The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) on Tuesday announced that malls in Metro Manila would operate from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. starting next week in preparation for the Christmas season.
According to the MMDA, the new mall hours would be in effect from Nov. 14, 2022 to Jan. 6, 2023.
“Starting Nov. 14, malls in NCR will operate from 11am to 11pm instead of their usual operating hours. We have to implement remedial measures to reduce traffic congestion,” MMDA Acting Chairman Romando Artes said.
Mall-wide sales will be only allowed during weekends during the span.
“Also, deliveries will be during 11 p.m. to 5 a.m. only. Exempted from the regulation are deliveries of perishable goods, restaurants serving breakfast, and groceries,” Artes said.
Shopping mall operators have been ordered to submit their respective traffic management plans and indicate their mall sales and promotional events two weeks before their scheduled date.
Artes said the adjusted mall hours could be lifted before Jan. 6 depending on the traffic situation after Christmas.
“We will observe the traffic situation in the metropolis on Dec. 26. If the traffic is normal and manageable, we will immediately lift the restrictions and announce it to the public,” he said. John Ezekiel J. Hirro