EDSA Rehabilitation Suspension Gives Hope for Faster, Smarter Solutions

If you’ve been dreading two years of heavy traffic along EDSA, here’s some welcome news. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has ordered the EDSA Rehabilitation Suspension, putting the major roadworks on hold, for now.

The project, which was supposed to start on June 13, 2025, and cover the stretch from Pasay to Shaw Boulevard, has been paused to give the government time to review its plans. The decision comes after mounting concerns over Metro Manila traffic, the expected congestion on EDSA, and the controversial odd-even traffic scheme that was meant to ease the burden.

Also read: Why Road Safety in the Philippines Matters Now More Than Ever

A pause for better planning

Image credit: patrickroque01 via Wikimedia Commons

President Marcos is giving transport agencies a one-month window to explore new construction technologies that could make the project faster and less painful for the public. Instead of rushing into a two-year roadwork schedule that could cripple traffic, the government is now weighing options that may shorten the timeline to just six months or a year.

The Department of Transportation (DOTr), MMDA, and DPWH are joining forces to re-evaluate traffic management strategies. One of the first casualties of this reassessment? The controversial odd-even coding scheme was officially cancelled after receiving backlash from motorists. Many feared it would only push traffic onto secondary roads and encourage people to buy more cars.

What lawmakers are saying

Tutuban PNR station | LMP 2001 via Wikimedia Commons

Several lawmakers have voiced their support for the suspension of EDSA rehabilitation. Senator Grace Poe welcomed the move and urged the government to use this time to rethink its approach. She suggested a more efficient, phased repair schedule that runs 24/7 to shorten the construction period. Poe also stressed the importance of better coordination between agencies to ease the burden on commuters.

Senator JV Ejercito echoed this support but called for a bigger shift in priorities. He emphasised the urgent need to focus on railway and subway projects, warning that Metro Manila’s traffic, which already costs the economy ₱3.5 billion daily, could worsen without long-term solutions.

Also read: Your Ultimate Survival Guide for Long Road Trips

A welcome breather for Metro Manila

The EDSA Rehabilitation Suspension is more than just a delay; it's a chance for the government to rethink its approach and make better, long-term decisions. With smarter planning and the use of modern construction methods, the government aims to avoid worsening the daily struggles of commuters.

For now, it’s a small but meaningful win for motorists and travellers hoping for a smoother and more strategic solution to Metro Manila’s long-standing traffic problems.