NATIONAL
Advocates Philippines
Mall-Wide Sales May Pause As MMDA Moves To Fix Marcos Highway Traffic
Photo credit: SM and MMDA
The MMDA is stepping in to untangle the traffic mess along Marcos Highway — and one major move on the table is asking malls to hold off on mall-wide sales during peak periods.
MMDA Chairman Don Artes said the agency has already started implementing several traffic interventions after a joint inspection with LGUs and other government agencies revealed multiple chokepoints along the highway. He explained that the goal is simple: make traffic move smoother and faster along one of Metro Manila’s busiest routes.
According to Artes, the MMDA has begun installing more traffic signages and deploying additional personnel on the ground. Concrete barriers along certain portions of the highway are also being replaced with plastic ones, while U-turn slots are being relocated and reconfigured in coordination with the concerned LGUs. Traffic lights at the Sumulong–Marcos Highway intersection are also being adjusted to ease congestion, especially during rush hours.
He noted that the inspection allowed them to identify problematic intersections, loading and unloading areas, and other access points that have been affecting traffic flow and pedestrian safety. With the adjustments underway, the agency hopes to ease the daily gridlock experienced by the estimated 270,000 vehicles that pass through Marcos Highway every day.
Artes also emphasized the need for cooperation from commercial establishments. He said the MMDA will ask LGUs to request mall owners to avoid holding mall-wide sales during peak hours or heavy travel seasons. Huge sales attract massive crowds, which then translate to even heavier traffic along the highway.
He clarified, however, that the MMDA is not banning promotions altogether. Individual store sales are still welcome, but mall-wide events that cause sudden surges of shoppers should be avoided during critical traffic periods.
“Traffic is always heavier on weekends, so coordination with LGUs is crucial,” Artes said. “We need to synchronize adjustments immediately to keep vehicles moving.”
With these new interventions and tighter coordination in place, the MMDA hopes commuters and motorists will soon feel the difference — and finally get a smoother drive along Marcos Highway.
MMDA Chairman Don Artes said the agency has already started implementing several traffic interventions after a joint inspection with LGUs and other government agencies revealed multiple chokepoints along the highway. He explained that the goal is simple: make traffic move smoother and faster along one of Metro Manila’s busiest routes.
According to Artes, the MMDA has begun installing more traffic signages and deploying additional personnel on the ground. Concrete barriers along certain portions of the highway are also being replaced with plastic ones, while U-turn slots are being relocated and reconfigured in coordination with the concerned LGUs. Traffic lights at the Sumulong–Marcos Highway intersection are also being adjusted to ease congestion, especially during rush hours.
He noted that the inspection allowed them to identify problematic intersections, loading and unloading areas, and other access points that have been affecting traffic flow and pedestrian safety. With the adjustments underway, the agency hopes to ease the daily gridlock experienced by the estimated 270,000 vehicles that pass through Marcos Highway every day.
Artes also emphasized the need for cooperation from commercial establishments. He said the MMDA will ask LGUs to request mall owners to avoid holding mall-wide sales during peak hours or heavy travel seasons. Huge sales attract massive crowds, which then translate to even heavier traffic along the highway.
He clarified, however, that the MMDA is not banning promotions altogether. Individual store sales are still welcome, but mall-wide events that cause sudden surges of shoppers should be avoided during critical traffic periods.
“Traffic is always heavier on weekends, so coordination with LGUs is crucial,” Artes said. “We need to synchronize adjustments immediately to keep vehicles moving.”
With these new interventions and tighter coordination in place, the MMDA hopes commuters and motorists will soon feel the difference — and finally get a smoother drive along Marcos Highway.
Dec 12, 2025
We are dedicated storytellers with a passion for bringing your brand to life. Our services range from news and media features to brand promotion and collaborations.
Interested? Visit our
Contact Us page for more information. To learn more about what we offer, check out our latest article on services and opportunities.
