President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has appointed former Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief Nicolas Torre III as the new General Manager of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA). This key appointment was confirmed by Palace Press Officer Claire Castro to reporters in Malacañang on Friday, December 19, 2025.
A New Leader for Metro Manila's Development
Nicolas Torre III takes over the role from Procopio Lipana, assuming leadership of the agency tasked with planning, managing, and implementing programs and projects that address the complex issues of Metro Manila. The MMDA works in coordination with local government units to tackle urban challenges ranging from traffic management to flood control and public safety.
Torre's Police Career and Background
Prior to this appointment, Torre served as the Chief of the Philippine National Police. His tenure as PNP chief ended in August after he did not comply with an order from the National Police Commission (Napolcom) concerning the reassignment of senior officials.
Known as a "career police officer," Torre brings to the MMDA a wealth of operational and leadership experience. His career is marked by:
- Extensive experience in law enforcement and public safety reforms.
- A strong background in handling significant positions within both regional and district police commands.
- A reputation built on hands-on knowledge of security and order, which is expected to be valuable in managing Metro Manila's metropolitan affairs.
Implications for Metro Manila Governance
The appointment of a former national police chief to head the MMDA signals a potential shift towards a stronger emphasis on discipline, order, and efficient implementation in the capital region's projects. Torre's mandate will likely focus on executing the MMDA's core functions with the decisiveness characteristic of his police background. Stakeholders will be watching how his leadership style translates into tangible improvements for the millions of residents and commuters in Metro Manila.
The move places a figure with a deep understanding of large-scale organization and crisis management at the helm of one of the country's most crucial development authorities, setting the stage for the next phase of urban management under the Marcos administration.
