Heads Up, Shoppers: Malls Open From 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Starting November 14
(SPOT.ph) Mall owners and operators in Metro Manila have agreed to adjust operating hours, from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m, starting November 14 to help reduce expected traffic congestion during the Christmas rush, the MMDA said.
The Christmas schedule will last until January 6, 2023, MMDA Acting Chairman Romando Artes said today, November 8. Mall-wide sales will be allowed only on weekends, while deliveries will be permitted from 11 p.m. to 5 a.m. only except for perishable goods, restaurants serving breakfast, and groceries.
Among those who took part in the consultative meeting were representatives from SM Malls, Robinsons Malls, Araneta Center, Greenhills Shopping Center, Ortigas Shopping Center, and Trinoma.
Mall operators were asked to submit their respective traffic management plans and inform MMDA of their mall sales and promotional events two weeks ahead of the schedule.
Restrictions on mall operating hours may be lifted earlier than January 6, 2023, the MMDA said, depending on the traffic situation after Christmas.
"We will observe the traffic situation in the metropolis on December 26. If the traffic is normal and manageable, we will immediately lift the restrictions and announce it to the public," Artes said.
Aside from the new mall operating hours, the MMDA also said all excavation activities in Metro Manila roads, including road reblocking, pipe laying, and road upgrading, will be temporarily suspended from November 14 to January 6, 2023 to also help decongest roads during the holidays.
