As the holiday season draws near, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) has once again highlighted the perennial traffic woes plaguing Metro Manila. In a recent statement, MMDA Chairperson Don Artes suggested that mall owners temporarily halt mall-wide sales to ease congestion, citing last weekend’s gridlock along Marcos Highway as a prime example.
Tip of the Iceberg
While the intention to reduce traffic is understandable, this approach unfairly targets businesses that rely on holiday sales to survive and thrive. Mall-wide sales are not just festive events—they are lifelines for retailers, especially small and medium enterprises who depend on the surge in holiday shoppers to balance their yearly revenue. Asking malls to pause these sales is effectively penalizing the private sector for a problem that has much deeper structural roots.
Holiday sales are also a key economic driver for the country. Millions of Filipinos flock to malls not only for deals but also to celebrate the season, supporting jobs in retail, logistics, and services. Disrupting this cycle could have unintended consequences for workers, suppliers, and the broader economy.
Traffic Problems Run Deeper
Traffic congestion during the holidays is a multifaceted issue. Narrow roads, inadequate public transportation, poor traffic management, and the sheer volume of vehicles all play far bigger roles than seasonal retail promotions. To single out malls as the cause of congestion oversimplifies the problem and risks discouraging economic activity at a time when businesses need every boost they can get.
Instead of curbing business activities, the government should focus on smart interventions. These could include improved traffic flow management, clear coordination between LGUs for traffic control, designated loading and unloading zones, and better scheduling of construction or maintenance work. Public awareness campaigns encouraging alternative commuting options, such as carpooling, flexible work hours, or mass transit use, could also help reduce congestion without affecting retail sales.
Supporting Businesses Benefits Everyone
The holiday season is a critical period for both families and businesses alike. While traffic may be inevitable, pitting government authorities against commercial establishments is counterproductive. Policymakers should focus on sustainable, evidence-based solutions rather than asking the private sector to sacrifice profits for temporary relief on congested roads.
A thriving business environment ultimately benefits everyone. Workers retain jobs, suppliers continue operations, and consumers enjoy a festive season with more choices. Meanwhile, traffic management should be about addressing root causes, not creating unnecessary friction between government and business. After all, a strong economy means better infrastructure, more efficient services, and even safer, more orderly streets for motorists and pedestrians alike.
The real solution lies in collaboration, not conflict.
