Marcos: No EDSA rehab without solid rerouting plans, LGU preps

By Darryl John Esguerra, Philippine News Agency

The EDSA rehabilitation is one of the flagship projects under the administration’s infrastructure program. (PNA File photo by Joan Bondoc)

MANILA – President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Sunday said the long-awaited rehabilitation of tbe 23.8-kilometer Epifanio delos Santos Avenue (EDSA) will not push through unless comprehensive rerouting plans are in place and local government units (LGUs) are fully prepared to handle the expected disruptions.

“Hangga’t wala akong nakikitang solid na mga rerouting plans at masiguro na handang handa na ang mga LGUs, huwag muna natin gawin. Ayusin muna natin ang plano (Until I see solid rerouting plans and LGUs are fully ready, we shouldn’t proceed. Let’s fix the plan first),” Marcos said in his vlog.

The EDSA rehabilitation is one of the flagship projects under the administration’s infrastructure program. It has been plagued by concerns over traffic gridlock and local capacity to manage rerouting.

The EDSA rehab aims to overhaul one of Metro Manila’s major thoroughfares. Roadworks are originally set to begin on June 13, but Marcos postponed the project for a month to give concerned agencies time to explore new ways that could shorten the project duration and ease public inconvenience.

In his vlog, Marcos also touted improvements carried out by the administration in transportation, peace and order, and food security.

MRT-3 fare promo, improvements

The President highlighted recent improvements in the Metro Rail Transit Line 3 (MRT-3), including the recently launched 1+3 Family Fare promo and the speed up in operations.

“Kung mapapansin niyo sa mga MRT stations natin, bumilis na ang andar ng pila. Kung minsan nga ay wala ng pila (You may notice the lines at MRT stations are faster. Sometimes there are no lines at all),” he said.

He said the changes are part of the ongoing works through the leadership of Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon and assured the public that further enhancements are on the way.

“Bubuti pa ‘yan in the coming months (It will get even better in the coming months),” he promised.

He also commended recent developments at Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3 in Pasay City, noting it as part of the broader goal of modernizing the country’s major gateways.

Police presence, emergency hotline

The President also reported positive feedback on the administration’s “Cops on the Beat” program, which increases police visibility in communities.

“Naging maganda naman ang feedback nito. Sabi ng mga tao ay malaki talaga ang natutulong upang sila ay maging panatag (The feedback has been good. People say it really helps them feel secure),” he said.

Marcos announced that a national emergency hotline is being developed, which could be launched as early as July.

“Ginagawa na rin itong emergency hotline natin at sigurado ako in just a few weeks, baka sa Hulyo pwede na ma-launch namin itong emergency hotline (We’re setting this up as our emergency hotline and I’m confident we can launch it by July),” he shared.

PHP20/kg rice longevity

Despite growing doubts over the sustainability of the administration’s PHP20 per kilo rice, Marcos stood firm, saying it can be achieved through cooperation and government support.

“Marami pa rin ang nagdududa kung paano natin masusustain o patatagalin ang 20 pesos na bigas… Masusustain po natin yan basta’t nagtutulungan ang lahat (Many still doubt how we can sustain the PHP20 rice… We can do it as long as everyone works together),” he said.

He cited ongoing efforts to support farmers, including the distribution of agricultural machinery and irrigation equipment.

The President closed his vlog by reaffirming his commitment to continue to listen to the people.