MMDA to meet operators on extended mall hours as holiday season nears

The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) will discuss with mall operators the possible extension of mall hours to 10 p.m. or even midnight, as well as a ban on weekday sales during the Christmas season.

"We will ask if possible that mall hours, which is usually from 10 a.m. up to 9 p.m., could be adjusted just like last year," said MMDA Chairman Benhur Abalos in Filipino in a media briefing.

Abalos said the policy was to avoid the influx of people during the Christmas rush hours.

Further, the MMDA is looking into allowing sales only on weekend sales and during holidays, starting in the middle of November up to January.

"We will meet with mall owners, that if possible, weekday sales (Monday to Friday) will be prohibited but weekend sales will be allowed as well as sales on holidays," Abalos said.

Abalos added the MMDA is also set to ask mall operators if deliveries could instead be conducted at night.

The IATF last week approved the recommendation to place the National Capital Region (NCR) under Alert Level 3 beginning October 16, 2021 until October 31, 2021. -NB, GMA News