Metro Manila malls may return to regular hours starting Dec. 23 -- MMDA

You no longer need to wait until 11 a.m. for malls in Metro Manila to open.

Acting Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) chair Romando Artes said in a memorandum to mall operators that they may return to their usual schedules starting December 23, 2022.

“Due to pre-emptive 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," he said in a Dec. 22, 2022 Facebook post. 

"Thus, foregoing considered, shopping malls in Metro Manila may now begin operation as early as 9 a.m.," Artes added.

The acting MMDA chief said the memo will give the public more time to do their last-minute holiday shopping.

The MMDA and mall operators had agreed to adjust mall hours from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. starting Nov. 14, 2022 to reduce traffic congestion in the metro in the run-up to the holidays.

The agency also announced on December 22, 2022, that it will allow provincial buses to travel on EDSA to help holiday commuters go in and out of Metro Manila more easily.

Meanwhile, the Department of Transportation said on November 2022, it will offer 24/7 free rides on the EDSA Busway until Dec. 31, 2022.

Will going back to normal hours make your holiday week drives to and from the mall easier?