The Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) has confirmed that it will hold a meeting next week to discuss traffic management plans for the upcoming holiday season.
In an interview with reporters on Sunday, MMDA Chairman Romando Artes announced that several measures will be implemented to ease traffic congestion, including the prohibition of mall-wide sales during peak periods.
"Next week sisimulan na namin yung pagpupulong para po sa preparasyon sa holiday," said Artes.
"Yung usual po natin siguro yung ating prohibition sa mallwide sale. Nagpapasubmit na po tayo ng traffic plan sa mga malls lalong lalo na po yung located sa EDSA para po mapag-aralan at mapagtulong-tulungan yung daloy po ng traffic ay mas mabilis at hindi po makaabala sa iba," he added.
Last year, during the November 1 holiday, the MMDA reported a significant increase in vehicle volume, particularly along major thoroughfares like EDSA, C5, and roads leading to cemeteries, such as Rizal Avenue (to Manila North Cemetery) and South Luzon Expressway (SLEX).
Traffic congestion typically peaks on October 31 and November 1 as people visit cemeteries.
The heaviest traffic is usually seen in the morning of November 1, as people travel to cemeteries, and in the late afternoon, when they return home. Major expressways, including NLEX and SLEX, experienced a 20-30% increase in vehicle volume last year compared to regular weekdays.
The MMDA had previously advised the public to avoid traveling during peak hours or to use alternative routes to reduce delays.
