Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte on Monday, June 2, expressed her full support for President Marcos' decision to temporarily postpone the rehabilitation of the Epifanio de los Santos Avenue (EDSA). 

Belmonte emphasized the importance of prioritizing the welfare and comfort of the public amid ongoing economic and mobility challenges in the capital region.

“Buong puso nating sinusuportahan ang desisyon ni Pangulong Bongbong Marcos na pansamantalang ipagpaliban ang rehabilitasyon ng EDSA (We wholeheartedly support President Bongbong Marcos’ decision to temporarily postpone the rehabilitation of EDSA. In these challenging times, it is important to prioritize the welfare and comfort of the people),” Belmonte said in a statement. 

She noted that the President’s decision reflects concern for the millions of commuters and motorists who rely on EDSA daily. 

Belmonte also highlighted the need for a clear, strategic, and well-organized approach to such a significant infrastructure project.

“Gayundin, mahalaga na magkaroon ng malinaw at maayos na plano para sa rehabilitasyon ng isa sa pangunahing daanan sa Metro Manila. Importante na makatulong ang proyekto kapag ito’y nabuo na, at habang ginagawa pa, sa pang-araw-araw na pamumuhay ng ating mga kababayan at patuloy na pag-unlad ng ating ekonomiya (Likewise, it is important to have a clear and well-organized plan for the rehabilitation of one of the main thoroughfares in Metro Manila. It is important that the project, once it is completed, and while it is still being implemented, will help the daily lives of our countrymen and the continued development of our economy),” she added.

She also encouraged the use of innovative technologies and strategies that could potentially shorten the rehabilitation timeline from the projected two years to as little as six months.

“Umaasa tayo na may mga makabagong teknolohiya at estratehiya na maaaring gamitin upang mapabilis ang rehabilitasyon—mula sa inaasahang dalawang taon ay posibleng maisakatuparan ito sa loob lamang ng anim na buwan. Naniniwala kami na sa tulong ng tamang pagpaplano at paggamit ng mga makabago at mabisang pamamaraan, mas magiging magaan ang epekto nito sa publiko (There are innovative technologies and strategies that can be used to speed up the rehabilitation. We believe that with the help of proper planning and the use of innovative and effective methods, its impact on the public will be lighter),” she said.

The local chief executive reaffirmed Quezon City’s commitment to collaborate closely with the national government in ensuring the success of the project.

“Nananatiling handa ang lokal na pamahalaan ng Lungsod Quezon na makipag-ugnayan at umalalay sa pambansang pamahalaan, anuman ang maging pinal na desisyon at susunod na hakbang (The local government of Quezon City remains ready to coordinate and support the national government, regardless of the final decision and next steps),” she said. 

President Marcos on Sunday, June 1, ordered the temporary suspension of the EDSA rehabilitation to find a better way to implement the project without causing too much burden to commuters.