Manila: Lawmakers on Monday welcomed President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s decision to suspend the rehabilitation of the Epifanio de los Santos Avenue (EDSA), citing the need for stronger traffic management planning and public consultation to avoid worsening Metro Manila’s already dire congestion. “We laud President Marcos for heeding reason. Without adequate preparation, the closure of a portion of the main thoroughfare would result in mayhem, exacerbating the suffering of our commuters and motorists,” Senator Grace Poe said in a statement.

According to Philippines News Agency, Poe urged concerned agencies to lay down a ‘comprehensive and efficient traffic management plan’ ahead of any resumption of rehabilitation works, and recommended phased repairs and a 24/7 construction schedule to speed up the project. She also called for ‘broader consultations with stakeholders’ to gather proposals on mitigating the impacts on mobility.

Senator Joel Villanueva likewise thanked the President for ‘listening to the concerns of our people,’ saying infrastructure improvements should not come at the expense of public welfare. “According to JICA (Japan International Cooperation Agency), our economy already loses PHP3.5 billion daily due to traffic in Metro Manila. If we are serious about progress, we need extensive consultation and more inclusive solutions to cushion the impact,” Villanueva said.

Villanueva also urged government agencies to explore the use of advanced technologies to shorten the project timeline to six months, rather than two to three years. As the principal author of the Telecommuting Act, he appealed to employers to implement flexible work arrangements to help reduce traffic congestion.

Senator Joseph Victor “JV” Ejercito emphasized the need for a full economic impact assessment before proceeding with the project. “We need urgent action, but it must be done carefully,” he said. The senator proposed deferring the full-scale EDSA rehabilitation until major mass transit alternatives, such as the North-South Commuter Railway and the Metro Manila Subway, are completed.

Senator Pia Cayetano echoed her colleagues’ sentiments, backing the President’s order and stressing the need to balance infrastructure development with public convenience. “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,” Cayetano said. “While modernization is necessary, we must do so with the least inconvenience to those simply trying to get to work, school, or home,” she added.

Cayetano emphasized the importance of aligning the project with Sustainable Development Goal 11, which advocates for safe, resilient, and inclusive infrastructure development. “Exploring modern technologies and innovative construction methods can help expedite the rehabilitation process without paralyzing daily life,” she said.