Metro Manila Malls to Operate on Later Hours

The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) has announced a significant shift in mall operating hours and several key traffic control measures aimed at easing the expected surge in holiday congestion across the National Capital Region.

The changes, which affect mall hours, deliveries, sales, roadwork, and bus schedules, are set to take effect starting November 17 and will run until December 25 of this year.

Later Mall Hours on Weekdays

In an agreement reached with mall operators, MMDA Chairperson Romando Artes stated in a press conference that mall operating hours will now be from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. on weekdays.

Artes clarified that this new schedule will apply Monday through Friday, with weekends and holidays exempted from the later opening time.

To further manage traffic flow, the MMDA also announced two crucial restrictions on mall activities:

Mall-wide sales will be strictly restricted to weekends.
Mall deliveries will be limited to the late-night hours, specifically between 11 p.m. and 5 a.m.

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Suspension of Road Excavation

The MMDA is also taking steps to clear the roads of construction-related disruptions.

Artes confirmed that all road excavation activities that may cause traffic in Metro Manila will be suspended during the holiday period, from November 17 to December 25.

He added that contractors would be allowed to resume and even work 24 hours a day starting December 26 onwards, as monitoring and experience show that traffic flow significantly improves after the main holiday rush.

Adjustments to EDSA Bus Schedule

To accommodate commuters traveling to and from other provinces, the MMDA is also adjusting the EDSA bus schedule.

Starting December 20, provincial buses will be allowed to operate nightly between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m. Furthermore, buses will be permitted to run 24 hours a day from December 24 to January 2 to support travelers during the peak holiday season.

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These measures come as the MMDA prepares for the annual increase in vehicles on Metro Manila roads. According to Artes, the metro typically handles about 3.6 million vehicles daily, a number that traditionally jumps by 10% to 20% during the holidays. The coordinated adjustments are intended to mitigate the heavier traffic that the increased volume will inevitably bring.