Senate President Francis “Chiz” Escudero said on Monday, June 2 he supports President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s directive to postpone the planned rehabilitation of the Epifanio Delos Santos Avenue (EDSA) as the project still needs thorough study.

Escudero said it is evident there was lack of planning on the part of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).

“For me, it was only right to postpone it  because the DPWH seems to lack planning here. Two or three years is too long to do that,” Escudero said in Filipino during a press briefing at the Senate.

“It’s unfortunate for our commuters, it’s unfortunate for those who use EDSA, which is our main route,” he said. 

Escudero also questioned why the DOTr and other transport agencies took too long preparing alternate routes to cross the Pasig River when they already know the Guadalupe bridge will be repaired. 

“What I know is that there are only two separate bridges; why didn’t they build a bailey bridge that will connect, cross the Pasig River so that it can ease the woes of commuters,” Escudero said.

“The DPWH lacked planning and preparation in this regard for the long time that the implementation of this project was postponed,” he pointed out.

Asked if a one-month postponement of the EDSA rehabilitation project is enough, Escudero said yes.

“To evaluate, yes. If they will continue or not or whatever they plan to do,” he pointed out.

Sen. Pia Cayetano also said she supports the President’s order to suspend the EDSA rehabilitation as the “horrendous traffic” that would result from the road closures would be burdensome for millions of commuters who already endure some of the worst congestion in Asia.

“While the need to modernize our roads and infrastructure is clear, the government should strive to do so with the least possible inconvenience to the commuting public – people who are simply trying to get to work, school, or home to their families,” she said.

Cayetano said exploring modern technologies and innovative construction methods can help expedite the rehabilitation process. 

“This aligns with Sustainable Development Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities, which calls for infrastructure development that is inclusive, safe, resilient, and considerate of people’s daily lives,” she said.