JV Ejercito Warns of Chaos if Edsa Repairs Push Through
EDSA – Senator JV Ejercito has called for a delay in the full rehabilitation of Edsa, warning it could lead to severe traffic chaos in Metro Manila.
Senator JV Ejercito has urged the government to defer the full-scale rehabilitation of Edsa, warning that the two-year project could cause severe disruption and economic losses. Describing the potential scenario as a “hellish situation,” Ejercito emphasized the need for a comprehensive assessment of the project’s economic impact before proceeding.
In a public statement, the senator questioned whether the relevant government agencies had thoroughly evaluated the short-term consequences of such an extensive infrastructure overhaul. He pointed out that undertaking the Edsa rehabilitation prematurely might lead to overwhelming traffic chaos, disrupting daily life and economic activity in Metro Manila.
Ejercito suggested that it would be more practical to wait until key mass transit projects — particularly the North-South Commuter Railway (NSCR) and the Metro Manila Subway Project (MMSP) — are completed. He argued that these transportation systems would help reduce the volume of vehicles on Edsa, easing the pressure once roadworks commence.
The NSCR, a 147-kilometer railway connecting Bulacan, Manila, Pampanga, and Laguna, is expected to start partial operations by 2027. However, full operations could be delayed by up to four years. Meanwhile, the MMSP, a project heavily funded by Japanese loans, is not projected to be completed until 2032.
In the meantime, Metro Manila faces compounding traffic issues. Ejercito cited the return of the No Contact Apprehension Policy and the reinstatement of the odd-even scheme as contributing factors to worsening congestion. These developments, combined with major road repairs, could result in severe daily gridlock.
According to the report, as an avid cyclist and motorcyclist, Ejercito has also voiced concerns over restrictions on two-wheeled vehicles using Edsa overpasses and underpasses. He proposed implementing shared motorcycle lanes on a trial basis instead of outright bans.
Given the potential social and economic disruptions, Ejercito maintains that the Edsa rehabilitation should be postponed until Metro Manila’s alternative transport systems are fully operational.
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