Metropolitan Manila Development Authority General Manager Nicolas Torre III has filed for a one-month leave amid controversy over the use of his vehicle on the EDSA Busway.
Torre’s leave begins Tuesday, Sept. 8, as questions continue over alleged violations involving the vehicle he was riding in when it passed through the EDSA Busway.
MMDA Chairman Don Artes said in an interview that Torre has also indicated he wants to retire from public service.
According to Artes, Torre initially expressed over the weekend his intention to file a two-week leave. On Monday, however, Torre said he wanted to retire, Artes said.
Artes advised Torre to carefully consider the decision, saying his entire public service should not be defined by one incident. Torre has acknowledged that he made a mistake and apologized over the incident.
The controversy began after the SUV carrying Torre was caught using the EDSA Busway.
The Land Transportation Office earlier revoked the driver’s license of Torre’s driver following the incident.
The LTO said the vehicle was privately registered but carried MMDA markings and equipment. The agency also said the plate attached to the SUV did not match its records.
Torre has acknowledged that he was inside the vehicle when the incident occurred and apologized in connection with the matter.
His one-month leave comes as the issue surrounding the vehicle and its use of the EDSA Busway remains under scrutiny.
Artes’ statements also brought attention to Torre’s reported intention to retire from government service. However, Torre’s current action is a one-month leave that began Tuesday.
The MMDA general manager’s leave and reported retirement plans follow the controversy involving the SUV, its registration and markings, and its passage through the EDSA Busway.
