Aquino appoints new MMDA chief

President Benigno Aquino III has appointed lawyer Emerson Carlos as the new chief of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA), radio DZBB reported on Friday.

Carlos, the agency’s current officer-in-charge, would replace senatorial hopeful Francis Tolentino, who resigned earlier this month ahead of an expected Senate run and amid the “Playgirls” controversy.

READ: Francis Tolentino steps down as MMDA chief | Tolentino quits MMDA over Playgirls scandal, but won’t quit Senate race

Tolentino signed his resignation letter and formally announced his intention to seek higher office on Oct. 7 before MMDA employees at the agency’s headquarters in Makati.

Carlos also served as assistant general manager for operations of MMDA from 2011 until he was assigned acting chairman following Tolentino’s resignation.