Adjusted mall hours in NCR, suspension of road works start next week

MMDA acting chairman Romando Artes confirmed that mall hours in Metro Manila will be adjusted starting next week, November 14, 2022. Artes added that road works in the capital will also be temporarily suspended.

Malls in Metro Manila will have adjusted operating hours starting November 14

The adjusted mall hours as well as the temporary suspension of road works are deemed necessary by the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) due to the increase in vehicle volume during the Christmas season. The said measures are seen to alleviate the expected heavier traffic during the holidays. 

Mall hours in the National Capital Region (NCR) will be from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., effective November 14, 2022 until January 6, 2023. The adjusted mall hours were agreed upon after a consultative meeting with major stakeholders held at the MMDA’s new building in Pasig City. 

Present during the meeting are representatives from SM Malls, Robinson’s, Araneta Center, Greenhills Shopping Center, Ortigas Shopping Center, Trinoma Vertis, among others.

"Starting November 14, malls in NCR will operate from 11am to 11pm instead of their usual operating hours. We have to implement remedial measures to reduce traffic congestion," said Artes.

MMDA meeting with mall operators

Acting MMDA chairman Artes also said that mall wide sales will only be allowed during weekends while deliveries shall be done from 11 p.m. to 5 a.m. only. But, the MMDA is giving exemption for deliveries of perishable goods. 

“Mall wide sales will be only allowed during weekends. Also, deliveries will be during 11pm to 5am only. Exempted from the regulation are deliveries of perishable goods, restaurants serving breakfast, and groceries.”

The MMDA has also ordered mall operators to inform the agency about their respective mall wide sales two weeks prior to the event. It is also asking mall operators to submit their traffic management plans. With this information, the MMDA said that it will deploy the necessary number of enforcers to help manage traffic.     

Meanwhile, the adjusted mall hours can be lifted earlier than January 6, 2023, depending on the traffic situation during the holidays. Artes said that the MMDA will observe the traffic situation on December 26. If the traffic flow is manageable, Artes said that the agency will lift the 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. adjusted mall operating hours.  

Road works will also be temporarily suspended

The MMDA also announced the temporary suspension of all excavation activities on Metro Manila’s national roads. This will come to effect from midnight of November 14, 2022 until midnight of January 6, 2023. This means that road reblocking, pipe laying, road upgrading, and all other excavation works will be suspended during the said period.   

However, projects that are not included in the temporary suspension are the following: 

- Flagship projects of the government

- DPWH bridge repair/construction

- Flood interceptor catchment project (box culvert)

- Asphalt overlay projects without reblocking works

- Sidewalk improvement

- Drainage improvement projects along the sidewalk and not occupying any part of the roadway

- Footbridge projects

- Emergency leak repair or breakage of water line by Manila Water and Maynilad Water Services

- Project using trenchless or horizontal directional drilling method

- New water service or electrical service connections

- Road activities without excavation (traffic clearance only)

- Traffic signalization projects

- Meralco relocation works affecting major projects of the government

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