FORMER PNP CHIEF TORRE NAMED MMDA GENERAL MANAGER
Former Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Arturo “Art” Cacdac Torre has been named the new general manager of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA), according to initial government announcements. The MMDA is the agency in charge of traffic management, flood control, and certain urban services in Metro Manila. Torre’s appointment places a former top law enforcement official at the helm of an institution that deals with day‑to‑day urban concerns rather than national security. Early reports indicate that his designation is part of the administration’s continuing adjustments in key government posts. Official appointment papers and related documentation are typically released through the Office of the President and concerned agencies.
The MMDA plays a central role in managing Metro Manila’s heavily congested roads and coordinating disaster preparedness in the region, based on the agency’s mandate. Because of this, any leadership change at the MMDA draws public interest, especially from commuters, motorists, and local governments. Torre’s background in police service may influence his approach to enforcement, coordination, and discipline-related aspects of MMDA operations, according to observers cited in local coverage. However, formal policy directions under his leadership have not yet been fully detailed in public briefings. Agencies customarily outline new priorities only after the incoming official is formally introduced and oriented.
Available information shows that Torre previously served as PNP chief, a position that involves overseeing national police operations and organizational management. Experience in large institutions is often seen as useful in handling an agency like the MMDA, which works with multiple local government units. Based on preliminary reports, his appointment follows the departure or reassignment of the previous MMDA general manager, a routine occurrence in government reshuffles. The specifics of the transition, including turnover procedures and briefings, are usually handled internally by the agency. Public statements so far have focused mainly on confirming Torre’s new role.
Authorities are currently in the process of clarifying the scope of Torre’s responsibilities alongside the MMDA chairperson, since leadership roles at the agency can be divided between policy and operations. According to initial data from government sources, the general manager typically oversees day‑to‑day implementation of programs, while the chairperson leads broader policy direction and coordination. How Torre
