As a solution to the yearly problem of heavy traffic during the Christmas season, Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) Chairperson Don Artes said he would ask mall owners in Metro Manila not to hold mall-wide sales.
He made the remarks during a Palace briefing on Wednesday, when asked what solutions the MMDA has in response to the traffic problem, particularly after motorists driving through Marikina, Pasig, Cainta, and Antipolo were caught in gridlock along Marcos Highway on Saturday.
‘We also spoke with the LGUs [local government units] regarding mall-wide sales. Perhaps they should be temporarily prohibited because, coincidentally, when the mall closed, everyone came out at the same time, which really caused extremely heavy traffic flow.,’ he said.
He cited mall-wide sales in shopping centers outside the National Capital Region as a factor contributing to the traffic jam on Marcos Highway last weekend.
But Artes emphasized that he is not blaming mall owners for the traffic congestion; however, he noted that stopping mall-wide sales would help ease road congestion.
‘We are not blaming the mall owners. What we are saying is that we are politely asking them, if possible, not to hold mall-wide sales because they really do cause extremely heavy traffic, like what we experienced last Saturday,’ he said.
‘We are not prohibiting sales per se in individual stores. What we are only prohibiting are mall-wide sales, where all the stores in the mall have sales at the same time. So, this does not restrain trade,’ he also said.
The Christmas season always brings traffic chaos, especially in Metro Manila and nearby areas, as thousands of people shop, party, and travel to celebrate the holidays.
Adjusted mall hours took effect on November 17 to ease expected congestion ahead of Christmas Day.
Malls in the National Capital Region are now open at 11 a.m. and close at 11 p.m. until December 25, except on weekends and holidays. Meanwhile, mall-wide sales will be limited to weekends only. /mr