To address severe traffic congestion during the Christmas season, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) has announced a prohibition on mall-wide sales across the National Capital Region (NCR). The directive aims to mitigate road gridlocks typically exacerbated by holiday shopping rushes.
Gabriel Go, chief of the MMDA Task Force Special Operations, clarified that stores are still permitted to conduct sales but must do so discreetly. “Outlet sales in the malls are allowed as long as there are no announcements,” Go said, emphasizing that large-scale promotions, such as advertisements and public notices, are not permitted.
This prohibition is part of a comprehensive traffic management plan spearheaded by the MMDA to improve mobility during the peak shopping season. In addition to the ban on mall-wide sales, shopping malls in Metro Manila began observing adjusted operating hours on November 18. Malls now open at 11 a.m., an hour later than usual, and will adhere to this schedule until December 25.
MMDA Chairman Romando Artes noted that the adjusted opening hours were finalized in coordination with mall operators. While opening times are fixed, closing hours remain flexible and at the discretion of mall management.
“The measures are designed to ensure that major thoroughfares do not turn into massive parking lots during the holidays,” Artes said.
The MMDA has also imposed restrictions on the delivery schedules of goods to shopping malls, limiting these activities to nighttime hours, specifically from 11 p.m. to 5 a.m. This policy seeks to reduce daytime traffic disruptions caused by delivery trucks navigating busy streets.
These measures come as Metro Manila faces its annual surge in holiday-related traffic, with thousands of vehicles filling roads as residents flock to malls and other establishments.
The MMDA has reiterated its call for public cooperation, urging citizens to plan their trips ahead of time and use alternative transportation modes when possible.
With these proactive steps, the MMDA hopes to ease the burden on Metro Manila’s already congested roads, allowing residents and visitors to enjoy a more seamless holiday experience.