daily life for many Filipinos.
Focus on Railways Over Road Repairs
Ejercito reiterated his long-standing stance that the priority should be on expanding and improving rail infrastructure rather than fixing roads. “Ang kailangan natin ngayon ay ilatag ang mga riles, hindi muna ang pag-aayos ng mga kalsada,” he emphasized.
He urged authorities to fast-track all railway projects, saying, “Railway is the only way!” According to him, investing in mass transit systems is the most sustainable solution to Metro Manila’s traffic woes.
As discussions continue, the suspension of the EDSA rehabilitation offers an opportunity to reassess plans and focus on integrated transport solutions that balance immediate needs with long-term benefits.
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