Metro Manila malls to adjust operating hours for Christmas season starting Nov. 13

MANILA: To address the anticipated heavy traffic in Metro Manila in the approaching holiday season, shopping mall operators agreed to adjust their operating hours to 11 a.m. until 11 p.m. starting November 13.

According to Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) Deputy Chairman Frisco San Juan, Jr., mall-wide sales will only be permitted on weekends and deliveries will only be allowed from 11 p.m. to 5 p.m. except for perishable products, restaurants serving breakfast, and supermarkets.

The MMDA also requires shopping mall operators to submit their traffic management plans two weeks prior to their mall sales and promotional events. Government satellite offices inside shopping malls are also allowed to open as early as 9 a.m.

Traffic enforcers will also stay on duty on major roads until 12 a.m. as part of the MMDA’s traffic management strategy this holiday season.

The MMDA will also collaborate with the Department of Transportation to look into the possibility of extending the operating hours of the public transport system to accommodate late-night commuters and mall staff.

Temporary suspension of excavation on all Metro Manila roadways were also discussed by the MMDA with the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), engineering district offices, local government units, and utility companies.

From November 13, 2023 to January 8, 2023, all excavation works that will obstruct or interfere with traffic flow will be temporarily suspended.

This excludes government flagship projects, DPWH bridge repair and construction, flood interceptor catchment projects, asphalt overlay projects without reblocking works, sidewalk improvement, drainage improve projects along the sidewalk and not occupying any part of the roadway footbridge projects, emergency leak repair or breakage of water lines by Manila Water and Maynilad Water Service, new water service connection or electrical service connections, road activities without excavation, and Meralco relocation and emergency works affecting major government projects.

“All concerned agencies are advised to take appropriate measures and ensure that all affected roads will remain passable, safe, and serviceable to all types of vehicles and pedestrians amid the anticipated increase of vehicles on the roads,” the MMDA said in a statement.

Photos from Ruben Manahan IV, Metropolitan Manila Development Authority, and Kap Maceda Aguila

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