No EDSA reblocking this weekend, says MMDA

MANILA, Philippines - The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority on Wednesday said there would be no reblocking on the Epifanio delos Santos Avenue (EDSA) during this coming weekend in anticipation of the massive traffic that may be generated by the evangelical mission of the Iglesia ni Cristo in Pasay City on Saturday.

MMDA chairman Francis Tolentino added that the suspension of the reblocking work on EDSA is also in line with the visit of US President Barack Obama on Monday morning.

Contractors of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) have still to finish reblocking works on a 2,000-square-meter portion of EDSA near Reliance Street In Mandaluyong City and some 1,100 square meters in the Quezon City portion near the Trinoma mall.

Tolentino said the MMDA has already sent letters to the contractors involved in the unfinished reblocking works. The MMDA is asking for their explanations for the delay.

Tolentino said that should the explanations be not acceptable, the each contractor will be made to pay a P25,000 fine.

“Nagpadala na kami ng letter tinatanong lang bakit na-delay then explain naman sila. Ang fine ng MMDA is P25,000. Hinihintay pa yung sagot. Bibigyan sila ng due process,” said Tolentino.

The MMDA has identified at least three erring DPWH contractors involved in the delayed EDSA reblocking works which should have been completed over the Holy Week.