Metro Manila Malls to Adjust Operating Hours for Holiday Rush

(SPOT.ph) It's time to plan your mall visits before the holiday rush hits in full swing. The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority has rolled out adjusted operating hours for Metro Manila malls during the weekdays, as well as the malls' other traffic management plans, and delivery and sales schedules starting November 17 until December 25. This decision is in support of the representatives of the shopping mall management and the Department of Public Works and Highways, as well as water, electricity, and telecommunications companies.

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These traffic-mitigating measures are said to alleviate the expected congestion during the Christmas season, as during this time, shoppers from all over the Metro will be doing their Christmas rounds and preparations, causing the peak of the unbearable Metro Manila traffic. According to them, shopping malls "shall adjust their operating hours from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. during weekdays." There are no changes stated to the weekend and holiday schedule.

Shopping mall operators shall also submit traffic management plans for their respective mall sales and promotional events two weeks before the scheduled dates. These mall-wide sales tend to garner more shoppers wanting to get their hands on discounted deals and steal prices on their favorite items, making it an ideal time to stock up on more Christmas gifts within a budget.

Speaking of sales, mall-wide sales will only be allowed on weekends. However, according to the rules, "sale on certain stores or outlets inside the mall may only be allowed even on weekdays provided that no announcement, advertisement, or tarpaulins of the same are made."

When it comes to deliveries by shopping mall operators, they should be conducted only during nighttime from 11 p.m. to 5 a.m. the next day during weekdays except for perishable goods such as food and ice.

"The Christmas season brings with it a 10 to 25 percent increase in vehicular volume in Metro Manila roads, " said MMDA Chairman Atty. Don Artes. "By implementing these effective measures, we aim to provide a more manageable traffic flow for the holidays."

In line with this, provincial buses will be allowed along EDSA between 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. starting on December 20. Commuters can also expect said provincial buses to traverse EDSA round-the-clock—meaning 24 hours—from December 24, 2025 to January 2, 2026, for "faster turnaround time and to accommodate more passengers."

MMDA will also coordinate with the Department of Transportation (DOTr) and transport groups to ALSO extend the public transport system's operating hours to accommodate late-night commuters and mall employees.

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