Malls Now Allowed to Open at 9 a.m. for Last-Minute Shoppers

(SPOT.ph) Metro Manila malls can now resume their normal operating hours as early as 9 a.m. starting December 23, the MMDA said, giving city dwellers more time to do last-minute holiday shopping just a few days left before Christmas.

Mall operators earlier agreed to adjust their operating hours to 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. beginning November 14 until January 6, 2023 to help reduce traffic congestion.

MMDA acting chair Romando Artes, however, said that the expected heavy traffic during the Christmas season "did not come to pass" due to "preemptive measures", allowing the agency to lift the policy early.

"An easing in the flow of traffic in Metro Manila’s thoroughfares have been observed despite the increase in Christmas-related activities," Artes said.

"Thus, foregoing considered, shopping malls in Metro Manila may now begin operation as early as 9 a.m. starting December 23, 2022," he added.

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Provincial buses can traverse EDSA, MMDA says

As the MMDA allowed malls to resume their normal operating hours, it also said provincial buses can traverse EDSA from December 24 to January 2, 2023 to accommodate the influx of passengers traveling to the provinces for the holidays.

Provincial buses coming from North Luzon will end their trips at Cubao, Quezon City, while those coming from South Luzon will stop at Pasay City.

Netizens earlier complained of having difficulties in booking taxis and ride-hailing services as more people go out for the Christmas season and choke roads. Lalamove also issued an advisory to users that they only transport goods, not people.