Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) General Manager Nicolas Torre III cleared up rumors regarding a potential run for mayor in Davao City, stating that he has no intention of pursuing any elective office.
Torre addressed the issue via a social media post following remarks from Vice President Sara Duterte, who mentioned he would be welcome to join the Davao City mayoralty race after online speculative posts began circulating.
He expressed surprise at how quickly an online comment developed into a full news story.
“Ang bilis naman. May nag-comment lang yata noong nakaraang araw na tumakbo raw akong Mayor ng Davao, ngayon parang naging totoong balita na,” Torre said.
He explicitly clarified that he has not declared any intention to run for mayor in Davao City or any other local or national office.
“Para malinaw: wala akong sinabing tatakbo akong Mayor ng Davao. At wala rin akong inanunsyong pagtakbo sa anumang local o national position,” he said.
Torre urged the public to refrain from building political narratives around his name, emphasizing that his focus remains entirely on his official duties at the MMDA.
“Kaya huwag muna nating pangunahan ang kuwento. Marami pa tayong trabaho. Sa ngayon, trabaho muna. Ang serbisyo, hindi naman kailangang hintayin ang eleksyon,” he added.
Prior to leading the MMDA, Torre served as the police regional director for Davao before being appointed chief of the Philippine National Police.