DILG Sec. Jonvic Remulla – Photo courtesy of Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG)/Facebook.
Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) General Manager Nicolas Torre III has stepped down from his post as Philippine National Police (PNP) chief, but he has not formally retired, Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla said Thursday.
Remulla clarified that Torre’s decision was voluntary, emphasizing that the government cannot compel an officer to retire.
“He is not retiring, so there’s nothing we can do. We cannot force a person to retire. It is his option,” he said.
The DILG chief noted that Torre’s resignation was considered “ipso facto,” and that he has yet to sign any formal retirement documents.
According to Remulla, Malacañang had already commented on Torre’s status, but the Palace is the authority to provide the full picture.
Torre was reportedly granted full benefits despite his resignation.
A general order from the PNP Directorate for Personnel and Records Management dated Jan. 19 stated that Torre was “optionally retired” effective Dec. 26, 2025, with longevity pay and retirement benefits equivalent to his rank.
Remulla rejected Torre’s earlier claim that it was permissible for an active police officer to hold another government position while serving in the MMDA.
“He is wrong. That is not allowed, plain and simple. You cannot hold two government positions at the same time,” he said.
Remulla added that if Torre received salaries from both the PNP and the MMDA simultaneously, he may be required to return the payment from his former position.