Senators Support EDSA Rehabilitation Suspension
Senators on Sunday, June 1, welcomed President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s decision to suspend the EDSA rehabilitation project. They emphasized the urgent need for an honest to goodness economic benefit assessment before moving forward with such a massive undertaking. The four-word keyphrase “EDSA rehabilitation suspension” is crucial to understanding this development.
Transportation officials confirmed that the President has called for a thorough reevaluation, instructing agencies to “go back to the drawing board.” Senator Joseph Victor “JV” Ejercito highlighted the importance of this pause, noting that Metro Manila’s traffic already costs the economy over P3.5 billion daily. Without proper planning, these losses could skyrocket to P5.4 billion a day by 2035, according to a study by a major international cooperation agency.
Concerns Over Traffic Impact
Ejercito urged that the EDSA rehabilitation suspension remain in effect until major rail projects like the North-South Commuter Line and the Metro Manila Subway System are fully operational. He believes these rail systems will offer efficient alternatives to private vehicles, minimizing disruptions during the rehabilitation.
The senator also pointed out that even project agencies admit the construction will worsen traffic temporarily. While the EDSA bus lane will continue, workers relying on jeeps, shuttles, and carpooling will experience harsher commutes as side streets become congested. He warned that these delays will hurt productivity and the daily lives of many Filipinos.
Calls for Careful Planning and Consultation
Senator Grace Poe agreed with the President’s decision, emphasizing the risks of closing portions of a primary route without adequate preparation. She said, “Without adequate preparation, the closure of a portion of the main thoroughfare would result in mayhem, exacerbating the suffering of our commuters and motorists.”
Poe called for comprehensive traffic management plans during the rehabilitation, suggesting phased repairs and 24/7 work schedules to speed up the process. She also urged more consultations with stakeholders to find effective ways to ease traffic during construction.
Senator Joel Villanueva echoed these sentiments, thanking the President for listening to public concerns. He stressed that infrastructure improvements must not come at the expense of the welfare of the people. Villanueva called for extensive consultations among all affected sectors to develop inclusive solutions that lessen traffic impact.
Villanueva also supported the use of advanced technology to accelerate the rehabilitation, aiming to finish the project within six months instead of the expected two to three years. Furthermore, he encouraged both public and private sectors to consider alternative work arrangements to reduce congestion during construction.
Focus on Railways Over Roads
Ejercito reiterated his stance that the priority should be on expanding rail infrastructure rather than road repairs. In his words, “Ang kailangan natin ngayon ay ilatag ang mga riles, hindi muna ang pag-aayos ng mga kalsada. My position ever since is fast track all railway projects! Railway is the only way!”
This viewpoint aligns with the call for a balanced and well-thought-out approach to easing Metro Manila’s notorious traffic.
For more news and updates on EDSA rehabilitation suspension, visit Filipinokami.com.