Malacañang on Thursday clarified the retirement status of former Philippine National Police (PNP) chief and now Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) General Manager Nicolas Torre III, ending months of uncertainty.
Communications Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said Torre’s optional retirement has been settled, entitling him to full benefits as a four-star general.
The National Police Commission (NAPOLCOM) earlier announced Torre’s formal retirement from police service, months after his removal as PNP chief. Torre, however, previously denied retiring, insisting he had not filed any application.
In a Palace briefing, Castro explained that the issue has been resolved and no further meetings between Torre and President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. are needed.
“Nakausap po mismo natin si Gen. Torre, at malamang po ay nagkaroon lang nang kaunting misunderstanding,” she said.
“The President appointed Gen. Torre as the general manager of MMDA. He took his office. He is now actively performing his job as the general manager of MMDA. And for his optional retirement, he will receive full benefits and emoluments as a four-star general.”
Asked whether Torre’s four-star rank would be transferred to his successor, PNP acting chief Lt. Gen. Jose Nartatez Jr., Castro confirmed:
“Iyan po ang sinabi natin sa kaniya… Accepted po niya iyon.”
With this, Nartatez is expected to be promoted to four-star status, the rank traditionally held by the sitting PNP chief.
Castro added that the situation highlights the need to revisit provisions of the PNP law to avoid similar confusion in the future.