Metropolitan Manila Development Authority General Manager and former Philippine National Police chief Nicolas Torre III denied reports that he plans to enter politics and run for mayor of Davao City.
Torre said he has no intention of running for any local or national elective position.
He explained that the speculation started with a comment from a social media user but quickly spread and was presented as if it were an actual news report.
Torre said he is currently focused on his responsibilities at the MMDA and serving the public.
The issue gained attention in Davao City after Torre spoke about the recurring flooding in the city, particularly after his own residence was affected.
Some groups and social media users subsequently urged Torre to challenge the Duterte family in the elections.
Torre, however, formally rejected the speculation and denied plans to seek a political position.
The denial came after Vice President Sara Duterte said she was open to the possibility of Torre running for mayor of Davao City.
Duterte said democracy allows any qualified citizen to seek public office. She noted that individuals have the right to file a certificate of candidacy and participate in elections.
Before becoming MMDA general manager, Torre served as regional director of Police Regional Office XI and later became chief of the Philippine National Police.
Torre was also involved in several major government operations, including the arrest of Kingdom of Jesus Christ founder Pastor Apollo Quiboloy and the transfer of former President Rodrigo Duterte to The Hague, Netherlands.
Despite the vice president’s statement that she is open to his possible candidacy, Torre maintained that he has no plans to run for mayor or any other local or national position.
For now, Torre said he remains focused on his duties at the MMDA.
