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MANILA, Philippines — Former police chief Gen. Nicolas Torre III is back in the political arena, taking on not just his new role as general manager of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) while also serving as its spokesperson.
MMDA Chairman Romando Artes announced on Monday, January 5, that Torre would serve as the agency’s spokesperson and manage 70%–80% of its daily operations.
“GM (General Manager) Torre will be the designated spokesperson of the MMDA,” he told reporters after a press briefing.
While Torre will handle much of the agency’s operations, Artes clarified that he remains the MMDA’s chief and that Torre will work under his guidance. With Torre overseeing daily operations, Artes said he can now devote more time to administrative matters.
“I will give him a free hand, but still under my guidance,” Artes said in a mix of English and Filipino.
Torre outlines priorities
Torre said traffic, flood, and solid waste management are among his priorities as he takes the helm of the MMDA’s day-to-day operations, which he believes can be improved at the same time because the agency has sufficient personnel.
Specifically, he seeks to impose a five-minute response time to emergencies or obstructions on Metro Manila roads, followed by 10 to 15 minutes of clearing to ensure traffic returns to normal flow.
This mirrors one of his final policies during his three-month stint as Philippine National Police chief in 2025.
Stricter discipline
Artes also said the MMDA would be stricter in disciplining and investigating erring enforcers under Torre’s watch, citing his experience as police chief.
“We agreed to prioritize the discipline of our traffic enforcers,” he said in Filipino. “This time, we will probably be stricter under General Torre, and the investigations will be more thorough.”
On flood control management, Artes said the MMDA plans to coordinate more closely with the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) in planning, executing, and implementing flood control projects — unlike in previous years when the agency became involved only after construction.
Torre added that in his new role, he hopes to promote more data-driven and scientific decision-making within the agency, particularly in areas requiring improvement, maintenance, or reassessment.
“Obviously, there are always areas for improvement and areas for maintenance, areas to be revisited. But the bottom line here is that Chairman Artes and I’s focus is to have data-driven decisions,” Torre said in a mix of English and Filipino.
He also said the MMDA will engage stakeholders and ensure their involvement in the agency’s plans for traffic, flood, and solid waste management. Among his first responsibilities is overseeing the EDSA rehabilitation.
Asked about his thoughts on taking on new government roles, Torre said, “This is an opportunity to serve. This is an opportunity to perform in another capacity, so I took it.”
Torre was appointed MMDA general manager by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on December 19 and was sworn in on December 26 after taking a break following his removal from the PNP on August 26.
