Duterte gives up on EDSA traffic, blames Congress

DAVAO CITY, Philippines — President Duterte has given up on his plan to address the worsening traffic situation in Metro Manila, particularly along EDSA as he blamed Congress for refusing to grant him emergency powers.

In a one-on-one with chief presidential legal counsel Salvador Panelo on Tuesday, Duterte said he no longer wants emergency powers to solve the traffic woes in the metropolis.

“Let’s just leave EDSA as it is. If you don’t trust me, then don’t,” the President said. “Congress won’t give me emergency powers for traffic. Ayaw ko na rin.”

Duterte said he would leave it to the next administration to fix the traffic situation in Metro Manila.