MMDA allows shopping malls to go back to normal operating hours
The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) is now allowing shopping malls in Metro Manila to resume their normal operating hours after the expected holiday traffic volume did not occur.
MMDA Chairman Romando Artes said the order for the shopping malls to resume normal operations is also aimed at giving the public to do their last-minute Christmas shopping.
Last month, the MMDA met with mall managers to convince them to adjust their operating hours from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. from Nov. 14 to Jan. 6 next year. The mall managers agreed.
Artes explained that their expected huge traffic volume was preempted due to various measures that include aggressive road-clearing operations.
"Due to pre-emptive measures, the anticipated traffic problems during the Christmas season did not come to pass, and an easing in the flow of traffic in Metro Manila’s thoroughfares have been observed despite the increase in Christmas-related activities," said Artes.
"Thus, foregoing considered, shopping malls in Metro Manila may now begin operation as early as 9 a.m. starting December 23, 2022," he added.
The MMDA memorandum circular was sent to all shopping mall operators.