MMDA GM Torre pays P14K after private SUV caught on EDSA Busway

Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) General Manager Nicolas Torre III has paid a P14,000 fine for traffic violations involving his personal vehicle, which was caught using the EDSA Busway while disguised as an official agency vehicle.

In a “24 Oras” report by Raffy Tima on Friday, the Land Transportation Office (LTO) confirmed that the impounded car surrendered by Torre is his private SUV.

On his Facebook page, Torre personally uploaded a video of the SUV traversing the EDSA busway and claimed it was an official MMDA patrol vehicle. He explained that they used the lane to inspect heavy traffic conditions.

LTO Chief Assistant Secretary Markus Lacanilao said Torre admitted to being inside the vehicle at the time, but he had a driver operating it.

Upon impounding Torre’s vehicle, the LTO uncovered additional violations, including license plate tampering, unauthorized stickers and markings, and performing illegal modifications such as adding blinkers.

“Ang violation niya ‘yung tampering of plates. Number two, ‘yung imitation ng, naglalagay ng mga sticker, markings na bawal ‘yon. And ‘yung accessories, illegal modification na naglalagay ng accessories, which is ‘yung blinker,” Lacanilao said.

(His violations include plate tampering. Second, imitation through stickers and markings, which is prohibited. Third, illegal modifications—specifically, attaching unauthorized accessories like blinkers.)

The red government plate used on the SUV while driving along the EDSA busway belonged to an MMDA truck listed in the agency’s inventory. The vehicle's original license plates were reportedly reattached only before it was surrendered to the LTO.

A hearing was scheduled for Friday afternoon, September 4, after the LTO issued a subpoena to the SUV's driver. However, early that morning, Torre paid the full penalty for all flagged violations.

The LTO noted that while the monetary fine for the violations may seem small, the driver could face severe license administrative penalties.

“It’s either ma-suspend po ‘yan nang panghabang panahon or ma-revoke. Depende po sa bigat ng magiging kaso doon sa resolution ng case,” Lacanilao said.

(The driver's license could either be suspended long-term or revoked entirely, depending on the severity of the offense once the case is resolved.)

Lacanilao added that the vehicle cannot be released yet, as the unauthorized MMDA decals and siren (wang-wang) must first be removed.

The LTO reminded government officials to adhere strictly to the law.

“Ginagamit po natin ‘yung batas para ipatupad ito sa mga civilian, so hindi po tayo above the law na tayo ay exempted doon, tayo po ay saklaw din no’n,” Lacanilao said.

(We enforce the law on civilians, so we are not above the law nor exempted from it—we are equally covered by it.)

GMA News has reached out to Torre for his statement but has yet to receive a response.—Lyjah Tiffany Bonzo/LDF, GMA News