MMDA seeks P50,000 fine against EDSA rehab contractor over Sunday traffic snarl

Abi Sarabia M., Philippine Canadian Inquirer
August 25, 2026

Photo courtesy: Philippine News Agency

MANILA, Philippines — The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority is moving to fine the contractor behind the EDSA Rehabilitation Program after asphalt paving work triggered a major traffic backup along the highway’s Guadalupe to Shaw Boulevard stretch on Sunday, August 23.

In a statement issued Monday, August 24, the MMDA said it is coordinating with the Department of Public Works and Highways to penalize the contractor, which allegedly failed to deploy flagmen to manage traffic during the paving operation. The agency said the contractor could face a fine of P50,000 over the lapse.

The incident adds to mounting scrutiny of the multibillion-peso rehabilitation project, which has drawn criticism in recent weeks after potholes surfaced on sections of EDSA that had only recently been repaired.

According to the DPWH’s initial assessment, the potholes formed after rainwater pooled on the road surface following weeks of heavy rain brought by the southwest monsoon, or habagat. Public Works Secretary Vince Dizon has ordered the contractor to fix the damage at no cost to the government.

The rehabilitation issues have also caught the attention of the Senate. Sen. Ping Lacson previously flagged the potholes on the newly repaired EDSA sections and filed a resolution calling for a Senate inquiry into the project.

EDSA, one of Metro Manila’s busiest thoroughfares, cuts across several cities in the metropolis and has been undergoing phased rehabilitation. Phase 1 of the program, covering Roxas Boulevard to Orense Street, was awarded to Readycon Trading and Construction Corp. for P1.18 billion and was completed in April 2026. Phase 2, covering Orense Street to Monumento, was awarded to Readycon in a joint venture with Dumduma Construction and Trading Corp. for P4 billion.