Nicolas Torre Goes on Leave and Reveals Possible Retirement From Government
NICOLAS TORRE – The controversy involving Nicolas Torre III has taken another turn as the MMDA general manager considers leaving public service.
Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) General Manager Nicolas Torre III has taken a month-long leave of absence following controversy over the use of an MMDA-marked private vehicle along the EDSA Busway.
MMDA Chairman Don Artes said on Tuesday that Torre personally volunteered to step away from his duties after the issue involving his SUV came under scrutiny. Artes revealed that he and Torre had exchanged messages about work during the weekend, with the general manager asking whether he still had Artes’ trust.
“May isa akong task na pinagagawa sa kanya then he asked me kung okay lang na siya ‘yung gumawa ng trabaho at kung may tiwala pa ako sa kanya. Ang naging sagot ko sa kanya hindi diretsong oo o hindi. Ang sabi ko sa kanya is just do the job but keep it lie low,” Artes said.
According to Artes, Torre initially proposed taking a two-week break from work. The leave was eventually extended to one month to allow the MMDA official enough time to reflect on his future, including the possibility of leaving government service.
“Ang una niyang sinabi, ‘Sir, I’m planning to retire from public service.’ Ang una kong tugon sa kanya pag-isipan mo muna… wag ka magpabigla-bigla, sabi ko sa kanya,” he said.
Artes acknowledged Torre’s significant contribution to the agency, particularly in overseeing its daily operations. However, he also confirmed that the MMDA did not authorize the markings and blinkers placed on Torre’s personal SUV.
Artes explained that he could not directly impose a disciplinary penalty on Torre because the general manager is a presidential appointee. He noted that his authority allows him to suspend Torre only when an administrative investigation is conducted under the MMDA.
“Wala po akong disciplinary authority over General Torre dahil siya po ay Presidential appointee. Ang meron lang po ako ay authority to suspend pursuant to an administrative investigation. Since LTO na nga ang nag-iimbestiga sa kanya, wala pong reason para i-suspend ko pa siya,” he said.
He also rejected suggestions that Torre received special treatment, pointing out that the same traffic penalties applied to him as they would to any other motorist.
“Di naman naabswelto si General Torre ng any punishment just like any other motorist whether government official o hindi. Same punishment din naman eh. Pinagmulta. So hindi pwedeng sabihin na may special treatment,” he added.
Artes appealed for understanding, urging the public to consider the incident without immediately judging Torre.
“Ako po ang nanghihingi ng pang-unawa ng ating mga kababayan, sabi ko nga po wag po natin i-judge si GM Torre dahil sa single incident na ‘to. Lahat naman tayo ay nagkakamali. Ang importante ay natututo tayo sa pagkakamali,” he said.
While Torre is away, the MMDA is searching for an officer-in-charge. Meanwhile, the Land Transportation Office (LTO) revoked the license of the SUV’s driver over several violations, including unauthorized EDSA Busway use, an improperly assigned license plate, and unauthorized vehicle markings and warning devices.
The SUV remains impounded at the LTO Central Office, where officials also ordered the removal of the unauthorized MMDA identifiers, siren, and blinker.
“Maski pa anong ranggo, posisyon, o katungkulan ang mayroon ka, kung ikaw ay may nilabag sa batas-trapiko, hindi ko po palalampasin ‘yan. Tayo sa gobyerno, malinaw sa atin ang batas, sumunod po tayo, gawin po natin ang tama at maging responsable sa kalsada,” LTO Chief Markus Lacanilao said in a press release.
READ ALSO: Nicolas Torre Breaks Silence on Rumors of Davao City Mayoral Bid
