NATIONAL
Advocates Philippines
Torre To Receive Full Benefits After Retirement, But He Says He Didn't File Papers
Photo credit: MMDA
MANILA — Former Philippine National Police (PNP) chief and current Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) general manager Nicolas Torre III is set to receive full retirement benefits as a four-star general after the National Police Commission (NAPOLCOM) approved his retirement effective December 26, 2025 — the same day he took his oath as MMDA general manager.
Palace Press Officer Claire Castro confirmed that Torre will be entitled to full benefits and emoluments corresponding to his four-star rank following the NAPOLCOM order.
The retirement action also cleared the way for Acting PNP chief Lieutenant General Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. to be promoted to the rank of four-star general, a position Torre vacated when he accepted the MMDA posting.
Under Philippine law, optional retirement is available to officers with at least 20 years of satisfactory active service and must be approved by the commission. The retirement benefits typically include longevity pay and other emoluments granted to officers of equivalent rank.
However, Torre denied signing or filing any application for optional retirement. He said he had not formally discussed the matter with his superiors and claimed he did not submit or sign any retirement papers.
Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla earlier suggested that Torre’s change of status was tied to his acceptance of the MMDA appointment, and some officials consider the move as “ipso facto” resignation from the police service. This view suggests that Torre’s transition to MMDA effectively ended his PNP service, allowing the leadership transition to proceed smoothly.
Torre’s tenure as PNP chief was brief; he was appointed in June 2025 and relieved in August 2025 after disagreements with the NAPOLCOM over internal reshuffles.
At the MMDA, Torre continues to serve as general manager, handling traffic management, flood control, and urban development concerns in Metro Manila.
The retirement decision now provides clarity on his benefits and rank, even as Torre navigates the transition from police leadership to administrative governance — though questions remain about whether he personally initiated the retirement process.
Palace Press Officer Claire Castro confirmed that Torre will be entitled to full benefits and emoluments corresponding to his four-star rank following the NAPOLCOM order.
The retirement action also cleared the way for Acting PNP chief Lieutenant General Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. to be promoted to the rank of four-star general, a position Torre vacated when he accepted the MMDA posting.
Under Philippine law, optional retirement is available to officers with at least 20 years of satisfactory active service and must be approved by the commission. The retirement benefits typically include longevity pay and other emoluments granted to officers of equivalent rank.
However, Torre denied signing or filing any application for optional retirement. He said he had not formally discussed the matter with his superiors and claimed he did not submit or sign any retirement papers.
Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla earlier suggested that Torre’s change of status was tied to his acceptance of the MMDA appointment, and some officials consider the move as “ipso facto” resignation from the police service. This view suggests that Torre’s transition to MMDA effectively ended his PNP service, allowing the leadership transition to proceed smoothly.
Torre’s tenure as PNP chief was brief; he was appointed in June 2025 and relieved in August 2025 after disagreements with the NAPOLCOM over internal reshuffles.
At the MMDA, Torre continues to serve as general manager, handling traffic management, flood control, and urban development concerns in Metro Manila.
The retirement decision now provides clarity on his benefits and rank, even as Torre navigates the transition from police leadership to administrative governance — though questions remain about whether he personally initiated the retirement process.
Jan 22, 2026
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