EDSA was in most conversations on social media, traditional media and over lunch and dinner for many weeks. The thought – and reality – of closing, or limiting the road space of EDSA presented a crisis. Although EDSA’s rehabilitation, which includes that of the Guadalupe Bridge, had been announced a year ago, it became a hot topic as the starting date of June 13 came nearer.

But when President Marcos announced the suspension—and substantial downsizing—of the long-awaited rehabilitation of EDSA, a sigh of relief sounded, as if that will stop the eventual rehabilitation of this major thoroughfare.

The President was not merely postponing a public works project, he was touching on something much deeper and far more symbolic in the lives of Metro Manila residents. EDSA isn't just the capital's busiest thoroughfare — it's a physical and cultural artery. It moves our bodies, reflects our bad habits, and houses our histories.

Originally set to begin on June 13, the ₱8.7-billion rehabilitation plan was to be the first major overhaul of EDSA since the 1980s. The initial project would replace its aging pavement with new concrete and asphalt, improve pedestrian infrastructure, and upgrade drainage systems — measures long overdue for a highway that bears the daily load of more than 400,000 vehicles and millions of commuters.

It was a once-in-a-generation opportunity to transform EDSA into a safer, more efficient, and more commuter- and pedestrian-friendly space.

But then, the President hit the brakes. Citing the overwhelming inconvenience that a one- to two-year construction timeline would cause — extra hours on already hellish commutes, workers unable to get home, the strain on economic productivity — President Marcos ordered a month-long pause and demanded a new plan that would complete the project in six months to a year, using “non-conventional technologies.” The government's technical agencies, now scrambling to redesign the rebuild, admit they aren't sure if the month will be enough time.

The administration's concern for the commuting public is valid. Metro Manila's transport system already borders on becoming a mental health issue. Extending commute times by even an hour or two, for an indefinite number of months or years, would indeed be catastrophic for productivity, mental health, and family life. But the bigger question here is: Can we afford not to fix EDSA?

This road is crumbling—figuratively and literally. Its choked lanes reflect the lack of integrated urban planning.

To halt the rehabilitation of EDSA without a concrete and realistic alternative plan risks more than bad traffic. It delays an essential reset of a symbol that desperately needs reinvention. Rehabilitating EDSA isn't just about fixing broken roads — it's about respecting the value of time and safety to the daily lives of millions. It's about signaling to Filipinos that government infrastructure projects can work, and can work for them.

But can we live without EDSA for a year or two? Can we live with longer hours on the road to our destinations for a year or two?

EDSA rehabilitation is never going to be easy.

The government may now be “looking for a better way.” But every day the rebuild is postponed, Metro Manila residents will still be stuck in gridlock, dodging speeding motorcycles, arrogant motorists and wasting productive time.

Even if my daily drive does not pass EDSA, any work on that thoroughfare will affect my routine. Cars, trucks and motorcycles avoiding EDSA will find their way along my path, and that will add more time on the road for me.

My daily drive to the office covers only 17 kilometers but the time to get there is dictated by many elements — nature, like rains or floods; road accidents, usually involving a car and motorcycle; or traffic rerouting because of repair work on roads at the other part of the metro. On goods days, the drive takes only an hour; on bad days, my foot plays on the gas and brakes for two hours, sometimes more.

Talk about traffic has always been part of any conversation, not only because of the plan to rehabilitate EDSA. It’s become an ice-breaker when meeting new people and one is late for the appointment. It’s become a joke to lighten the mood. It’s become a platform to launch a new sales pitch.

So when the EDSA rehabilitation finally starts, we can have books of sayings about driving, commuting, or pedestrian experiences — depending on the imagination and patience of the observer.