The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) will ask mall operators in Metro Manila to adjust or extend their opening and closing schedule this Christmas season.
MMDA Chairman Benhur Abalos said on Tuesday, Oct. 19, that as part of their preparation for the coming holidays, the agency will talk to mall operators to defer their opening schedule from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. and their closing schedule from 9 p.m. to 10 p.m. or up until 12 midnight.
This is to avoid traffic congestion in most parts of Metro Manila caused by the simultaneous mobility of people going to their workplace and to the malls, Abalos said.
"Baka pwedeng i-adjust nila kamukha last year (Maybe they could adjust their operating schedule just like last year)," he said in a press conference.
Abalos also said the agency is seeking a ban on weekday sales, also to avoid traffic congestion during the working days.
"Ito ay gagawin lang tuwing Sabado o Linggo, o kung meron lamang holidays (Sales should only be done during Saturdays and Sunday or during holidays)," he said, "Ito'y sisimulan natin itong kalagitnaan ng Nobyembre (We will start it in November)."
Mall deliveries should also be banned in the morning and must be done at night, he added.
On the other hand, MMDA issued Resolution No. 21-24, setting a unified restrictions on intrazonal and interzonal travels of minors or those 18 years old below in the National Capital Region (NCR).
Under the resolution, local government units must allow minors to go outside and travel, provided they are accompanied by their parents or adult guardians.
Minors will also be allowed to do outdoor exercises, regardless of their comorbidites and vaccination status.