Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) General Manager and former Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Nicolas Torre III downplayed speculation about a possible run for office in the 2028 national elections, saying his priority is to resolve pending cases and fulfill his duties in his new role.
“Tsaka natin pag-usapan… Kailangan kong i-clear kay Ombudsman (Jesus Crispin) Remulla ang lahat ng aking mga kaso kasi nasa kanya lahat naka-pending,” Torre said in a televised interview.
The cases stem from criminal and administrative complaints filed on September 17, 2025, by Davao City Mayor Sebastian “Baste” Duterte against several officials, including Torre, over the arrest of his father, former President Rodrigo Duterte.
Sebastian accused them of kidnapping, arbitrary detention, and grave misconduct, among other charges. Torre was also named in two habeas corpus petitions filed before the Supreme Court by Sebastian and his half-sister Veronica Duterte, seeking to nullify their father’s arrest.
In March 2025, Torre—then chief of the police Criminal Investigation and Detection Group—led the arrest of Duterte following a warrant issued by the International Criminal Court and transmitted through Interpol.
Pressed on his political future, Torre brushed off the question with humor, saying he would instead “run” in his outreach initiative.
“Hindi ko kailangan hintayin ang 2028. Sa April, tatakbo ako. Takbo laban sa mga bully part 2,” he quipped, referring to a similar event he organized in November last year.
Speculation about Torre’s possible political ambitions grew after analyst Richard Heydarian suggested he could consider a 2028 bid, noting that former police chiefs Panfilo “Ping” Lacson and Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa also transitioned into Senate careers.