EDSA malls to operate ‘till 11 p.m. starting Oct. 15; Weekday promos banned

Shopping malls along EDSA will adjust their operating hours from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. from October 15 to January 15, 2018, and weekday promotional discounts will be banned to minimize traffic congestion, Cedric Castillo reported on Balitanghali on Friday.

Delivery hours for non-perishable goods will also be adjusted under the scheme implemented by the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) from 11 p.m. to 5 a.m. as the agency seeks to lessen traffic during the holidays.

Discount sales will only be permitted on Saturdays and Sundays.

Officials of major malls along EDSA met with the MMDA in a closed-door meeting regarding the mall hours. MMDA Chief of Staff Jojo Garcia said they quickly agreed upon the schedule.

However, shopping malls that violate the schedule will not be penalized as the MMDA did not sign a memorandum of agreement with any malls.

The MMDA reasoned that a memorandum was not needed as mall representatives acquiesced to the adjusted schedule, which they believe will help commuters who use EDSA as their main route.

If the schedule does not affect mall profits, the MMDA may propose the permanent adoption of the new opening and closing hours. — Rie Takumi/MDM, GMA News