PNP to help ease traffic on EDSA during rehab 

MANILA, Philippines — Police are ready to assist in traffic management and other security-related concerns along EDSA as its rehabilitation gets underway.

Acting Philippine National Police chief Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said yesterday that the PNP is coordinating with the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority on the possible deployment of police officers to assist in easing traffic congestion along the major thoroughfare.

As portions of EDSA are closed to motorists due to concrete reblocking and asphalt overlaying, Nartatez said it has been causing traffic gridlocks in one of the busiest roads in Metro Manila.

“We expect heavy traffic and we are ready to assist in terms of manpower for traffic management and other peace and order-related concerns, including road rage that could be prevented with the visible presence of our personnel,” he said in a statement.

Nartatez said Highway Patrol Group personnel and police officers from territorial units could serve as augmentation forces at strategic points along EDSA and alternative routes.

Police rapid deployment teams are on standby to respond to accidents, vehicle breakdowns or other emergencies. 

Nartatez said they will use closed-circuit television, traffic sensors and applications in monitoring traffic congestion and provide advisories to the public.

The DPWH has released the schedule of roadworks for the EDSA rehabilitation project from Dec. 28, 2025 to Jan. 5, 2026.

Concrete reblocking would be carried out at EDSA southbound from Roxas Boulevard to F. B. Harrison, from near Home Expo Builders Depot to P. Celle Street in Pasay City, and from Ayala Underpass exit to San Lorenzo Village in Makati City; and at EDSA northbound from Roxas Boulevard to Sgt. Mariano in Pasay, Park Avenue in Pasay to Orense in Makati, and from Orense to McKinley Road in Makati.

Meanwhile, portions of EDSA near Roxas Boulevard, Tramo and E. Rodriguez in Pasay, and at Kalayaan Avenue, Ayala Underpass and Urdaneta Village in Makati will undergo asphalt overlay.

The EDSA rehabilitation program will undergo its first phase covering the area from Orense Street in Makati to Roxas Boulevard, which is expected to last until April or May 2026.

After the 24-hour roadworks until Jan. 5, 2026, nighttime schedule will apply starting the following day until April or May 2026.

The overall EDSA rehabilitation project will take eight months, according to DPWH Secretary Vince Dizon.