Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) General Manager Nicolas Torre III admitted that he personally bought the vehicle that was caught using the EDSA Busway to protect himself from potential threats.
In an interview, Torre said that the vehicle was armored and was bought by him on Facebook Marketplace using the money he earned from his PNP retirement.
“Noong ma-assign ako sa MMDA, dala-dala ko ‘yan, although lately ko lang nabayaran na lumabas ang aking, ah, ‘yung car ko, ‘yung community accrued leave na payment ng PNP sa akin sa retirement ko,” said Torre.
“Doon ko lang siya fully na-paid. At ah in the process ng transfer ngayon sa pangalan ko. Armored vehicle kasi ‘yan. Okay. Dinala ko siya armored vehicle dahil siyempre ah ‘di ko naman maitago kung ano ang pinagdaanan ko at kung ano ang threats na you know security requirements,” he added.
Torre admitted that he was the one who decided to put MMDA markers on the vehicle because the government would have a hard time providing him with an armored car.
“So pagdating ko sa MMDA I’m rather than wait for the government to provide me with an armored vehicle dahil wala namang armored vehicle ang MMDA. Kailangan ko ng isang sasakyan na magamit ko sa mga inspection operational. Lahat ng lakad niyan is operational kasi may isa naman akong sasakyan na unmarked eh,” he stated.
Torre insisted that he was not using the said vehicle for personal use, as he has a separate vehicle for that.
He also apologized to the netizens for his actions.
“Well again apologize lang sa mga tao na ah to those who are disappointed in me I’m really really sorry for that ah hopefully ah maraming leksyon tayo na tutunan dito,” he said.