Former Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief Nicolas Torre III will oversee the daily operations of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) as general manager and concurrent spokesperson, Chairman Romando Artes announced Monday, January 5.
Artes said Torre’s appointment allows him to focus on broader administrative and planning duties.
“Ang general manager will handle all the operational matters. Magkakaroon ng direct control doon under the supervision pa rin ng MMDA chairman, so I can focus more on the administrative aspect, planning aspect,” he explained.
Torre will coordinate with the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) on flood control projects and lead traffic management and enforcement. He also pledged to strengthen MMDA’s emergency response.
“Ang isa sa ita-target natin is mabilis na responde, mabilis na pag-clearing kapag mayroong aksidente…we’ll set benchmark like five minutes sa responde, 10 minutes to 15 minutes sa clearing para wala ng obstruction kaagad,” Torre said.
Relieved as PNP chief in August after a brief two-month tenure, Torre was replaced by PLTGen Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. He took his oath as MMDA general manager in December. The agency operates under the Office of the President.