Metro Manila, Philippines – Former top cop Nicolas Torre III will be in charge of the daily operations of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) as general manager and concurrent spokesperson, Chairman Romando Artes said on Monday, Jan. 5.
In a press briefing, Artes said Torre’s major role will free up his work for other 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 said.
[Translation: The general manager will handle all the operational matters. There will be direct control there, still under the supervision of the MMDA chairman, so I can focus more on the administrative and planning aspects.]
Offhand, Artes said Torre will coordinate with the Department of Public Works and Highways on flood control measures, from initial planning to implementation.
The former Philippine National Police chief will also be in charge of traffic management and enforcement.
Torre said he is aiming to enhance 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,” he said.
[Translation: One of the things we will target is a fast response and quick clearing whenever there is an accident. We will set benchmarks, such as five minutes for response and 10 to 15 minutes for clearing, so there will be no obstruction right away.]
Torre was relieved as PNP chief in August, just two months since his appointment. He was replaced by acting PNP chief PLTGen Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr.
He took his oath as MMDA general manager in December. The agency is under the Office of the President.
NewsWatch Plus correspondent Lance Mejico contributed to this report.
