MALL-WIDE SALES PROHIBITED DURING CHRISTMAS SEASON – MMDA

To manage the growing volume of vehicles along major thoroughfares in the National Capital Region during the holiday season, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) is ramping up efforts that includes prohibiting mall-wide sales promotions.

According to MMDA Special Operations Group Strike Force chief Gabriel Go, individual store sales will be allowed but without major promotions. The ban is meant to lower traffic congestion ahead of the Christmas rush. 

Efforts to manage the increasing number of vehicles in major roads in Metro Manila are ramping up during the holiday season (Photo courtesy of Philippine Star)

Mall and shopping center owners in Metro Manila have also agreed to adjust their opening hours to 11 a.m., one hour later than the usual 10 a.m., until Christmas Day. There are 131 malls in the National Capital Region, with 29 located along Epifanio de los Santos Avenue.

MMDA data showed that 447,000 vehicles are traversing EDSA daily. The agency is expecting an increase of 10 to 15 percent in vehicle volume, worsening traffic in Metro Manila during the Christmas season.

The MMDA had earlier begun implementing traffic management measures to ease the expected heavier traffic congestion during this holiday season. It also implemented a ban on daytime deliveries to shopping malls and commercial centers. 

Deliveries will only be allowed at night, from 11 p.m. to 5 a.m. the following day, except for perishable goods such as food and ice.

Until December 25, all road right-of-way excavation activities in Metro Manila will be suspended. This includes road reblocking, pipe-laying, road upgrading, and other excavation works that could disrupt the smooth flow of traffic.

Meanwhile, the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) announced that it will start accepting applications for special permits for public utility vehicles (PUVs) to accommodate the expected surge of commuters in and out of Metro Manila this Christmas season.

LTFRB Chairperson Teofilo Guadiz III said the PUV special permit application will open on December 15. All special permits will be valid from December 20, 2024 until January 4, 2025. 

“Like the usual practice, we are opening slots for special permits to ensure that there are ample PUVs that would cater to our riding public during the holidays,” Guaddiz stated.

5,000 slots were also approved for the Transport Network Vehicle Services (TNVS) to help manage the expected holiday rush. The TNVS is a ride-hailing service which includes Grab, Angkas, Joyride, and MoveIt. 

The agency assured that it is working closely with operators and enforcers to manage the expected increase in passengers during the holidays. Public are also advised to plan their travels and remain vigilant to ensure a safe and smooth journey.

Source: Philippine Daily Inquirer 

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