DPWH: Cheaper, faster EDSA rehab by 2027

MANILA, Philippines — Rehabilitating EDSA will be cheaper and quicker following its postponement to 2027, according to the Department of Public Works and Highways.

The DPWH has submitted the revised plan for EDSA’s repair, with a proposed budget lower than the previous P8.7-billion allocation, Public Works Secretary Manuel Bonoan said yesterday.

Completing the EDSA rehabilitation project in six months is possible, Bonoan said.

The Philippines will host next year the Association of Southeast Asian Nations Summit, which might prompt the government to hold off the project.

President Marcos had deferred repair works to allow agencies “to find a better way” to rehabilitate the decades-old highway.

Metro Manila subway

Meanwhile, the Department of Transportation (DOTr) has made progress in closing the right-of-way gap for the P488.5-billion Metro Manila Subway project by resolving issues in the Ortigas segment.

Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon sought the help of Pasig Mayor Vico Sotto in acquiring the remaining lots in Ortigas covered by the project.

The right-of-way issue in Ortigas is one of the most difficult sections to complete as it crosses business districts and gated villages.

Ortigas falls under contract package 104 of the subway project awarded by the DOTr to Megawide Construction Corp.