MMDA to Halt Holiday Sales, Will It Solve Traffic?

As the holiday season approaches, MMDA Chairperson Don Artes recently suggested that mall owners temporarily pause mall-wide sales to help ease traffic congestion.

Targeting Businesses Isn’t the Solution

While the intention to reduce gridlock is understandable, blaming businesses is not the answer. Retailers, both big and small, rely on holiday sales to make a significant portion of their annual revenue. Asking them to halt promotions penalizes the private sector for a problem rooted in deeper infrastructure and planning challenges.

Holiday sales are more than just discounts. They generate jobs, support suppliers, and keep the economy moving. Millions of Filipinos visit malls not only for deals but also to celebrate the season. Penalizing businesses for drawing shoppers ignores the real causes of congestion.

Traffic Issues Run Deeper Than Malls

Gridlock in Metro Manila stems not from seasonal sales but from narrow roads, insufficient public transportation, poorly managed intersections, and uncoordinated construction. Targeting malls is a superficial fix that does not address the root causes of congestion.

Authorities could implement smarter solutions. Staggered mall hours, better traffic management, promotion of online shopping, and improved public transport options can reduce crowding while keeping commerce alive. Coordinated planning between government and businesses is the key to easing traffic without hurting the economy.

A Thriving Business Sector Benefits Everyone

The holiday season is critical for both families and the economy. Punishing malls risks discouraging retail activity, threatening jobs, and hurting the broader economy. Healthy businesses create tax revenue, sustain employment, and fund improvements such as better roads and transport systems that help reduce congestion for everyone.

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Instead of restricting sales, the MMDA should work with businesses to manage crowds and improve traffic flow. Supporting commerce and improving mobility are not mutually exclusive. With practical planning and collaboration, Metro Manila can enjoy a festive, prosperous holiday season that benefits shoppers, workers, and motorists alike.