Modified hours for malls along EDSA to start on October 16

Shopping malls along EDSA will modify their operating hours in an effort to ease traffic congestion during the Yuletide season, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority said Sunday.

MMDA spokesperson Celine Pialago said that these malls will be open from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. starting on October 16 until January 15. The new schedule will be implemented during weekdays only.

Delivery hours for non-perishable foods will be adjusted from 11 p.m. to 5 a.m. in order to lessen traffic during rush hours. Perishable goods, on the other hand, are exempted.

However, since the MMDA did not sign a memorandum of agreement with any mall, any establishment violating the new schedule will not be penalized.

"MMDA cannot merely impose a policy on private sectors, meaning we don't have a to sign a memorandum of agreement. This is just a gentleman's agreement. If they will not comply or fulfill their promises as discussed, we cannot fine them," Pialago told GMA News Online.

"Ibig sabihin hindi naman natin sila pupwedeng bigyan ng penalty; hindi sila pwedeng parusahan because we don't have the power to do it. Ang atin lang nakiusap lang tayo sa kanila, they gave their 100-percent commitment, so we're expecting that they will help us in this campaign," she added. — BM, GMA News