Torre extends leave for another week, to return Oct. 16 – Artes

MANILA, Philippines — Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) General Manager Nicolas Torre III has extended his leave for another week and is now expected to return to the agency on Oct. 16, MMDA Chair Atty. Don Artes said Tuesday.

Torre was initially expected to return on Oct. 8 but extended his leave to attend to family matters following the death of his mother-in-law, Artes said during a media briefing. 

Despite being on leave since Sept. 8, Torre continue to assist the agency and provide support behind the scenes, Artes added.

Article continues after this advertisement

“I can say that even though he is on leave, GM Torre is still working and helping us from behind the scenes,” Artes said.

FEATURED STORIES

NEWSINFO

NEWSINFO

NEWSINFO

Torre initially went on a monthlong leave after his vehicle was caught using the EDSA Busway, which is reserved for buses, on-duty emergency vehicles, and vehicles of the country’s top five officials. He later admitted that the vehicle belonged to him and apologized for using the exclusive lane.

READ: MMDA chief Torre goes on monthlong leave after Edsa Busway controversy

The controversy also involved the use of a license plate issued to another vehicle, as well as MMDA markings and a blinker on Torre’s armored sport utility vehicle. The Land Transportation Office subsequently investigated the vehicle and revoked the license of its driver.

Artes previously said he did not suspend Torre because he lacked “disciplinary authority” over the MMDA general manager, who was appointed by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. Artes also said he continued to consider Torre an asset to the agency despite the controversy. /das