Senator Pia Cayetano on Monday expressed support for President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s order to suspend the EDSA rehabilitation project, citing the heavy burden it would place on commuters.
“The horrendous traffic that would result from the road closure would be burdensome for millions of commuters who already endure some of the worst congestion in Asia,” she said.
The senator emphasized that while infrastructure modernization is necessary, it must not come at the cost of daily public convenience.
She added that the government should minimize disruptions for workers, students and families who rely on EDSA to move around the metro.
“Exploring modern technologies and innovative construction methods can help expedite the rehabilitation process,” she suggested.
Cayetano cited the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 11, which promotes making cities inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable.
She argued that rehabilitation projects should align with this goal by taking into account both urban development and commuter welfare.
The EDSA rehabilitation project, initially slated to run until 2027, faced multiple delays, prompting President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. to suspend its June 13 launch and order agencies to devise a faster implementation plan.
