MMDA General Manager Torre Takes Monthlong Leave After EDSA Busway Controversy

MANILA, Philippines — Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) General Manager Nicolas Torre III has gone on a monthlong leave effective Tuesday, after admitting to several violations when he used the Edsa Busway lane reserved for passenger buses, on-duty emergency vehicles, and cars being used by the country’s top five government officials. Torre earlier apologized and paid a fine for using the exclusive bus lane. He also admitted to fitting his armored sport utility vehicle with a license plate that had been issued to another car, an MMDA logo and a blinker to make it look like an official MMDA vehicle. MMDA Chair Don Artes said that Torre, who was appointed by President Marcos to the agency in December last year, even considered retiring from public service following public backlash. “‘Don’t do anything rash,’ I told him. Just contemplate, because, first of all, as I have said, General Torre has been a big help to me, especially with the day-to-day operations of the MMDA,” Artes added. Artes said he did not issue a suspension order against Torre because he lacks “disciplinary authority” over him, citing his presidential appointment. He also denied giving Torre any “special treatment,” stressing that the MMDA official has already been fined while his vehicle would not be released until all the unauthorized markings and equipment have been removed. “I can categorically say that I still trust him and in my opinion, he is still an asset to the agency despite what happened. Because, first of all, our job does not just revolve around traffic,” said Artes. “Traffic is just one out of [our] seven [mandates]. So, this issue might have an impact in so far as traffic matters are concerned, especially enforcement of traffic laws. But as to all other mandates, I don’t think it will affect those,” he added. /cb