It was a matter of prioritization…
President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. has officially ordered the suspension of the EDSA (Epifanio de los Santos Avenue) rehabilitation project, originally set to start this year, on June 13, 2025.
Funding Issues & Traffic
The EDSA Busway Rehabilitation and Improvement Project was supposed to revamp the congested areas of EDSA, focusing on road repairs, organized bus stops, and improved commuter facilities. The goal was to reduce traffic, improve the daily life for public commuters, and give EDSA a much-needed facelift. But as of now, all of that will be on hold.
The President directed the Department of Transportation (DOTr) to freeze the ₱8.7 billion project after several concerns were raised about its urgency and alignment with more important national needs.
In a press briefing, the Office of the President said that while public transportation upgrades are important, the country needs to reassess if this particular project is the “best use of resources right now.”
Odd-Even Scheme Update
The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority also shared on social media that they will be cancelling the implementation of the odd-even scheme following the halting of the EDSA project.
MMDA Chairman Atty. Don Artes stated that one of the advantages of the project’s suspension would be being able to have a chance in revisiting their initial plans.
“Pursuant to the directive of the President, the MMDA will suspend the imposition of the odd-even scheme which was part of the traffic management plan that was laid down intended to decongest EDSA before the looming rebuild… 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 commuting public”
MMDA Chairman Atty. Don Artes
Commuters Are Split on the Pause
Metro Manila commuters are split on their reactions. Some are disappointed, saying EDSA’s bus stops and loading areas are chaotic and unsafe. Others say the suspension makes sense, especially with bigger transportation issues still unresolved nationwide; like the Mindanao Railway Project delays or the state of provincial terminals.
How about you? What’s your opinion on the suspension, and what sort of projects should be prioritized in line with the goal of focusing on more “important matters?”
