MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. on Sunday said the EDSA rehabilitation project will remain suspended until concrete measures are in place to minimize inconvenience to motorists and commuters.

In a video message posted on his YouTube channel, Marcos emphasized the need to review rerouting schemes and other readiness plans before allowing the project to proceed.

“Ang isa sa pinagtuunan din natin ng pansin nitong mga nakaraang linggo ay ang transportasyon. Inanunsyo ko ang pansamantalang paghihinto muna ng EDSA rebuilding program,” he said in “BBMVLOG #270: Mga Pagbabago.”

The President also raised concerns over the planned two-year duration of the rehabilitation works, saying the timeline is too long and would cause public inconvenience.

“Ang sabi ko nga ay masyadong matagal naman ‘yung dalawang taon para maabala ang mga kababayan natin,” Marcos said.

“Hangga’t wala akong nakikitang solid na mga rerouting plans at masiguro na handang-handa na ang mga LGUs, huwag muna natin gawin. Ayusin muna natin ang plano,” he added.

On June 1, Marcos ordered a one-month suspension of the project’s start, noting the sacrifices that would be demanded of the public, especially commuters and motorists who may face extended travel times.

He also pointed out that emerging technologies not initially factored into the planning phase could potentially speed up the construction timeline.

“Pero sa ngayon, maliwanag na maliwanag na napakarami ang mahihirapan pagka itinuloy natin ‘yung EDSA rehabilitation. In other words, ang sinasabi ko, we will find a better way na hindi masyadong mahirap para sa ating mga commuter,” the President said.