Ex-PNP chief Torre takes oath as new MMDA general manager
Executive Secretary Ralph Recto administers the oath of office to Police General Nicolas Torre III as the new general manager of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) on Dec. 26, 2025. (OES)
Former Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Nicolas Torre III formally assumed office as the new general manager of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) after taking his oath in Malacañan on Friday morning, Dec. 26.
Torre was sworn in by Executive Secretary Ralph Recto, marking his official entry into the MMDA leadership following his appointment by President Marcos.
Malacañang earlier confirmed Torre’s appointment on Dec. 19, with Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Undersecretary Claire Castro saying the former police chief would replace outgoing MMDA General Manager Procopio Lipana.
The oath-taking capped months of speculation after Torre was relieved as PNP chief in August, with the Palace repeatedly signaling that a new government post would be offered to him.
“Hindi pa po natin maisisiwalat ang detalye patungkol po dito pero confirmed po na may inaalok pong posisyon (We cannot reveal details yet, but it is confirmed that a position is being offered),” Castro said at the time.
Torre was relieved as PNP chief in August, a move that Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Jonvic Remulla described as “a difficult but necessary decision” made in the national interest.
Torre oversaw several high-profile operations, including the arrests of Kingdom of Jesus Christ leader Apollo Quiboloy and former president Rodrigo Duterte.
He holds the distinction of being the first Philippine National Police Academy graduate to be appointed as PNP chief.
He entered the police service after graduating from the PNPA in 1993, ranking fourth out of 90 cadets.
Over his career, Torre served as chief of police of Mabalacat, Pampanga, and Batangas City, provincial director of Samar, and chief information officer of Police Regional Office 4A (Calabarzon), among other posts.
Torre also holds three master’s degrees—Public Administration from the Philippine Christian University, Business Administration from the International Academy of Management and Economics, and Educational Management from Samar College.
As MMDA general manager, Torre is expected to oversee traffic management, flood control, and urban services across Metro Manila, one of the most complex governance environments in the country.