STARTING Friday (Dec. 23), shopping malls in Metro Manila may resume normal schedule, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) said on Thursday night
MMDA Acting Chairman Atty. Romando Artes said “due to preemptive 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.”
“Thus, foregoing considered, shopping malls in Metro Manila may now begin operation as early as 9 a.m. starting December 23, 2022,” Artes said in a memorandum circular released to shopping mall operators.
The MMDA chief said the purpose of the memo is to give the public more time to do their last-minute Christmas shopping.
The MMDA and shopping mall operators earlier agreed to adjust their operating hours to 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. beginning November 14, instead of their usual business hours as a measure to reduce traffic congestion in Metro Manila in the holiday season.