The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) on Friday, Oct. 20, ordered mall operators in Metro Manila to adjust their operating hours from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. starting November 13.

MMDA noted that this was to ease the expected heavy traffic congestion during All Saints’ Day, All Souls’ Day, and the Christmas season.

“They will also be asked to adjust their operating hours from 11 am to 11 pm starting November 13,” MMDA chief Romando Artes said in a statement.

“Mall-wide sales shall only be allowed on weekends and deliveries of shopping mall operators shall only be allowed during nighttime, from 11 pm to 5 am the following day,” he added.

The directive was in accordance with MMDA’s traffic management plan to ensure the management of the public transportation system in the metro during the holiday season.