Torre resumes MMDA duties after one-month leave

Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) general manager Nicolas Torre III returned to work after a monthlong leave following a controversy involving his use of the EDSA Busway in a privately owned sport utility vehicle with unauthorized government markings.

MMDA chairperson Romando Artes confirmed Torre’s return during a press conference, stating that the general manager had officially reported back to the agency.

“Yes, he officially returned on Friday. In fact, he reported to us earlier today,” Artes told reporters.

Torre took a leave of absence starting 8 September while the Land Transportation Office (LTO) investigated an incident where his SUV was driven along the EDSA Busway, a designated lane restricted to public buses and select emergency vehicles.

An LTO investigation revealed that the vehicle bore a license plate that did not match official registration records, alongside unauthorized MMDA decals, a siren and emergency blinkers.

Official records showed the vehicle was registered as a private automobile.

Torre acknowledged ownership of the vehicle, stating he accessed the restricted lane while on official duty to monitor regional traffic conditions.

Following the inquiry, Torre paid P14,000 in traffic fines, and the LTO revoked the driver’s license of the vehicle’s operator over plate misuse and unauthorized equipment modifications.