VARIOUS mall operators met recently with the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) and they agreed to adjust their operating hours in order to help ease expected traffic problems during the holiday rush.
MMDA Deputy Chairman Undersecretary Frisco San Juan, Jr. and Traffic Discipline Office Director for Enforcement Atty. Victor Nuñez met with shopping mall operators and agreed to adjust their operating hours in support of the MMDA’s traffic management plans.
Starting November 13, 2023 (Monday), mall business hours will be from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., a measure that was agreed upon by all stakeholders to address the expected traffic problems in the metropolis.
“Due to the expected heavier traffic, we have decided to implement contingency measures,” Usec. San Juan said.
“Mall-wide sales will only be allowed during weekends while deliveries will only be permitted from 11 p.m. to 5 a.m., with the exception of perishable goods (for) restaurants serving breakfast, and supermarkets.”
Shopping mall operators were also asked to submit their respective traffic management plans for their mall sales and promotional events two weeks before the scheduled date of such events. Shopping malls with government satellite offices are also allowed to open as early as 9 a.m.
As part of the agency’s traffic management plan this Christmas season, duty of the traffic enforcers will be extended until 12 midnight to maximize their visibility on major roads.
“We will deploy traffic enforcers until midnight every day to assist and manage the traffic flow in Metro Manila,” said San Juan Jr.
Also, the MMDA will be working with the Department of Transportation (DOTr) to discuss possible extension of the public transport system’s operating hours to accommodate late-night commuters and mall employees.
Meanwhile, the MMDA and representatives from the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and other concerned offices, including the engineering district offices, local government units, utility companies, and contractors also met to discuss the temporary suspension of excavation activities on all Metro Manila roadways.
All excavation works that will cause obstruction or will affect the smooth flow of traffic shall be temporarily suspended effective midnight of November 13, 2023, until midnight of January 8, 2024.
The following projects are not covered by the moratorium:
- Flagship Projects of the government
- DPWH Bridge Repair/Construction Flood Interceptor Catchment Projects (Box Culvert)
- Asphalt Overlay Projects without re-blocking 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 lines by Manila Water Co. and Maynilad Water Service Inc.
- New Water Service connection or Electrical Service connections
- Road Activities without excavation (Traffic clearance only)
- Meralco Relocation/Emergency Works affecting major projects of government
All concerned agencies are advised to take appropriate measures and ensure that all affected roads will remain passable, safe, and serviceable to all types of vehicles and pedestrians amid the anticipated increase of vehicles on the roads.