The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) will temporarily implement new MMDA mall hours and delivery restrictions across Metro Manila beginning November 16 as part of efforts to manage the expected surge in traffic during the Christmas season.
Under an agreement between mall operators and the MMDA, shopping malls throughout the National Capital Region will be allowed to operate only from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. starting November 16 until Christmas Day on December 25.
The agency will also enforce an overnight delivery schedule for commercial centers, allowing deliveries only between 11 p.m. and 5 a.m. to help reduce daytime traffic congestion.
However, the delivery restrictions will not apply to perishable goods, including food products and ice, which may continue to be transported outside the designated delivery window.
The policy also permits individual stores inside malls to conduct sales promotions on any day, provided they are not accompanied by public advertisements, commercials, or promotional banners.
Meanwhile, mall-wide sales events will only be allowed during weekends under the agreement.
Mall operators are likewise required to submit local traffic management plans at least two weeks before conducting major sales or promotional activities to enable the MMDA to properly deploy traffic enforcement personnel.
The restrictions do not cover restaurants, supermarkets, and government service centers located inside malls, which may continue operating under their regular business hours.
The MMDA said the temporary measures are intended to ease traffic flow and improve mobility in Metro Manila during the peak holiday shopping period.