Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) chairperson Romando Artes confirmed that the vehicle that went viral on social media for using the EDSA Busway was owned by their General Manager, Nicolas Torre III.
In an interview, Artes said that Torre admitted that he owned the vehicle; however, the former PNP chief didn’t confirm whether he was riding it when it crossed the busway.
“I think meron naman pong admission si GM Torre na kanya po yung sasakyan na na-videohan na dumaan po sa busway. So, I cannot confirm kung sakay siya,” said Artes.
Artes also made a clarification that Torre would remain as the General Manager of MMDA despite the incident.
“I think ito naman pong insidente na ito ay hindi makakaapekto sa patuloy na pagtatrabaho ng GM Torre. So wala naman pong suspension order na lumalabas against him at wala pa naman pong resolution ang investigation. So tuloy-tuloy lang ang kanyang pagtatrabaho,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Land Transportation Office (LTO) issued a show-cause order against MMDA to explain why the plate attached to Torre’s vehicle was registered under another car owned by the agency.
“Naka-receive po kami ng show cause order dahil yung plaka ko na nakakabit sa kotse na na-videohan po na yan ay appeared to be a license plate sa isang sasakyan ng MMDA,” he said.
As of writing, Torre who was known for his public statements, remained mum on the issue he was currently facing.