ASEANEWS HEADLINE-47th ASEAN SUMMIT | MANILA: President Marcos postpones EDSA rehabilitation
Marcos suspends EDSA rehab
1+3 fare promo on MRT, LRT launched
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MANILA, Philippines — Motorists and commuters passing through EDSA can rest easy for now, as President Marcos deferred the highway’s rehabilitation for a month, citing the need for further studies and concerns raised by different groups.
Marcos made the announcement yesterday, at the launch in Quezon City of the “Pamilya Pass 1+3” promo, which allows passengers of Metro Rail Transit Line 3 and Light Rail Transit Lines 1 and 2 to bring three companions and pay for only one during Sundays.
According to the President, the postponement of the EDSA repair – which was supposed to commence on June 13 – will allow agencies “to find a better way” to rehabilitate the decades-old highway.
“In the planned EDSA rehabilitation, there were many who worried, ‘what will happen to our jobs? If the time we commute is already so long, it will add another one or two hours, (and) we won’t be able to go home anymore.’ So we are looking at it,” the Chief Executive said in Filipino.
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“Besides, we saw new technology that had not been used in the planning of the EDSA rehabilitation. So I instructed Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon and Secretary Manny Bonoan of the DPWH (Department of Public Works and Highways) to pause the rehabilitation,” Marcos noted.
While stressing the benefits of rehabilitating the 24-kilometer-long EDSA, Marcos said the government should find ways to shorten the repair time.
“Let’s make a good plan. Maybe instead of two years we can do it in six months, (or) we can do it in one year. Whatever it is. Let’s see what’s available to us,’ he stressed.“The two to three (years) is a lot of sacrifice. The traffic will be too heavy, too tight. So let’s pause it for now. So I told them let’s give ourselves a month,” the President said.
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“In other words, we will find a better way that will not cause too much inconvenience,” he said. “Right now, it is very clear, it will cause hardships for many people.”
Authorities have laid out several mitigation schemes to address the expected traffic disruptions in EDSA, including free access to Skyway Stage 3 and North Luzon Expressway Connector, as well as the implementation of an odd-even scheme.
The Department of Labor and Employment has also proposed the implementation of alternative work setups, such as working from home.
The EDSA rehab project will cover both northbound and southbound lanes and will be implemented in phases.
Over 400,000 vehicles traverse the highway on a daily basis despite only having a capacity of 300,000, according to the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority.
Labor groups welcome postponement
For labor groups Federation of Free Workers (FFW) and SENTRO, Marcos’ announcement was the right call as they noted that preparations for the EDSA rehabilitation are inadequate.
“We welcome that the President now seems to be listening with more sensitivity. But listening must lead to action. That’s why we are calling for an urgent dialogue with the President,” FFW president Sonny Matula said.
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“You don’t tear up a major artery without a clear vision or a plan to protect workers and commuters from the fallout,” SENTRO pointed out.
Promo fare
Marcos said the “Pamilya Pass 1+3” promo will allow families to spend less for transport and enjoy their time together every Sunday.
Dizon clarified that the promo is not only applicable to family members, but to groups of friends as well.
“People are having a hard time right now, so (we’re doing this) just to help people,” Dizon said.
The President, who was joined by his wife, First Lady Liza Marcos and sons Ilocos Norte Rep. Sandro Marcos, Joseph Simon and William Vincent, boarded the MRT3 at the GMA-Kamuning Station in Quezon City before noon.
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“In Filipino culture, Sunday is for family,” Marcos said in a speech.
“We often hear that ‘we don’t have time for our family.’ So let’s give your family a chance to be together through this ‘Pamilya Pass 1+3’ promo,” he said.
The First Family, alongside Dizon, traveled from GMA-Kamuning Station to North Avenue Station, also in Quezon City. They were seen interacting with other passengers.
The promo runs from June 1, 2025 until the last Sunday of June 2028, the end of Marcos’ term. — Mayen Jaymalin
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